When I first sat down to draft the concept that would develop into my current project, my goal was to illustrate some of the baser emotions I saw within myself. In doing so, I created a character that, at best, was uncaring and completely sociopathic. It wasn't long before I realized the character was so repugnant, that no matter how well I wrote the story, readers would never accept her as anything other than an antagonist.So... I was left with the task of reconstruction. Over the next several months, I rewrote and reworked the character, modifying various aspect of her physical and psychological make up, until I had someone with whom a reader could at least stand in the same room without having to suppressing the urge to flee. Of course, the question must be asked, why would I create such a character from the onset? Truth be told, I needed an outlet and drew upon, what amounted to, a manifestation of my own heart from that time.The exercise taught me something rather important. While writing for one's self can be therapeutic, such an endeavor does little to make one's work acceptable to a wider readership. As such, my question of "how dark is too dark?" could be answered with, when there's no light at the end of the tunnel. The Helen who resulted from my efforts, while neither a damsel in distress nor an traditional heroine, remains my favorite character; as much because of her failings as for her strengths.Be well,William
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