How to Write Memorable Villains with JM Donellan

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EPISODE INFO:
In thrillers, (maybe more so than in any other genre) an antagonist has a lot of weight to carry. They have to be believable but ruthless. Dangerous and deadly but also sympathetic. I mean, how much time do we spend on our main characters? If you’re anything like me, you create entire backstories for them. You try to understand their goals, ambitions and needs. And of course you do. You should. But do you do the same for your antagonists? Today’s guest is going to share his 3 secrets for writing unique and memorable antagonists.

BIO:
J.M. DONELLAN is a writer, musician, poet, and teacher. He was almost devoured by a tiger in the jungles of Malaysia, nearly died of a lung collapse in the Nepalese Himalayas and fended off a pack of rabid dogs with a guitar in the mountains of India.

 He is the author of the novels A Beginner’s Guide to Dying in India and Killing Adonis (which was nominated for the Kirkus prize). His children’s fantasy novel Zeb and the Great Ruckus was described by one child as ‘the best book ever, but it should have had Dr Who in it.’ He has spoken/performed at the Brisbane Festival, the Sydney Opera House, TEDxBrisbane, World Science Festival, and some very distinguished basements.

Aside from novels and poetry he has also written plays, video games, the internationally admired podcast series Six Cold Feet and the dance performance INTER. His latest novels are the gothic mystery Lenore’s Last Funeral and the surreal thriller Rumors of Her Death, the film version of the latter is currently in development with Continuance Pictures. He’s won numerous awards in a range of artistic fields but refuses to list them all here because no one likes a braggart.

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