villain – Jennifer Lane Books

Join us for the Insecure Writers Support Group at Alex Cavanaugh’s blog.

How’s writing going for you? I’ve limited my writing to psychotherapy case notes lately, though I have joined an inspiring group of authors gearing up for the next IWSG anthology’s release on April 30.

Check out the IWSG Anthologies website to learn more about the first three short stories in Masquerade: Oddly Suited, including excerpts. My baseball catcher and softball pitcher get to know each other in the second post, featuring my story, Behind the Catcher’s Mask.

IWSG Day Question: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

My first-person stories have been exclusively from the heroes’ perspectives, probably because I am an upbeat person who roots for the good guy. However, I have delved into the villain’s point of view in my third-person stories. One of my favorite parts of writing is exploring character motivation, and what’s more interesting than getting inside the head of a villain? The trick is not to make them over-the-top evil. We all have reasons for what we do, and the villain’s motivations are as good as any.

Thank you to today’s Co-Hosts:

Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!

Happy October, writers! Time to support each other on this writing journey…join us here.

Thank you to this month’s co-hosts:

Dolorah @ Book Lover, Christopher D. Votey, Tanya Miranda, and Chemist Ken!

IWSG Day Question: How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

This is a timely question for me as I’ve been pondering why I haven’t felt as motivated to write lately. (Though I do plan to finish a short story soon.)

I’ve realized that I don’t feel the burning need to write right now because things in my career are pretty good. I went through some difficult times at work in 2007, and I unknowingly turned to writing to cope with feelings of insecurity and betrayal. The words poured out of me then. I made my ex-boss the villain of my first book, a murder mystery. (He he.)

Thank you, writing! You have helped me heal. I also feel grateful for second chances. After a six-year hiatus working elsewhere, I returned to my same position, and version 2.0 is much better. I’m less naive and more confident, and my career as a psychologist feels like a true calling.

Maybe I’ll immerse myself in a sea of words again, but for now I’m happy to bask in the sunshine onshore, knowing writing is always there to dive into when I need it.