the craft. the challenge of unlikable characters.

As I’ve been mulling over what I’m ready to work on next, I stumbled upon what feels like a next challenge for me. Writing an unlikeable female protagonist. I was struck by an interview I saw circulating with our literary godmother Toni Morrison, where the interviewer asks her about her female characters. He references them as rebels and trouble makers and Morrison, who is always profound, essentially says that these women make for great stories and while she wants to be friends with nice women, they’re simply not as interesting.

the craftAshley M. ColemanMay 18, 2024writing, unlikable protagonists, Black writersComment

the craft. the identity of a writer | beliefs & influences.

You are a writer. Is it hard for you to own that? It’s true—whether you are published or not, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional. Every writer starts somewhere, and every writer has a special journey ahead of them. Your writing journey doesn’t have to follow a specific course for you to believe that your adventure is valid. Have you allowed yourself to imagine all the places that writing could take you? Writing is a journey of self-discovery, after all.

the craftGuest WriterJuly 6, 2023writing, tools for creative courage and resilience, GG Renee, Black writersComment

the craft. to have written.

I was asked recently what keeps me showing up to the page. Essentially, a question on my discipline with writing, because, honey, there are so many things I’m writing all the time. But the truth of it is, writing is actually one of my favorite things to do. Well, I should say that carefully because sometimes it’s hard as hell. But I think the above sentiment brings it together pretty well. I love to have written.

the craftAshley M. ColemanMarch 26, 2023writing, dorothy parker, black author, Black writersComment

the craft. raising the stakes.

When I’m on the edge of my seat because Tina Snow is giving Lil Murda all the flavor in front of Uncle Clifford, it’s because I know the stakes. Lil Murda can’t be exposed in his world as a man that likes other men. But he also doesn’t want to blow up what he’s built with Uncle Clifford. This builds tension. Tension and stakes are necessary in any story if you want it to be interesting. Sorry kids if you’re not a fan of P-Valley.

the craftAshley M. ColemanAugust 7, 2022writing, writing craft, Black writers, writers of colorComment