May 28, 2024

Writing The Unlikeable Female Narrator

Alexene Farol Follmuth on writing Twelfth Knight, our Summer YA Reese’s Book Club Pick

Writing The Unlikeable Female Narrator

Alexene Farol Follmuth on writing Twelfth Knight, our Summer YA Reese's Book Club Pick

Dear Reader,

It was never my intention to write a second young adult rom-com after my first, My Mechanical Romance, because as someone primarily focused on the adult speculative space under my pseudonym, Olivie Blake (and as someone who was probably/definitely getting an A in therapy), I’d already healed my inner child. What further need could I possibly have to probe any further into the realm of coming-of-age?

Well, except that the teenage protagonist of my first YA novel was very likable, almost diabolically so, whereas I, at her age… wasn’t. (I’ve been called Tracy Flick more than once in my life, so do with that what you will.) My Mechanical Romance’s Bel lacked not only my morbid cynicism and general disillusionment, but also—perhaps connectedly—my ambitions, my passions, and my rage.

As a teenager, I was what they call an “unlikable female character”—the kind of narrator that would prompt half of Goodreads to say, but why is she so mad? And yes, the answer was partly societal—after all, how many of us can instantly summon that low-boiling fury over being told to smile more, gritting niceties over and over through constant microaggressions that are highly gendered, and very often, identity-specific, too?—but it was also very personal. The difficulty I had constantly trying to prove my competency, the fatigue over always having to defend my hobbies and interests, all of that ultimately made me sharper-edged, unwilling to trust in the sincerity of others. For a significant portion of my life, I was unable to believe that my real self could ever be accepted, much less loved.

Then, as an adult watching the sociopolitical climate worsen—as I watched Christine Blasey Ford publicly relive the violence of her past with unshakable calm; as the #MeToo movement gave way to the comeback tour of “canceled” but unsilenceable men; as massive franchises attempted to diversify who belonged in their stories only to sacrifice their actors of color to the lawlessness of mob rule; as communities of fandom and gaming increasingly drove away marginalized creators—I started asking myself questions like who, then, is allowed to be angry? Who is allowed to become undignified when they find themselves attacked? I was fortunate to come of age when the internet was still unformed; the story was similar, but we coded our lives ourselves, in HTML. So what must it be like now, to have all that access—to be faced on an infinite scroll with all that seemingly unresolvable hatred—and still be subjected to the same old rules; still told, unequivocally, to smile?

It isn’t fair that some men can scream and still become Supreme Court Justice. Or that saying your life matters—not matters more, just matters—is something with which people feel they can argue. Or that a targeted stream of vitriol can drive you away from something you love. How can anyone come of age under those conditions? How can they accept who they are, much less open themselves to the trials and triumphs of love?

Of course, I say all this and then add, by the way, that this book is a rom-com. In Twelfth Knight, two nemeses with nothing in common fall head-over-heels in love, because of course they do. There are antics (obviously)—there is misunderstanding (classic)—there is buoyancy, silliness, and wit (I promise)—there is Comic-Con, fantasy media, and an unabashed framework of gaming tropes (for fun!). But beneath the banter and the Shakespeare and the comedy of errors that ensues, I hope you will also find that there is reassurance, maybe even a promise, whether you’re coming of age or not: that your anger is righteous and just. That the endurance with which you face the world is admirable. That your vulnerability, your longing to be wanted just as you are, is worthy. The landing for this love story is a soft one, and I did that not to lie to you, but because even with all the impossibility and the anger, it still felt the most honest.

Because sometimes, in spite of everything, we find a way together to make the happy endings true.

xx Alexene

The perfect long weekend vibes? Spectacular Things by @beckdoreystein in a new city ✨ Which book are you diving into this weekend?
#ad Writer @Rainbowrowell knows that car rides = real talk. 🚗 💬

Whether it’s fiction or family, there’s something about being on the road that brings people closer. As a mom of a teenager, Rainbow's planning a college road trip, and doing all the research on @carsdotcom to find the perfect ride. Reviews, guides, tips... she's got it all mapped out 🛣️

Tag your favorite passenger ❤️ ❤️
Golden hour dreams and rock ‘n’ roll hearts. Now this story seriously sparkles! 🪩 It might just be time for a Daisy Jones & The Six reread!

📷: @readuntilthelastpage
Because we don’t owe anyone likability. We owe ourselves authenticity. ✨

This week on Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, our August author @AshleyJordanWrites sits down with @DanielleRobay to chat creating fanfic based on Beyonce's Lemonade, almost giving up on this book, and the power of creating community around writing.

Start listening at the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen!
Soaking up the last few days of summer with this truly special book, Spectacular Things! ☀️

"If you enjoy layered family dramas with both heart and grit, this one is worth picking up."

📷+💬: @storiesbytheshoreline
Your favorite authors + online community IRL = Shine Away ☀️📖💞

Our annual #ShineAway event is coming up this October! From powerhouse speakers to an RBC-stocked bookshop, there's something for everyone during this inspiring weekend — and we can't wait to share  with all of you what this year has in store 👀

Early bird pricing ends TODAY! Grab your tickets now at the link in bio 🔗🎟️

Get ready for open conversations, lasting connections, and a whole bunch of bookish joy ✨
Enjoy this peaceful moment in the serene Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the setting of Once Upon A Time In Dollywood, taking in the day with author @AshleyJordanWrites herself! ✨

Throughout the book, Eve embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery, ultimately embracing these mantras as truths about herself. 💙
Kicking off the week on a high note by finishing Once Upon A Time In Dollywood and getting ready to hear from @AshleyJordanWrites on the latest episode of Bookmarked, the Reese’s Book Club podcast. 🎧📖

New episode drops tomorrow — and trust us, you won’t want to miss this one. Expect all the feels: romance, stepping out of your comfort zone, and the journey of writing a debut novel. We're calendaring it in! 

Listen tomorrow on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen!
"I hope you will also find that there is reassurance, maybe even a promise, whether you’re coming of age or not: that your anger is righteous and just. That the endurance with which you face the world is admirable. That your vulnerability, your longing to be wanted just as you are, is worthy." — @afarolfollmuth

To girls and women everywhere, we see you. 💙
Welcome to the club, Once Upon a Time in Dollywood. 💙

📷: @therealbookhustler