A couple of weeks ago I received some invaluable feedback on a short story, “There was nothing wrong with it, it just didn’t dare as much as I would have liked.” I knew instantly that in this case and in this particular story, she was absolutely right. I had broken a rule I’ve given other authors flack for countless times (in my mind and in book reviews): Make a mess and own it. I dare you.
Specifically, don’t be afraid to give your characters serious issues, and when you do, don’t hold back or pretend it away. Mean it. Own it. Live with your decision. Don’t start back pedaling the moment you introduce the issue, minimizing or negating its effects.
Your character is blind? Believe me, this has an effect on his or her life. And please, please, don’t give him a conk on the head to restore his sight at the end. What a cop out. (Personal pet peeve…I’ve lived with legal blindness for 15 years now so this is a big one for me.)
Your character was sexually abused as a child? Then he or she is likely to have fallout when it comes to relationships. Don’t pretend it doesn’t matter.
Your character killed someone? They’re going to have to live with it.
On the other hand, don’t be so afraid of the cleanup that you don’t make the mess. The mess and its fallour is drama. So make the mess. I dare you.