Every SFF author at some point has to entertain the possibility of killing a character, even if the 'death' is not an actual death but a ritual death which removes a character from the narrative. It can be hard, especially if it's a character you're really fond of. It's also a delicate balancing act between making your reader feel something (sorrow, rage, elation - for a hated villain) and yet making the death fit the narrative in a way that the reader does not feel cheated. This week Jules and Madeleine look at how to kill off a character the right way - and what to avoid doing at all costs! On the slab this week Allegiant by Veronica Roth, The Book Thief by Mark Zusak, A Court of Wings and Ruin by S J Mass and many more.
(Please bear in mind that this episode will contain spoilers for the books and films discussed.)
Title Music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic
Episode 334: Devotion, Betrayal & Misadventure - Queer Romance in Speculative Fiction
Episode 333: Manners Morals & Monsters - the Growing Trend of Regency Fantasy
Episode 332: Girls With Glass Slippers - Tracing the Origins of Cinderella
Episode 331: Every Act of Creation is an Act of Parody - Filk Music & Fandom in Speculative Fiction
Episode 330: Soaring Brooms & Leaping Sharks - Sport in Speculative Fiction
Episode 329: The Heart of the Carnival - Circuses Amusement Parks & Fair Grounds in Fiction
Episode 328: Getting Your House in Order - 15 things writers shouldn’t do and 5 things they should
Episode 327: White as Snow, Red as Blood - Tracing the origins of Snow White
Episode 326: The Buttery Goodness - What Makes a Story Grab it’s Audience (Part Two)
Episode 325: The Buttery Goodness - What Makes a Story Grab its Audience (Part One)
Episode 324: Dodging the Pulpit - Preachiness in Speculative Fiction and How to Avoid It
Episode 323: Judge Me Not By My Works - The Problem of Labelling Authors
Episode 322: Girls Who Stray From the Path - Tracing the Journey of Little Red Riding Hood
Episode 321: Lesbians against Drink Driving - The Problem of the Activist Character in Speculative Fiction
Episode 320: Within these Hallowed Halls - Dark Academia in Speculative Fiction
Episode 319: Love Never Dies - Romance and Obsession in Speculative Fiction
Episode 318: Mjolnir, Carnwenhau & Sting - Signature Weapons and Combat Mistakes in Speculative Fiction
Episode 317: I Want Candy! - Giving Your Characters a Balanced Diet in Speculative Fiction
Episode 316: Vampire Detectives and Snarky Female Cops - Urban Fantasy Tropes that need a Change
Episode 315: Vampire Detectives & Snarky Female Cops - Urban Fantasy Tropes that need a Change
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