I myself have been idiotically told that I write “awful” books because
the people in them are unpleasant. Intelligent readers do not confuse
the quality of a book with the moral rectitude of the characters. For
those who want goodigoodiness, there are some Victorian good-girl
religious novels that would suit them fine.
Also, what is “likeable”? We love to watch bad people do awful things in
fictions, though we would not like it if they did those things to us in
real life. The energy that drives any fictional plot comes from the
darker forces, whether they be external (opponents of the heroine or
hero) or internal (components of their selves).
Do women writers get asked this more than male ones? Bet your buttons
they do. The snaps and snails and puppy-dog’s tails are great for boys.
The sugar and spice is still expected for girls. Up to a point.
- Margaret Awood
descensus Averno facilis est