New Releases | Barely Hare Books

The Complete Workbook for Creating Complete Female Characters

by Rae Elliott | Feb 6, 2016 | New Releases

As a female, as a writer, and as an avid fan of all things “admirable heroine”, I find the subject of the “strong” female heroine becoming imbalanced and overburdened with grave misconceptions. What is it really that makes a female heroine “strong”? It seems to me that society in general is skewing what “strong” women really are. The misconception is that our female character must lose her femininity in order to appear stronger. And I have to strongly disagree. By allowing this idea to erode confidence in femininity simultaneously humors the belief that there is only one kind of “strong” female heroine. And it discourages confidence in our natural strengths. The idea is that this heroine has to be more boyish or manly in her traits, her looks, her hobbies, and her attitude. She has to “win” by being manlier, stronger, better. But is that really a strong female heroine? And is there really just one kind of “strength”? Our mind, our heart, our body- these are unique to who we are. Not our hobbies, favorite color, hair style, or what shoes we wear. Femininity doesn’t limit women’s potential, as I think many women fear it does. Further, it’s our resounding, admirable qualities as women that truly identify us and make us strong. And it is what we do with these qualities that decides how women affect society. Such priceless qualities make us unique. And when we hold fast to our positive qualities despite challenges that make us strong women. These qualities, when held fast to, make for “strong” female characters as well. Why do I say that? Why do I believe that these qualities make for a truly strong...

New Release: The 16 Point Checklist Every Author Needs Volume 1

by Rae Elliott | Nov 25, 2015 | New Releases

You’ve agonized for hours, days, months, heck even years over the characters who have pitched a tent inside your brain. You want to tell their story. You want to share their experience, because you can see it so clearly in your mind. There’s no story like the one you’re formulating around these epic, awe-inspiring characters. As vast as it is, your imagination just can’t cage their story inside any longer. As you write this epic story, you’re confident that the novel will be a best-seller. One for the ages. J.K Rowling, watch out ‘cuz I’m about to buy the castle next door to yours and wave at you with my best-seller, confident. Yup. You’re proud of your work. But doubts begin to sprout. Beta readers sent you harsh critiques. Editors ripped it apart. Even your best friend lied through her teeth. You could tell. This novel is awesome still, right? Those guys are just jerks. Right? Is my novel is the best it can be? Have I given my story enough time to grow? To blossom? And how about those amazing characters renting out your brain for the last year or so? Are they as amazing on the page as you’ve pictured them in your mind? You need to be sure. If you’re going to be waving your book at J.K Rowling through your castle window, you had better be pretty dang sure. Fortunately for you, you’re not alone on the rocky road to publishing. And because of that very reason, I took a hiatus to come up with a workbook and Ebook series meant to help your novel be the best it can be before it hits that Barnes...