I do understand what you're saying.

Thank you for your answer to my question. I suspected as much.
Many of the writers I've met have had difficult childhoods. It gives us a lot to draw on.
You have a very brave mom. It isn't easy getting out. Congratulations to you for your successes. I'm positive your novel will be fascinating, especially with your deep understanding of your characters.

Wow! That makes no sense to me.

Good luck on your novel! Between your home and work life, you were gifted with lots and lots of fodder for your books. I always say "writers are made." The making part often sucks, but if we can bring compassion to ourselves and our characters, those early experiences will translate to brilliance on the page.

Denise, that does not sound like someone who is doing the best service to your writing. Antagonists rule. Or, as the late great Stephen Cannell (creator of the Rockford Files, A-Team and 21 Jump Street) said: when a story stalls, the best question to ask is, "What are the heavies doing?" In other words, he knew what we all know - antagonists keep the story moving. 🙂

I grew up with a psychopath for a father for my first ten years before my mom got my brothers and me out of there, so I got an in-depth course in Antagonist 201 in a way that made sure the lessons stuck. And the most valuable thing I finally figured out is that he and I are two sides of the same coin - I've succeeded, I hope, in leading a good life and being good to those around me, but although I could never do a lot of things he did, I understand him, and I can't look down on him, because the difference is probably partly genetic and partly my having a better adolescence than he did, growing up with my mom and a healthy stepfather as a role model for us.

My second career was as a psychotherapist (first was 20 years in the Marine Corps), and I worked a good chunk of it in the prison system. Can't imagine what drew me in that direction . . . I got to know some really dangerous and antisocial people there, too, and some of them were great company - funny, charming, so that I looked forward to sessions with them, even though I knew that for society's sake they should never, ever get out. Dad was funny and charming too when he wasn't terrifying.

And I can answer your question about how many forensic psychologists (and therapists, and social workers) have PTSD by the time they retire: all of us.

I try to use that - I'm working on my first novel (I've got some clinical reference stuff in print with Wiley, but no fiction), and I'm loosely modeling a couple of antagonist characters on my father in one case and on my favorite smart, funny, murderous gang leader in the other. And yes, they're going to be major problems for each other.

Sorry this ran long. And thanks again for this post. I'm going to save this one.

it didn't fit with their vision is the nicest way I can say it in a public forum.

Wow! All protagonists need to struggle with something or someone, even if it's an element of self. What reason was given?

d