In this episode, Hayden Rodgers outlines the type of main character he'd like to create for his novel and tests them out with a short story.
EPISODE NOTES: Head over to haydenrodgers.net/killmydarlingsblog/episode2 for all your darling killing needs!
Here's what I covered: I really want to create a super progressive and inclusive fantasy world and steer right away from the white and male heavy fantasy narratives that we're used to. Race is a huge topic of conversation right now and it has really got me thinking about how white traditional fantasy is. But also, how easily it doesn't have to be. I want my main character to be of colour. In fact, I want a lot of the characters to be of colour. So that's my first big question to you: how do you feel about me making my main character a person of colour? And what about multiple main characters?
My next big question is about gender and sexuality. I want to make sure I write a character I have the best perspective on - especially if I'm a white person writing a person of colour. So if I make the main character a man, I want to also make him of colour and gay. Representation is nice. I feel like I've waited my whole life for a gay, male fantasy hero. If you know of any out there, let me know!
My last question is about the "chosen one" trope. Personally, I often dislike hardcore Chosen One narratives. I don't think I want any sort of prophecy or mystical wellspring of incredible power when it comes to my guy. Maybe you disagree and love chosen ones? Or maybe you think there's more to be gained from exploring the chosen one trope?
After that, I read a short story entitled The Walking Chair in which I play with a character like the one we've just described.
For the interactive part, visit http://haydenrodgers.net/killmydarlings. Find the blog for the episode you just listened to. Read the summary if you forgot what you just listened to. Help me clarify my ideas with your feedback in the comments section. I’ll try and respond to everything - it’ll be great for procrastinating the actual writing. Join a cute community of like-minded fantasy adventure-loving nerds by following all the accounts and things.
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Head to the blog to kill any darlings you'd like to from this episode and sign up for email alerts. Say hi and join the community on Instagram and Facebook under @killmydarlingspodcast, on YouTube at the Kill My Darlings channel, and on Twitter under @KMDpodcast . You can email me on killmydarlingspodcast@gmail.com. Subscribe to Kill My Darlings on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, or the podcatcher of your choice. Become a Patron of That’s Not Canon Productions at Patreon!
