Adding Mental Health Representation to Fantasy Writing
Mental health representation in fantasy writing doesn’t have to mean curses to defeat or characters who are fixed by the final chapter. It can be quieter than that. You can add nuance to the way you highlight your characters’ mental struggles with these tips.
The Problem With “Trauma Porn” in YA Fantasy
Trauma isn’t something to use as shock factor or to force character development just because you couldn’t find any other way to. Suffering builds character, sure, but using it as a way to be edgy can ruin your story for readers. Here’s some pointers on how to present trauma in your YA fantasy story.
When Your YA Hero Has Anxiety But The Plot Still Has Dragons
Young adult fantasy is known for high stakes. There are magical systems, political tensions, ancient threats, and impossible choices. Everything is bigger and louder than real life. And yet, the characters readers remember most often feel very human. They worry. They hesitate. They second-guess themselves. They imagine what could go wrong before it does. In […]
Redemption Arcs: Turning Flawed Characters Into Favorites
Ever picked up a book and met a character so infuriating you wanted to chuck it at the wall? Maybe they’re selfish, mean, or just closed-off and bitter. But then, somehow, by the end, you’re cheering for them, hoping they’ll pull through and become a better person. That’s the allure of a redemption arc. Think […]
Happily ever after… Now write the rest
Writing the ending of your novel sounds like a simple task, doesn’t it? One glorious finish to countless hours of planning, fighting with characters, planning again, untangling a plot, a stiff neck, and sore fingers. But it’s often one of the most difficult pieces of any story. What if you have the perfect idea, but […]