I am delighted to feature Sacha Black today. For those of you who don’t know Sacha, she is the founder of the Annual Bloggers Bash and Bash Awards. (More about the Bash at the end of this post). Please join me in congratulating Sacha on the release of her first book, 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains, a step-by-step guide to creating multi-dimensional villains and much more.
Buy the book HERE and HERE
Welcome, Sacha!
Why did you write this book? This book started out as a couple of blog posts. Everything I’ve learnt on my journey to publishing, I’ve blogged. I guess as both a consolidation of my learning and a way to give back and share the lessons and mistakes I’ve made so others don’t have to. When I was studying villains it was no different. I wrote up the things I’d learnt as blog posts and I was fortunate enough they proved popular. But that told me that kind of content was not only wanted but needed too. So the seed was sown for 13 Steps To Evil.
Did you feel there was a gap in the market for this type of book? Absolutely, because of the popularity of the posts, I did some research and discovered that although there were lots of blog posts, there were only a couple of books out there that covered the topic and none were as in depth as I wanted. So absolutely there’s a market.
Does the book shed new light on a common issue? I think so. It comes at villain-creation from a different angle. For a start, it’s based on a myth busting concept. Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is.
Most writers have hero-worship syndrome. Blindly concentrating on their hero and creating his or her depth of character and forgetting that a novel isn’t just one character.
So 13 Steps To Evil tries to blow that concept apart by suggesting the villain is actually the most important character in an author’s book. Why? Because a villain is the source of conflict, and without conflict, there is no story and no need for a hero.
Is it a topic that a lot of people can easily relate to? Absolutely. This isn’t a stuffy textbook. I purposely use really well known character examples from books, film and TV because most people will have heard of all, or at least most of the examples. I try to sprinkle a little humor and sarcasm into the book and provide a couple of thought provoking exercises at the end of each chapter.
How will the book help writers? The book is an easy to understand, step by step guide to creating Superbad villains. Each step has bite size chunks of info a summary and a couple of useful questions/exercises. There’s also a free checklist to go with the book, a short course and I’m also opening up a Facebook group for the short course completers where they can discuss their ideas/feedback with each other, and I will be in there monitoring it as well.
It will take writers from the basics all the way up to their ultimate warlord.
Who’s your favorite villain? Can you ask me that? That’s totally not fair! Honestly, I have a penchant for anti-heroes. The first anti-hero I ever fell in love with was Beetlejuice, I secretly wanted to wear his stripy suit. I love Deadpool too, with his ego and outrageous sense of humor, Loki, Patrick Bateman, Dexter, GAH there are so many. If we’re talking pure villain, then one of the best has to be Hannibal Lecter, surely?
BIO
Sacha Black has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules. She also has the mind of a perpetual sixteen-year-old, only with slightly less drama and slightly more bills.
Sacha writes books about people with magical powers and other books about the art of writing. She lives in Hertfordshire, England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son.
When she’s not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, blogging, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules.
BLURB
Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is.
Are you fed up of drowning in two-dimensional villains? Frustrated with creating clichés? And failing to get your reader to root for your villain?
In 13 Steps to Evil, you’ll discover:
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How to develop a villain’s mindset
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A step-by-step guide to creating your villain from the ground up
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Why getting to the core of a villain’s personality is essential to make them credible
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What pitfalls and clichés to avoid as well as the tropes your story needs
Interesting interview, Tina, and Sacha – the book sounds very interesting and helpful!
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Thank you, John ❤
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Thanks so much John, I like to think the book is helpful, haha but perhaps I’ll leave that decision up to the readers hehe 😀 thanks for commenting
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Thanks so much for sharing, Annette ❤
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Nice interview both. A good way of starting my day.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thanks, David. Massive hugs back to you ❤
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Heyyyy, thanks so much for reading it 😀 hugs right back 😀
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A fabulous author interview, Tina and Sacha. Sacha has a good point about villians being the “star of the show”. If I think of my favourite Disney movies, who do I remember – Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, the witch from Snow White and the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.
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Thank you, Robbie. It’s amazing how those characters who strike fear in us are the ones we remember so vividly 🙂 ❤
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EXACTLYYYYYYY!!!! I always remember the bad guys if they are done well, which they aren’t always, but when they are, MAN do the stories pop 😀
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Tina Frisco interviews Sacha Black about her new book 13 Steps to Evil. Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is.
Are you fed up of drowning in two-dimensional villains? Frustrated with creating clichés? And failing to get your reader to root for your villain? #recommended
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OM gosh, Sally, I am hopping all over the place to posts and finding you have already shared – thank you so much, I clearly need to squeeze the life out of you when I see you. hehe ❤ ❤
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Thank you for reblogging, Sally. I appreciate your support so very much ❤
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A great interview of a fab (now officially)author! It is on mu kindle waiting to be read!
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Thank you, Ritu ❤
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you, Michael ❤
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Tina, just wanted to say thank you so much for having me, you’re a star and a wonderful host 😀
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Most welcome, Sacha. It was my pleasure ❤
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Great interview and good info concerning villains. Very helpful. I see a lot of books being sold.
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Thanks Andrew 😀 glad you enjoyed the interview 😀
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Thanks, Andrew. I hope someday to keep track of book sales as well as you do. I need to rewire that part of my brain 🙂 ❤
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Check out this great author interview with Sacha Black from Tina Frisco’s blog
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Thank you so much for sharing Don 😀
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You’re welcome. Great interview.
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Thank you for reblogging, Don. Much appreciated ❤
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My pleasure
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Thanks Tina and Sacha! Nice twist on the star of the show .. 🙂
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hehe thank you so much Susan, appreciate the comment 😀
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Welcome, Susan. Thanks for stopping by ❤
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Great interview and what an interesting idea that the most important character is the villain. Makes sense when you think about it…. everyone loves to love the baddie.
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That they do! and yet we ignore the baddie far too much!
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Thank you, Paul. I think this taps into secretly enjoying our inner villain 🙂 ❤
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Very true!
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So fun to see Sacha starting to do the authorly thing. I’ve been waiting for her to publish for some time. This book is already on my ipad and I’m just about to crack it open. Looking forward to learning a thing or two! Great interview, Sacha and Tina!
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Ahh, *cough* yes, sometime… quite a freaking while sadly. BUT fingers crossed I’ll get on a roll now hehe
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You are way too modest! I’m learning and tired out just watching you go 😀
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lol I am soooooooo tired today tbf, feel like a train wreck
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You must have been zipping around like a bumble bee. You were everywhere! Ha ha. All fun though, isn’t it? And things will eventually slow down. Enjoy.
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Haha I actually could not believe the level of support, it was crazy. I feel so humbled by everyone’s kindness ❤ ❤ I am still catching up and will be for a few days I suspect. I haven't managed to get everywhere yet.
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Thank you, Diana. I’d love to write a book that has a superbad villain everyone can secretly enjoy. Sacha’s book will be my go-to authority on the subject! ❤
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Such a nice change to see the villain being out in the spotlight (and I don’t mean Sacha). 😀 We read and see so much about heroes, that villains are usually left in the background. Now they have their chance for stardom.
Great questions, Tina. Great answers, Sacha.
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Thanks, Hugh – I agree it is nice to see a different character in the spot light – makes a change and hopefully for a better story.
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LOL Hugh, you don’t mean Sacha 🙂 The subject matter is refreshing, and I’m sure Sacha has some great advice to offer ❤
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haha he does! I’m a total slave driver over the bash :p :p :p muhahah
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Omg, Sacha, you crack me up! So nice to know some of the advice you’ve given in your book has come from personal experience 🙂 ❤
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hehe *rubs hands together*
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Great interview! So nice to see Sacha here in the spotlight with her villains… 😈 ❤
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Thank you, Sarah. I was delighted to host a batch of villains for a change ~ Sacha excluded, of course 🙂 ❤
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Hmm… Excluding Sacha? That’s up for debate. 😉 Kidding. Much love to The Sacha.
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BAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH That right there, is why I love you Mrs Brentyn
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Fabulous interview my darlings. So glad to see Sacha’s book making the circuit and even more wonderful to see her here! I’ll be the late bloomer having her over to my place in late June. ❤ xoxo
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Thanks, Deb. Late bloomers are like asters in Autumn ~ everything has its season, and everything serves. By late June, Sacha’s book will need a boost, and you’ll be there to provide it ❤
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Well I planned it that way, nya nya nya. You know me, I like a good post to play the circuit when it’s fresh then I like to revive things to keep up the momentum. 🙂 🙂 xoxoxo Hugs my girlies!
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You are the CPR of bloggers! 🙂 ❤
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LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ❤ xoxo
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you are 100% not the late bloomer! These puppies are going on for WEEKS! I think you are positively the early bird ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Lol thanks. But honestly I’m just thrilled to have you over. ❤ ❤ ❤
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It’s an honour to be invited. xx
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❤ ❤
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Great interview!
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Enjoyed reading more about Sacha. I must admit, I do tend to sniff musty old books as well – what a wonderful smell (I’ve known some people to bake old books in the oven before reading them)!
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Thank you for reblogging, Stevie! Glad to see Sacha making the rounds 🙂 ♥
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You’re welcome.
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OMG surely not? Someone cooked a book??? Lol I realise the pun there not intended though… What does that do to the smell? Not guna lie, well curious now. Can’t bring myself to do it though.
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I knew somebody who always used to bake second hand books in case there were germs on them. Not sure how they turned out!
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If I could bring myself to do it I would, just to see. But I can’t!!!
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Lovely interview ladies. I am partial to a good villain too. Let’s face it, what would a Panto be like if there was nobody to boo and hiss at?! 🙂
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LOL Judy. So true! Hissing out loud while cheering under our breath 🙂 ♥
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bloody love a panto! Completely agree with you 😀
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Hi Tina! Loved. This. Interview. It’s great to know more about Sacha and her book. BTW, congratulations on your new release, Sacha! Wishing you continued success! I’m very intrigued by this book, because I too love villains. Sacha mentioned a few of my favorites. Well done both of you! Tweeted, Tumbled, Stumbled, Googled, and Pinned! 😀 xx
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Thanks so much, Vashti, and for sharing. You must be quite dizzy from all the tumbling and stumbling 🙂 ❤
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Ha, ha! 😉 xx
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Wow thank you so much Vashti, that’s so kind of you to share it so widely. Ahhh I’m glad we have some villains in common 😀 and thank you for the wishes, I am still buzzing from the launch 😀
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Enjoy the buzz. 😀
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