Pretty Little (or Big) Liar....

 by Charlotte Bennardo

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

I've never written an unreliable character. Maybe because it's my nature to call out b.s. I may not be vocal about it (as much as I used to be), but if a person hands me a line I know is untrue, I give them a look, and usually walk away. I don't have time to deal with unreliable people. I don't even know if I'd be able to write an unreliable character. 

As for the biggest lie I've ever told? Sorry, not going to spill THAT. (I don't know all of you that well.) And there are some things I still haven't told my mother (she's 84, why ruin her illusions of my perfection.... ha ha.) 

But I WILL tell you some of my lies: when a relative showed me an outfit and asked if I liked it. Of course, I thought it was ugly and did not flatter them. I told them it's perfect because THEY looked so happy. My opinion wasn't really necessary, and why offer "my" truth? Their truth was the outfit made them feel special, they glowed, it was perfect-for THEM.

There are some foods I abhor. When I'm offered them, I either try to make a reasonable excuse (I'm sensitive to an ingredient), or I take a small bite and when they aren't looking, spit it into my napkin. I'm not going to eat foods I hate just to please someone else, but I also won't be a rude guest. It looks like I've eaten their offering so they're happy. I haven't really, so I'm happy. 

I don't do book reviews, not because I have a problem giving my opinion, but when I know that opinion will go against the general trend, or will hurt the author, I refuse to lie. "Oh, I loved the book!" is not going to fall from my lips (or fingertips for writing). Instead, I say that I don't have the time, I don't really read picture books, or whatever excuse. Still a lie, but no one is harmed in the process.

As the sayings go, lies have a way of being found out, the truth is easier to remember, and no one benefits from a lie. I disagree. Hmmm.

Maybe I am the unreliable character..... 

Charlotte is busy promoting her new YA fantasy, The Excalibur Vow, and thinking about the sequel people have been asking for. Her adult sweet romance, Christmas Bells, Hanukkah Lights, will debut in 2026. She writes MG, YA, NA, and adult novels and short stories in sci fi, fantasy, contemporary, horror, paranormal, and romance genres. She is the author of the award-winning middle grade Evolution Revolution trilogy: Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons. She co-authored the YA novels Blonde OPS, Sirenz, and Sirenz Back in Fashion. She has several short stories in anthologies, online, and her website, along with newspaper and magazine articles. She's applying her MFA skills on several children's and adult novels and short stories. She lives in NJ but dreams of a Caribbean beach house. And more cats.