shameless self-promotion...

[minervaK]

Hey everyone, I have a poll up at my blog (www.minervakoenig.com) that I'd be curious to have this group's votes on. Comments are also welcome....

[Matt Noncek]

Sorry to split the baby on you, Minerva, but would you also be open to having the main character be nonplussed in public yet in private perhaps has some level of concern? Maybe it's a cop out on my part, and it is true that the issue could overrun the plot, but it might also allow the reader to forge a deeper connection with your character to see her in private act in a way that is contrary to what everyone else in the book sees. Best of luck either way!

[Christine Duncan]

I like the way Sharon Short uses it in her Josie Toadfern mysteries. The character is about 20 lbs overweight and it's mentioned, much as a woman does when she's trying on clothes or whatever, but it isn't omni-present. It's realistic and great characterization.

[Benjamin Sobieck]

What is your motivation to include this factor? Since this is the age of the anti-hero, is weight akin to the protag having a substance abuse problem? I'm not saying like an addiction or disorder, but weight being more of a long-term thing the protag battles with internally.

[minervaK]

I'd be giving away the 'correct' answer if I were to reply...! Fear not, however: the poll will soon be closed and all the world will know what option I chose.