In each of my two current works-in-progress, I’ve created a negative female character. It was great fun investing each one with characteristics of people who have upset, annoyed, or hurt me over the years. One of my beta readers sent me a lovely email about the book, which she has just finished. When she said, “I hated Lady Carrington,” I felt a great sense of satisfaction.

I quite agree with the research that has found that writing – even in a journal or blog:

leads to strong physical and mental health benefits, like long-term improvements in mood, stress levels and depressive symptoms.

Wounds, both physical and emotional, heal faster if you put them down on paper. Writers, the article concludes, after quoting several research studies, are doing something right.

So be warned. If you annoy me, I just might have to kill you.