Post #2172644

2026-05-06 08:50 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 6: Talk about something you've written which you expected would (or expect will) divide readers. Biggest thing for me is that I often have at least one highly abrasive character who is meant to be sympathetic, even if it takes time for that to happen. This *does* divide readers. Some like them immediately, some take time, some never like them. Some examples folk might remember are Smythe and Usther from Tombtown, Hanna from NPC, and Boro and Vala from Space Dragons.

Replies (2)

@vicorva@mastodon.art 2026-05-06 08:54

This is a calculated choice to write characters who are unlikeable but not the enemy. In cosy fantasy, this is not a popular move. In a great deal of cosy fantasy, the 'good guys' are all the nicest people you've ever met, even if they're gruff, or do scary things out-of-sight and to bad guys only. I want some love for the people who maybe kinda suck. Who are annoying, or pathetic, or obsequious, or self-absorbed. It's more fun to befriend or redeem those characters. I hope readers agree!

Open ##2172645
@WizardOfDocs@wandering.shop 2026-05-06 15:33

@vicorva I find I have more patience for such characters if they're introduced after I'm already invested in characters I actually want to spend time with. Like Corbin in The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.

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