Don't Write Like a Bully

 Don't

Write

Like

a

Bully

By

Andrew Johnston

Books serve one huge and important purpose above all else. To evoke emotion. Most authors can do this with ease, as if making the reader feel something were a superpower. But every once in a while an author comes around who not only evokes emotion, but also bullies the reader. Their scenes and characters are a complete reflection of themselves. You see it in their social media posts. Some are so obvious about it that their books are barely readable.

I read a book once where one character shamed another for not believing a certain way. I saw something similarly done by the author online. It was basically a carbon copy of the scene. This makes the practice of separating the art from the artist tricky.

Now! I won't disagree the contents of a book are pulled from experiences of the author. However when you're reading a book (especially a fiction book) that is so obvious... It just makes a book feel like a venting session for the author.

Doubling Down!

An author can really show they are bully by saying they'll include something in a story to anger others. This realistically is a display of immaturity. Even more so if you the author say you don't care what others think. I would think if the opinions of others don't matter, then writing a scene or character to spite someone is hypocritical. This leads to themes and characters that feel out of place. A character no matter how important should serve a purpose to the story.

This leads to the argument of staying in your lane. I would never include a character just to tick someone off. Especially, one that comes from a different background than my own. Doing this! And not doing it well can lead to an unnatural feel. It can also look like your kissing up to someone. No one likes a kiss up.

In conclusion, write the story that speaks to you and appeals to who you think might read it. Avoid forcing people to feel or think the way you do. Your characters, themes, story, and setting should flow smoothly.