To Suck or Not To Suck? [Writing Tips]

|11| No More Life Stories

Everyone loves a good life story.

Am I right?

They give us great insight to who that character truly is and it helps us, over time, build a strong bond with them.

Life stories aren't bad.

Unless you're telling them when the main characters first meet.

I don't know about y'all, but the first thing I don't want to hear when he asks her name is:

My name is Susie Carol Johnson and I was born in a small town in Carolina. My mother was abusive to me and I don't know who my dad is. I was put in an orphanage when I was 16 and it made me turn to drugs and alcohol. I turned my life around at 18 to get my life back on track, and that's when I decided to become a wrestler.

Dude, all he asked for was your name!

Now in some cases he'll ask for a little about the girl, but that still doesn't mean he wants to know your life.

I'm not even going to say no offense, because anyone who has ever done this in a book is absolutely ridiculous.

Would you tell your life story to a guy you just met? Think of that before you write.

To Suck

Hearing a life story within the first few chapters.

Not To Suck

When he asks their name, give him their name. Heck, if you're itching for the girl to tell him something else, give him her favorite food or hobby. Anything but a life story.