Today we’re delighted to have Tellulah Darling with us as we continue our series in defense of unlikeable characters.

AUTHOR FILES FOR MORAL BANKRUPTCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER – Due to the findings of a three-year audit, in a move that has shaken the comfort levels of writers everywhere, YA romantic comedy author Tellulah Darling was forced to file for moral bankruptcy Tuesday, sources confirmed.

Formerly known for her fervent belief in happily-ever-afters and the intersection of where love meets comedy, Darling looked bewildered as she met with reporters at her home. “I thought I was writing a funny book about teens having sex,” Darling said, staring helplessly as repo men took away the vowels from her keyboard. “Fictional teens. I had no idea they weren’t supposed to do that.” With a burst of speed, the author snatched the “Y” key away from repossession hell, pressing it to her cheek. “Y? Y?” she chanted.

It all started with the release of her debut young adult romantic comedy novel in 2012 entitled Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls. While many praised the book for “speaking and acting the way teens actually do,” another segment of its readership was outraged at what they called the characters’ morally bankrupt actions. In a modern twist on My Fair Ladymeets Frankenstein, or as Darling puts it “Why the hell can’t girls be more like guys” meets a monster of a make-over, Sam Cruz turns his female best friend from doormat to player. Hilarity–and sexual hijinks ensue. 

As a result of growing pressure from outraged readers, an audit was started, and now, thanks to its findings, Darling has been forced to file for moral bankruptcy, the first case of its kind.

Author Tellulah Darling in happier times

While it’s not clear what effect, if any, this move will have on the YA writing community, or Darling’s career, she’s determined to keep writing. “For me, Sam Cruz was always about the journey of best friends, forced into an extreme situation that makes them reassess their feelings for each other. Sex was just the comedic vehicle to get the m to an HEA.”

When asked if she’ll play it safe with her characters from now on to avoid future audits, Darling gives a mischievous grin. “Probably not. To quote Katherine Hepburn, ‘if you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.’ And my books are all about having fun.”

Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?

That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend. Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally’s alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced YA romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship. 

This contemporary teen romance contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow.”