fiction fail

Confession time: I have issues with fiction.

Which is odd, because I write fiction. Or maybe that explains everything.

The thing is, I crave authenticity. But authenticity is hard to find in fiction, especially when it comes to characters and endings.

Much too often, the characters are simple stereotypes or completely lack depth. They’re missing the motivation for their actions or any true personality. I’m a big fan of personality. I want characters to be quirky and full of life, like real people are. I want them to talk like real people. Instead what I hear coming out of their mouths are the words the author shoves in there. (more…)

emovamps

We’ve all had those friends before — the ones who need us more than we need them. The ones who are always having some sort of crisis. They’re especially abundant on Facebook, where they’re bound to get all kinds of attention.

I call them emovamps—emotional vampires.

Emovamps are not necessarily bad people. They can even start out as good friends. But they’ll suck the life out of you if you let them. (more…)