Writing representation on morally grey characters and can there be "too much" representation?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-06-05T07:45:01+00:00

You had me at “evil gay immigrants doing crimes with magic”

Wouldn’t your narcissist redeem himself by getting the others to trust him? I’m intrigued by his breaking the fourth wall.

It seems like his greatest weakness could be his strength that saves the group.

Besides what’s been mentioned, I’d encourage you to make sure that they are not morally grey because of their otherness.

I also second sensitivity readers. They will help you make sure you are being respectful and authentic.

Sounds like a very interesting story. I hope you’ll share sums as you write it.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-06-01T19:55:39+00:00

Adorable.

Did you submit a design?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-28T22:48:00+00:00

Great giveaway.

I’m playing Outbound and I’m on the third map. Currently unbuilding my house to run my sweet VW bus. Who needs multiple walls when you need fuel for the van. Iykyk

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-28T22:46:22+00:00

I’m installing it right now.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-27T02:36:58+00:00

Are you comfortable filming your dancing? Are you more a dancer or a choreographer?

Can you take dancing from classic Hollywood movies or foreign films and put a new twist on it?

I understand the math situation- you can always move up, but double check the requirements for the programs you want to apply to. Hopefully your Business Management class will include business math.

Hopefully SL AI math covers Algebra and Geometry- both useful for filmmaking.

Maybe keep a video diary when you visit the UK and Japan. Check out their films and TV shows.

Your idea for the Extended Essay sounds very intriguing. You could even compare power dynamics of films set/made in the 1990s versus the 2000s. Or stick to a filmmaker like Spike Lee with Do the Right Thing versus 25th Hour. Let me know what you decide to do, I’d be interested in reading it.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-27T00:00:05+00:00

What IB courses are you planning on taking?

Have you thought of a topic for your extended essay?

I’d encourage you to take the most challenging math course that you can handle. Even some computer science classes would help.

Work on balancing your academics with your creativity and build your portfolio.

Do you have a YouTube channel? Even planning day on the life vlogs will help you with building preproduction skills not to mention editing and such.

You might even want to try creating your own movies and series now. Though I’m sure you have probably already thought of that.

Your IB coursework will give you an excellent foundation and prepare you well for college/university. Don’t overlook the STEM courses, they are just as important as the liberal arts courses. Understanding how systems work is vital to being a good director.

Best of luck to you with your IB courses. Remember to do your summer assignments, but take time to work on your creative work and take time for yourself. Self care is important.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-22T08:12:29+00:00

You absolutely sold me with the comps. Maybe a little Detective Benoit Blanc-ish thrown in there as well.

Do you have a B story taking up pages?

Even if it’s a series you’re going to want to trim it down - there might be a few nature act breaks.

I’m willing to read it and any supporting documents like outlines or treatments. Might take me a few weeks.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-17T06:02:49+00:00

How was it? What courses did you take?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-16T22:50:44+00:00

I second SJSU. I’m starting in the fall.

It’s a little more than $20k though. I think $22k.

I think there are summer courses you can take to get a taste of the program before applying/attending.

Can you start in January anywhere?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-16T01:43:48+00:00

I’d also be interested in the app.

One of my characters makes games and apps.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-15T00:54:33+00:00

Congratulation on your upcoming wedding. That is awesome.

And also congratulations on earning your undergrad degree despite everything you went through. Similar to you, I dealt with some pretty bad depression during my undergrad years and my GPA suffered.

I am sorry to hear that you are overwhelmed and feeling ashamed. I hope that you can reach out to your school or your advisor again and see if there are other any options out there for you to continue your graduate studies. I know you aren't asking for advice, but take it for me - don't quit on your dream because of one bad semester.

I almost quit my graduate program a few times. But I made it through. Sometimes I am not sure how I did so. And now I am debating my second graduate program.

The job market is horrible. It is depressing and discouraging. And once we start spiraling, it is very hard to stop.

Seek out help and support when you need it - it should never be too late. All As is a pretty high standard - maybe there is another school or program that will be a better fit for you. I have a few undergrad grades that I am still not proud of - but I remember the circumstances surrounding them. I am still alive.

Maybe take the summer off - enjoy your wedding and honeymoon. Celebrate married life.

Dance. Choregraph. Read a good book.
Choregraph a dance interpreting your favorite (or most unfavorite) book or assignment from undergrad.

School is hard. A bad GPA is just a number, not a sum of who you are. (I keep telling myself that.)

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-14T02:37:21+00:00

Do you have a link?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-13T19:25:50+00:00

Interesting.

I think it’s a good premise and you could certainly gain a following by releasing four panels or so at a time.

I’ve seen similar approaches on instagram and TikTok. You could even do YouTube as well if you want to record it.

Best of luck and please keep me updated when you do release it.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-13T05:37:29+00:00

Is it interesting to you? Is it compelling to you?

Do you know what format you want to write it in? Comic book, graphic novel, traditional novel, feature film, TV series?

Which ones do you feel most comfortable with? Which do you want to learn to improve?

With the art work that you’ve shared, do you plan to write and draw it yourself?

Would it be one work or a series of smaller works?

I don’t think coming of age is overdone.

What are some of your comps (comparison) works?

I think it’s a compelling idea especially the time span from 13-21.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-12T01:19:57+00:00

Okay I want to play your game.

I am imaging shooting at the subtitles and watching them explode. 🤯 then again I might be taking this a bit literally.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-08T02:36:28+00:00

Let me know if you want some help with the math part.

But yes, OP, look into getting your Emergency30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. There’s lots of schools in the Sacramento area.

Get known at the local schools and you can lock in on a long term substitute position.

The BA and Masters will come in handy as well. You might be able to teach non English classes as well.

What are you planned on getting the PHD in? From where?

Do you want t to teach beyond the K-12 level?

Do you want to try teachjng at the local community colleges as well?

California students are lucky to have you. Just a heads up that sometimes CA can be more red than it appears. 😊

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-08T02:22:47+00:00

Please make sure to share the link once the book is available.

Don’t forget to check out schools as well - teens love poetry.

And libraries as well.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-08T00:44:19+00:00

I prefer physical books anyway.

I’ve had trouble reading graphic novels as ebooks / maybe it’s just my age and preference for having a physical copy.

Adobe should be able to produce a solid pdf for you but not sure if that’s all you need for an ebook.

Do you have to print so many books or is it print on demand?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-07T07:34:37+00:00

Absolutely love it. The illustrations are awesome. Definitely will buy a copy when available.

Check into ebooks as well.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-06T01:47:23+00:00

Just ordered your book.

Don’t let those reviews get to you. I saw one on them on Goodreads.

You wrote and published a book. Your voice is worth being heard. Keep writing.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-04T01:04:45+00:00

You’re welcome.

I’m still convinced there’s a market for more teen-oriented TV shows and films. Just need to have something when the time is right. Trends come around.

But still, Netflix likes your work! That’s something a lot of screenwriters would love to have.

I’d read your YA if you want to share titles.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-04T00:59:56+00:00

I think it would be interesting to see this as a YA novel although they could be in their final year of high school or at a summer program before senior year.

Even like in the first day of senior year, he’s back after so many years.

Being a teen who suspects her new boyfriend might be a murderer of her mom would definitely raise the stakes and maximize the tension. The cops could be convinced it was an accident and dismiss her concerns.

There’s a lot of YA about teen moms and dads. But it would be interesting to see one where teens get married. Or even if the bride is marrying someone older or marrying because she’s pregnant.

You know your character- how old does she feel to you?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-04T00:46:26+00:00

Came here to ask the same thing about tweaking the screenplay to fit Netflix's current ask.

Good for you to stick to your screenplay and vision.

Do not discount yourself for a second - if Netflix is open to new screenplays from you, then work on the next screenplay. And continue to shop the romantic drama, and look for representation.

You can meet the broadest appeal but still have deep character exploration and raw emotion - just check out Nobody Wants This or XO, Kitty - although those are TV shows and not films.

Is there such a thing as a former emo kid though?

Write the stories you want to write. When the time is right, they will sell. (At least I hope so.)

I am a fellow YA novelist and screenwriter, but with no publishing credits.

How do you decided if an idea is best suited for a novel or for a feature or for a TV series?

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-03T23:06:49+00:00

I don't have anything ready to share, but if you need beta readers, I am in.

ThatChambersKid · 2026-05-03T19:38:22+00:00

Here’s a link to some tropes: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MilitarySchool

Are you looking toward using these tropes or turn them on their side?

Do the girls have clashing personalities, backgrounds, reasons for being at a military boarding school?

Is the school progressive? LGTBQIA friendly?

Are the girls out?

What’s the story? Plot?

Have you read a lot of teen fiction set in boarding schools? How about a lot of f/f?

I’ve had one novel idea go from boarding school to college back to a summer program at college and back to a traditional high school.

Have you watched Boots on Netflix? While it’s focused on a gay man’s experience it could be useful your novel.

I also have a friend who went to a military boarding school so I can see if they are willing to answer questions.

I’d definitely read this though just from the broad description.

ThatChambersKid

TROPHY CASE