Saturday, May 26, 2018

Our Guest Author Today is EV Emmons #OurAuthorGang

Welcome, EV Emmons! We're glad you could join us today! 

Miss Judged: 

Society’s Intolerance of the Empowered Female Antihero

EV Emmons


Women have long been held to a higher standard than men and nowhere is this more obvious than in literature, film, and entertainment.
Complicated male antiheroes are often met with admiration and respect while their female counterparts are scorned and deprecated.

Take Marvel’s Loki—a complex character who waffles between villain and anti-hero and sows chaos wherever he goes. He’s vainglorious, conniving, violent and jealous. He has a strong desire to subjugate lesser mortals, dominate Midgard, and he’s also Marvel’s most popular character. Comic fans hang on his every word at conventions and the thousands of fan sites dedicated to him tell us he is loved by millions. 

By contrast, his sister Hella has similar goals of world domination and destruction and though she has more reasons than Loki to resent Odin, she is despised by fans the world over.

Ambition, hypersexuality, and a predilection for violence are typical qualities found in male antiheroes, but in a female character, the reaction is far different from the adoration the male receives.

Female antiheroes with grit and strength of character are often reviled and hated. In the television series, Breaking Bad, Skylar White has earned the distinction of being one of the most hated characters on television—quite an achievement considering her husband Walter White was a murderous, meth-cooking thug. Viewers cheer for Walter and curse Skylar.

Sexual morality and promiscuity are also criteria on which male and female characters are judged differently. Ian Fleming’s, James Bond is lauded and admired for bedding several partners over the course of an adventure. He is the paragon of manliness—the poster boy for masculinity.

Jason Mathew’s character, Dominika Egorova, also known as Red Sparrow from the novel and film of the same name fairs far less favorably with audiences than Bond as evidenced by reviews and Rotten Tomatoes scores.

Laurell K. Hamilton’s, Anita Blake is another controversial female character because the character engages in frequent sexual encounters throughout the book series owing to her ardeur, a power given to her by a master vampire. In Hamilton’s case, both she and her character were disparaged because of the number of erotic encounters the character engages in.

An active sex life is just one of many mores readers and viewers alike use to judge a female character.

Like Hamilton, I received similar judgments regarding a character in my fanfiction series (a hobby I continued after publishing my novel, Eternity Awaits). Readers suggested that four relationships in eighteen months were far too many for a female character and derided her as being immoral and highly promiscuous despite the fact all of the relationships lasted several months. Given the character’s traditionally masculine values which included a tendency toward violence, combat prowess, and her authoritarian mien, she was also labeled ‘unlikable.’ 

Of course, no one batted an eye when my male characters behaved in the same fashion.  I never expected such contempt toward the female antihero in this day and age.

Scarlett O’Hara is another example of a complex female antihero who is considered unlikeable. She’s single-minded, intelligent, selfish and shrewd, all typically male qualities—and though the male lead, Rhett Butler shares these qualities with her, it is Scarlett who is criticized.

For a female character to be deemed ‘likable’, she must under no circumstances display any typically masculine personality attributes. We have been taught that qualities such as ambition, a penchant for violence, emotional detachment, jealousy, sexuality, and treachery are not welcome in the female character.

The double standard is alive and well—the dark male character is deemed a complex, layered antihero, while his female counterpart is sternly questioned and judged for not trying harder to be accepted and liked. 

A male anti-hero requires no justification for his actions and negative traits tend to be overlooked or romanticized. Even if a female antihero has admirable qualities, they are negated by any darker actions and she is not afforded the same forgiveness as the male character.

Over time, films and literature have taught society that women are only likable if they adhere to a certain code of behavior that stems from the Madonna/whore stereotypes that decree that women can only be good or bad with little complexity in between. 

Writers must persistently resist creating the likable one-dimensional female if women are to achieve equality in film and literature.  Female characters must be portrayed in the full spectrum of the human condition and accepted as the emotionally intricate beings they are.  It is not important to be likable but to be real.









#FemaleAntiHeroes #Feminism #StrongFemaleCharacters #Equality 






Friday, May 25, 2018

Character Interview With Ilona From The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy

The Ancestors' Secrets

Magical realism, alternate reality fantasy trilogy 

Character interview with Ilona

A middle-aged man drops down on his knees and bends his head to the side exposing his neck as if offering his life to the woman standing in front of him. “My name is Zoran, and I’m the Scribe of the Hunor clan. I’m honored that you have agreed to meet me and answer my questions, milady.”

Ilona:
“Oh, please get up, sit with me in the living room and call me Ilona. I’m still not used to having a title besides being a doctor. I’ve been oblivious to the complicated structure of our secret society with its strict rules and deadly laws until my 29th birthday. It is all new to me. What is the job of the Scribe in the clan?”

Zoran:
“Thank you, mi… Ilona,” he sighs and follows her to the couch taking a seat. “Well, my job is to monitor the Collective memory and keep a detailed file of the important people in our tribe, and I read everyone’s diary who is connected or interacted with that person. It makes it easier for the Elders and Royals to find every detail about them.”

Ilona:
“Oh, the clan’s secret, the instant internet which people don't have excess until they turn forty. When were you born, Zoran?”

Zoran:
Clears his throat and fidgets on his seat. “Um… I’m supposed to ask you questions, but I was born in the fourth century when Elana, the great Healer lived.”

Ilona:
Gives him a warm, encouraging smile. “Oh, so your ‘live-for-centuries-gene’ had been activated, too. Elana is an amazing woman, but sorry, go ahead, ask me your questions.”

Zoran:
“Thank you, and yes. If I take care of my body the way I’m supposed to, and I don’t have an accident or someone would kill me, technically, I could live forever. May I ask what you would consider being your greatest strength?”

Ilona:
“I would say that it’s my bulldog personality. When I’m faced with a secret, I bite on it, metaphorically speaking, and won’t give up until I find out and make sense of it.”

Zoran:
“If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?”

Ilona:
“I would love to live a simple life in the 4th century and ride a horse into the sunset, feeling free,” she says sighing. “But, I know I’m needed in the present and I’m going to try to make life better for everyone, here.”

Zoran:
“What is your biggest regret?”

Ilona:
“That I couldn’t prevent the death of my parents and save Ema from her life-altering experience.”

Zoran:
“But without those events, we wouldn’t be here today. May I ask, if you could choose one magic power, what would it be?”

Ilona:
She looks out the window and laughs softly, “I activated and obtained many unimaginable powers while searching for my Destiny Box, but if I could choose to have only one, I would choose my healing power.”

Zoran:
“What is your biggest fear?”

Ilona:
“Useless life and meaningless death. I want to make a difference and I want to make life easier and better for everyone. People deserve security and happiness. Okay, enough of the serious questions. Ask me something else.”

Zoran:
Scratches his head feeling embarrassed, “I didn’t prepare for that, but do you have pets?”

Ilona:
Laughs, “Yes. Gypsy is my dog, he’s such a gentle giant and he’s a softy when he’s playing with his best friend, Tui, Bela’s Chihuahua. They have at least 140Lb weight difference between them, but they’re bestest friends.”

Zoran:
"Have you any pictures?"

Ilona:
"Yes, right there on the coffee table."

Zoran:
"Oh, that little one is so cute!"

Ilona: 
"Don't let her fool you, she's a menace. But, you can ask one more question, and I must make this interview short. I have an engagement. Please, stay and visit with Elza and Rua."

Zoran:
“Can you tell me about your love life?”

Ilona:
“It’s complicated, and it still puzzles me how naïve I was. I let myself be mesmerized and let my mind be clouded… Anyway, it's all clear now.”

Zoran:
"One more question if I may. Do you see yourself as a hero and savior of the millions of people of our clan?”

Ilona:
Stands up ready to leave. “Absolutely not. I did what I felt was right. I chose my destiny and I will always follow my heart and instincts to make life better and to do no harm.”

Zoran:
“Thank you so much for talking to me, I’m truly honored.”

Read the trilogy free with Kindle Unlimited subscription

The Ancestors’ Secrets, a magical realism, alternate reality fantasy trilogy.
When a young doctor, Ilona, starts to develop unusual powers, her life and her beliefs change. Mora seeks to gain the power to rule the ancient clan with a strict hierarchy and deadly laws that still exist hidden among us. Ilona has been chosen by the ancestors to stop Mora and save the future of the clan. She has been in love with her best friend but is also drawn to the stranger who appears in her peculiar dream. Ilona must save herself and her family from Mora’s evil plans, uncover ancient tribal secrets, and find her Destiny Box… the box that contains the message of the Ancestors. 
Does she have the strength to fight evil?
Can she keep her sanity when discovering her magical abilities?
Will she accept her destiny? 
Can she find true love?
Will she use her unimaginable powers for good or evil?



A review:
"I was very pleased to read this Fantasy novel because it is much more aligned to my taste in such books, namely real people living in our world, but gifted with special ‘magical’ powers. The first sentences already grabbed my fascination, and the easy flow of the entire book continually held my interest and curiosity. The author has skillfully let the main characters talk in the form of diary entries, and with natural dialogue and careful descriptions of thoughts and feelings, the reader soon feels intimately acquainted with them.
Particularly interesting is the fact that many aspects of this story are based on fact and history, namely the Huns who lived in Eastern Europe some 1500 years ago. It is therefore not too hard to believe that ancient traditions and secret rites could have continued down to our time. The main character, Ilona, is a young doctor educated in the modern world who at first struggles to comprehend the depth and power of her heritage when she ‘becomes of age’ at 29. Fascinating and fun to read is the way she discovers her special healing abilities and in particular, the way she can slow time around her. Even more intriguing is her handsome love interest, Zoltan, who can time-travel, but always within limitations and ancient law.
This first book in the series has been cleverly woven with various threads that continue into future books, and needless to say, I can hardly wait to read the next book and find out which man is Ilona’s true love, what her ultimate great destiny is, and what menace is still pursuing her with evil intentions. This is a book I can recommend to anyone interested in this kind of historical fantasy involving ancient traditions and down-to-earth characters of our own world."
~ Barbara Underwood

COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Ilona answers some tough questions in her interview with Zoran
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Joe Bonadonna

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Very cool to have Zoran interview Ilona. Great job!
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Thank you Joe, there are quite of you changes in the story since you read it :)
 
+Erika M Szabo -- you're welcome!

Nikki McDonagh

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great interview with Erika M Szabo's characters from her Ancestors Trilogy.
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Thank you Nikki :)

Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika M. Szabo​ shares her character interview today -- which features main character Ilona and scribe Zoran from her new Ancestors trilogy!! Stop by Our Author Gang and check out the interview and a review of her latest books!
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Thank you Ruth!

Ruth de Jauregui

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Oh that is so clever Erika! We got a two-for-one interview with your characters. <3
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Zoran is actually a silent character, appears only in the prologue of book 1 when he reveals his job in the secret society. So, I thought I'll him some recognition and have him do the interview with Ilona :)

Chris Weigand

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great interview. Interesting characters and an intriguing story.
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Thank you Chris :)

Lorraine Carey via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Two unique and mysterious characters from this amazing Trilogy.
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Thank you Lorraine :) Ilona struggles to make sense of the mystery that surrounds her while growing as a person

Lorraine Carey

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Ilona is quite a wise yet mysterious person. What an awesome Trilogy this is!
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Thank you Lorraine!
 
+Erika M Szabo You are most welcome.

Toi Thomas via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, we enjoy an insightful conversation between Zoran and Ilona from The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy.
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Thank you Toi!

Mary Anne Yarde

8 months ago (edited)  -  Shared publicly
 
What a wonderful interview!! Your book sound fabulous!!
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Thank you Mary Anne :)

Rebecca Tran via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Join Erika Szabo as she interviews Ilona from her Ancestor Secrets Trilogy.
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on Our Author Gang, Erika M. Szabo​ presents an interview with Ilona, as conducted by Zoran, two of her main characters from her The Ancestors' Secrets Trilogy.
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Nikki McDonagh shared this via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
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Chris Weigand via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika shares an intriguing interview with two of the characters from her The Ancestors Trilogy.
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Chris Weigand via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Erika shares an intriguing interview with two of the characters from her The Ancestors Trilogy.
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