Hey Kasie, I had previously written to you about how I love the #watchyourprofanity style you put in your books. However I wanted to ask you, because I do struggle with this a lot an it would be nice to hear your expertise on the matter. How do you make clean insulting names for your characters (specifically for girls) who are bullies and meanies and how can they be applied in real life without sounding stupid?

Kasie West Yes, I remember our previous interaction. Thanks for the question. I think instead of calling them something specific, I describe them. Kind of like you just did in this question. You said characters who are bullies or mean. I generally have my characters discuss the person in terms like these. I rarely have my characters insult someone through dialogue. I do use the word jerk a lot when describing mean people. And actually, that's one I've had my characters say in dialogue as well. And I personally think that jerk can refer to a male or female. As for real life, I try to apply the same principle. I try not to insult people in real life. Ha. I'm an 'avoid conflict' type of person so I don't do a whole lot of name calling. If I do talk about someone who is mean, I generally call them for what they are. If they're selfish or a narcissist or catty or mean, I'll use those words. They're much more descriptive than the cuss words anyway. :)

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