#BookReview 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains by @sacha_black

Title: 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains

Author: Sacha Black

Category: Writers’ Craft Series

My Review:

I’ve followed Sacha Black’s blog for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy reading her posts on every aspect of the writing profession. When I heard that she had produced the first book in her writers’ craft series I was excited to learn more.

13 Steps to Evil is a unique look at crafting the villain within your story. Novice writers may be thrown off course by the revelation that the bad guy is just as important as the hero, but Sacha explains why this is so in full detail. As with her online work, the author’s voice shines through, and I loved this about the book. Yes, there is a touch of bad language, but there is also that quirky and refreshing style that keeps you reading, and learning.

What separates a villain from a hero are the decisions and choices he makes.

Being ‘good’ and ‘moral’ is hard work, often painful and usually involves a lot of self-sacrifices which means it’s never the easy option. And that’s why villains tend to opt for the easy road because well, it’s easier and gives them what they want faster than doing it the right way. But that option just gives them a one-way ticket to the villain funfair of doom.

The book is packed with references from literature, film, and television to help you grasp the ideas that Sacha is analysing. For me, this is an ideal learning tool as I can immediately ‘see’ how to integrate the lesson into my writing. At one point in the book, I was tempted to recall all my published works and begin a re-write!

There is a useful appendix of fictional and movie villains that you can follow up and research at your leisure. Sacha has also included a handy further reading source list and tables of positive and negative traits.

From deciding on the perfect trait for your villain right through to the conflict and climax, Sacha has you covered. I believe that 13 Steps to Evil is the ideal companion for every novice writer.

I received a copy of 13 Steps to Evil from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Blurb:

Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is.   Are you fed up of drowning in two-dimensional villains? Frustrated with creating clichés? And failing to get your reader to root for your villain?    In 13 Steps to Evil, you’ll discover:    + How to develop a villain’s mindset + A step-by-step guide to creating your villain from the ground up + Why getting to the core of a villain’s personality is essential to make them credible + What pitfalls and clichés to avoid as well as the tropes your story needs    Finally, there is a comprehensive writing guide to help you create superbad villains. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will help power up your bad guy and give them that extra edge. These lessons will help you master and control your villainous minions, navigate and gain the perfect balance of good and evil, as well as strengthening your villain to give your story the tension and punch it needs.   If you like dark humour, learning through examples and want to create the best villains you can, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting superbad villains. Read 13 Steps to Evil today and start creating kick-ass villains.

BUY a copy of 13 Steps to Evil from Amazon UK or Amazon US

Exciting news! I’ve been nominated for the Most Inspirational Blogger Award 2017 at the Bloggers Bash.

The criteria is: Who consistently inspires you? Is there a blogger that’s thought provoking and inquisitive? Or perhaps they have become a muse to you with constant provision of inspirational content or imagery? Who’s the one blogger that’s touched your heart? This is the nomination for them.

I would be eternally grateful if you could throw a vote my way – link HERE