Reader Bias

Reader Bias

When we read, we bring our own reader biases and preferences into the story. You know why so many romance covers cut off most of the hero’s head? Because readers want to superimpose their own visions of a “handsome” man when they read. Many authors, myself included, paint their character descriptions with a very broad brush so readers can decide what the characters look like.

But there’s also characterization. Here, I try to be more detailed, by showing a character’s thoughts and act...