Ever wonder how it feels to be interviewed on TV? 
​ was surprised to get an e-mail from the local TV station asking if I wanted to do an author interview to discuss my two latest books. I wondered if I should do it, as public speaking is not one of my strengths, and this was going to be live!
But it would be a novel experience — and a great way to reach new readers.
I wrote a scene in my soon to be released novel about a TV interview, so taking the characters' advice, I wrote out talking points.
When I felt like backing out, I read through reviews of the current books to bolster my courage. (If you wrote one of them, thank you!)
 
 The day arrived, and it poured rain. Thank goodness my husband offered to drive me because I hate driving in the rain.
 We left plenty early, but there was a backup on the highway, which had me checking my GPS. Luckily, we still arrived on time. But because of the rain and humidity, my inexpertly coiffed hair had wilted by the time we arrived at the studio.
A smiling young man showed us the way down several hallways to a waiting room with large windows that bordered the Newsroom, a large room with the sets you see when you watch. There was a large desk on one side, three white chairs for interviews on the other, an alcove for the weather, and cameras and monitors.
It was fascinating to see how the station broadcast the news. There’s so much on the screens that isn’t in the studio. For instance, the meteorologist stood in front of a green screen and watched a monitor so he could indicate areas of concern. (Probably heavy rain!)
The producer, Sarah, joined us in the waiting room and introduced me to the news anchor, Tomika, who was going to do my interview. She was so personable and had a positive energy that helped take the edge off my growing stage fright. (You know when you just stare and can’t think? That’s how I felt at first.)
Lucky for me, her daughter was a fan of romance, which fit well with Head Over Heels: Footprints of Love, the first book we planned to discuss. After the initial question, I became less of a zombie and more of a book author. 😊
 I was able to chat briefly about Andromache’s Story, my Greek mythology retelling.
It was over too fast. It was like I blinked and the program moved to a commercial break. The interview was over, and I was back in the safety of the waiting room.  
On the drive home, noticed my pulse was still pounding. It took a few deep breaths to get it to return to normal.
Everyone was so nice and seemed truly interested in the books; something that always delights a writer.
I’d like to thank Sarah and Tomika @WWAY3 for the opportunity. You are true professionals and I appreciate being on the show!
 
You can see the interview here: https://www.wwaytv3.com/the-cape-fear-chapters-brunswick-county-author-nancy-maccreery-discusses-her-latest-books/
 
And if you want to be in the drawing to win a free book, go to my website and subscribe at the link: https://www.nancymaccreery.com/
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​1) Lying - A character can get caught in a lie and then become caught in a web of further lies. This can be funny if it’s a silly lie; many sitcoms are based on this. George Costanza was always getting caught up in his lies.  But when a character is an expert at lying, telling stories and distorting facts to another character’s disadvantage, they’re on their way to being a villain.  
 
2) Denial and Blame Shifting - Even when there is clear proof or recorded evidence, a character can lie without flinching. Nothing is ever the character’s fault. When caught in a lie or other situation where they are at culpable, they find a way to blame others.  “No, sir, I didn’t kill the chicken”, he said, dusting a feather off his pants. “It must have been that immigrant you hired, I’ve heard people say he’s always eyeing the chickens.”
 
3) Never admitting they are wrong - When denial and blame deflection doesn’t work, villains rarely admit guilt or say they are sorry, and if they are forced to, they say it in a way that’s really not an apology. “I am sorry – sorry I ever let him talk me into playing this game in the first place.”
 
4) Switching the Topic - This is a sophisticated tactic where the character, in order to avoid having to answer for something they’ve done, will change the topic or reframe the situation. They attempt to confuse or humiliate other characters to keep them preoccupied, confused or put them on the defensive.
For example, a slight suggestion that changes the character’s original plan would be met with “you are always criticizing, you know it all” or “your face has big brown smudge on it”, or “is this like the time you told me to get off at the first stop?”.  
 
5) Projecting - This is a tactic in which the character accuses another of doing exactly what they are being accused of.  
For example, a dishonest character may start a rumor to label another character as dishonest to deflect from their own lying.  “I don’t know if it’s true, but I think Jimmy cheats at poker.” He said as he slipped the ace into his sleeve.
Or when they exhibit horrible behavior to someone and they are confronted, they’ll act insulted and attack the assertive character, accusing them of not being “nice”, while claiming to be the victim.
 
6) Generalizing and Exaggerating - The character can use words like “it’s a disaster,” “this is tremendous,” “we are in a big, fat, ugly bubble,” “it’s unbelievable”. He/she also loves to use the language of “everyone” or “many people” as in “everyone tells me she’s a witch” – a claim that is very difficult to prove or disprove.
This trait can range from humorous to abusive, depending on how the character relates to others in the story.
 
7) Yelling and Interrupting - A voice can be a tool of violence in a scene. A villain or bad character can use their voice as a weapon in order to ensure that they are the ones heard. They will confront anyone who tries to stand up to him/her by raising their volume. This is particularly effective on soft spoken or risk-adverse characters. If volume alone doesn’t do it, expert interruptions combined with some of the techniques above can confuse and even overpower the other characters.
 
8) Fear-Mongering - A character can attempt to provoke fear, exaggerating the worse case scenarios, gross generalizations and misperceptions. This is a very powerful tactic of manipulation, as it is very hard to stabilize an atmosphere of terror. Think of characters that incite lynch mobs, genocide, or demonize people who are “different”.  The worst villain incites the fear, but steps aside to let the mob do his dirty work for him.
 
9) Body Shaming / Belittling - Body-shaming is a tactic that can cause another character pain. When directed at a vulnerable area, they may be too humiliated to speak, advocate, or appear in public. Belittling is psychologically making the person feel small or unworthy. It can be subtle: “Sure I’m interested in your 'little' project”. 
 
10) Physical intimidation – A character could use size or proximity to another character to make them uncomfortable or threaten them. He leaned over her shoulder to see what she was writing, his thick hand resting heavily on her upper arm, moving toward her chest.
 
On the lighter side:
All of these can be bad, but can these characteristics be humorous rather than abusive?
When mixed with other good traits and used lightly, a character who lies, denies or generalizes can be funny, especially if they don't mean to hurt others.  But it depends on their relationships.  If the character has or wants real power over the other characters for evil purposes, combining several of these traits can result in a certified "villain".   


 Do you agree?  Can you think of other examples? 

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The dough was a sticky mess and clung to the cookie cutters. More dough was returned to the bowl than on the tray, but eventually I managed to get a tray full of characters for the oven. They smelled delicious. With mouthwatering anticipation, I checked their baking progress through the oven window .
They grew.
And grew.
They were the biggest gingerbread people I’ve ever seen. Puffy and BIG, about twice the size of the cutters and a bit misshapen from pushing into each other for space.
They made me giggle, so I had to call Melanie to share the story.  She laughed and admitted not all batches turn out the same.

Like writing stories.
​Some puff up and grow larger and some fall flat and are hard to finish (or wind up in the trash). But the ones that turn out make it all worthwhile. 

​Hope your holidays are warm and happy!​