Oh, man. Listen. This is a whole other discussion, Deedra. But short answer, I wondered about this, for sure. But this character is passing as white, so I wasn’t 100 percent convinced the Angry Black Women trope was at issue this time around. But, yes, the racial perspective is a real and knotted discussion.

Thanks for the comment!

Yes on Scarlett! Frankly, my dear…
Her name came up when I asked folks to name some “unlikeable” female characters that they just love to hate.

Thank you! It’s a challenge, but it’s one that makes worthwhile storytelling, I say. 🙂

Ah, yes. The ol’ “love/hate relationship” thing. I’ve heard that quite a bit with my last book THUNDER. And I’ve seen a few “I hate her” + “she’s so selfish” reviews on Goodreads and such. I would be lying if I said those digs don’t affect me. It doesn’t make me question my work or the characters–let’s not get carried away! Hahah! Everyone has an opinion, is what I say. But like you I think that it’s more realistic to have female protagonists who are layered and complicated and who have some unlikeable qualities about them. That’s how real human persons are–male and female!

Thanks for the comment, Nadine! Good luck with your complex characters.

I’ve read too much fiction where all the women are nice and supportive and always get along. Though I’ve met numerous women who are like that, my real-world experience is more complex and nuanced. I’m fascinated by the complexities and enjoy stories about women who aren’t so “nice.” A recent one that comes to mind is Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple. Loved that book!

Thanks and even more thanks, Olivia! My book cover was done by my publisher’s art department (Kensington). They did the one for THUNDER too. And I adore both covers. (I was so fortunate to land a two-book deal with them.) I wish I had suggestions for you, but I’ve never self-published so I’ve always had the publisher to thank for handling the book covers. Good luck to you! And again, thanks for reading this piece. So glad you’re interested in HYMN!