This is a good, solid "How To" in that it describes a wide swath of Bullies, Bastards & Bitches, including the key features of, and differences between, various types. This includes the protagonist (e.g., the anti-hero), villains and the worse-than-villains, such as sociopaths, serial killers, psychopaths, fantasy monsters, and more. As the title suggests, it points out some gender differences. It discusses them as they appear in various types of writing: literary, genre fiction, young adult, etc. It provides numerous examples from literature and film. It provides clear definitions, as well as tips for further research. It avoids formula yet also gives pointers on, for example, when or how your BB or B should appear in your story. It is clear and well-written, and keeps your interest, even when discussing topics not germane to the particular type of fiction you want to write.
For me personally, it reminded me of the need to develop the backstory of my antagonist every bit as carefully as for my protagonist. It made me think a bit more about how to handle my "bad guys," as well as my anti-heroes. The one complaint I have about the book is that it gives lots of practical advice -- but which is most directly aimed at writing from a third person point of (POV). I tend to write from the first person POV, which makes discussions of the antagonists' and, say, their flashbacks, inner lives, etc. all but moot for anything other than backstory. I would have appreciated have appreciated something that at least mentioned the 1st person POV and how it impacts some of the points the author raised. Still, this is a very good book. If you write crime fiction and/or mysteries, I think this book would be especially valuable. But if you need to breathe some life into your anti-hero or antagonist(s), this book will be helpful, regardless of your genre or writing style.
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