DUMPED - ABOUT THE GIRL

I got so many constructive feedback about the book, particularly about the main character. Thank you so much! Most people loved her, some found her a little unbearable, and some just downright despises her whole premise haha.

Now here's a little elaboration about the girl from the writer's perspective.

When I designed the character on paper (and whether this is fiction/non-fiction/semi-fiction had no effect on this process), I was very specific about how I would paint this protagonist. Although perhaps I began with no expectations on how the protagonist should be like, subconsciously I realised that her built had a purpose to the story. It wasn't done carelessly, and it wasn't done without a goal.

And I designed the main character to be these things - gullible, flawed, naive at times, but most of all, human.

I had zero interest in making her perfect.

As a writer, there is nothing I can learn from narrating about a perfect character who makes perfect choices. As a reader, there is no added value for someone else to read about a flawless person who makes all the smart decisions.

Honestly, I do enjoy the occasional read of a fantasy story - about meeting Mr Darcy or designer bags or a world where everyone says all the right things, but I'm afraid the frivolity of it all could not sustain my interest. Of all my years reading, as much as there is a yearn to escape through literature, I also love stories about real people and real lives. Things that could happen to me, you, and people around us. Tales that assure us that life is funny, sad, colourful and most of all, amazing.
 
It is then up to the reader to evaluate the piece and decide whether it is an inspiration, or a lesson learned about what not to do.

And ultimately, that was the purpose of her - to allow us to use her to reflect and resolve the fickleness of youth, the value of mistakes and the beauty of growing older through experiences.

​I hope the protagonist served you well.