Book Blogger Hop

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this week’s question

Do you judge an author’s works based on their political stances? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

I already know my opinion isn’t going to be popular. But I’m going to be real nonetheless.

Do I judge an author’s works based on their politics? The work itself? No, not usually. But if the content of the book is something I find reprehensible, and framed in a way that makes it clear the author supports that view, then that changes things. For example, there’s a famous author whose views on gender I do not agree with, but I love her books. Her views don’t seem to be reflected in the content of those books. But there’s another author whose views are the same as the previous author, and those views are definitely in her books and in support of them. I don’t judge the first author’s work, but I sure do the second.

The thing is… I generally don’t know the politics of a specific author. But for me, it’s less about judging their work based on politics and more about using my own consumer power. And that goes beyond politics. If an author is a bully, I won’t put my money toward their books, even if I’ve enjoyed them previously. If an author is out there being racist or phobic, I’m not putting my money in their pocket. Which means that although I may love their books, that reading relationship is done for me. And I’m okay with that.

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Book Beginnings

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This week’s Book Beginnings comes from The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. This is a retelling of the Korean myth The Tale of Shim Cheong. Its narrative is sweeping and beautiful, and deeply engrossing. And the cover… it’s just gorgeous!

StoryGraph

The myths of my people say only a true bride of the Sea God can bring an end to his insatiable wrath.

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Let’s Talk Bookish

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topic: Underrepresented Types of Female Characters

Do you notice certain female character archetypes that you think are used too often?

To be honest, I don’t really pay that much attention to character archetypes, or their frequency. I think a lot of that has to do with the genres I gravitate toward (a lot of fantasy and thrillers), so there are certain archetypes that are just fairly standard for those kinds of reads. Another reason I don’t pay a ton of attention to it is that I think that most archetypes can be enjoyable if done right and if it fits the story. One thing I do sometimes hate is when that archetype becomes the sole, defining character trait of the FMC. It’s great to be strong and fierce, but people are more than that. They can have the soft, vulnerable moments, too.

What types of female characters do you want to see more of in fiction?

This is going to need a list.

• Body positive FMCs. There are more than there used to be, but there could still be more across genres. And in situations where their weight/body type isn’t the central focus or conflict. And when their weight/body type isn’t the sole measure of self-defining by the FMC.
• BIPOC FMCs. Again, getting better, but there’s still plenty of room for more across the genres,
• Older FMCs. The market is saturated with characters in their early 30s and younger. All the genre markets. There is more than enough room for older FMCs to be represented. I hate the impression that women over 35 stop living. ENOUGH WITH THAT!!
• Rounded FMCs. I hate FMCs that are pigeon-holed into an archetype, and that becomes all that they are. It becomes less and archetype and more of a stereotype at that point. Women are more complex than that. I love more nuanced, complex FMCs who don’t fit solely in any one box.

Who are some female characters that inspire you?

It’s less about inspiration and more about appreciation, I think. Here are just a few!

• Elspeth in Winds of Fate by Mercedes Lackey. She was determined to follow her own path in life, rather than be herded along at the whim of others.
• Katniss in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. She is another FMC that was fierce about her autonomy.
• Mina in The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. I’m reading this now, and I love her huge heart, her nobility.