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Tips for Writing About Characters with Burn Scars

Written by: Niki Averton

In today's world, burn 'victims' (as they're often called) are not always portrayed as 'the good guys' in television, movies, or other media sources. In many cases, characters are often portrayed as villains. At Phoenix Society, our goal is to continue to help educate those writing 'characters' in stories and encourage them to write with the mindfulness of whom a burn survivor really is. 

In this comprehensive guide, you'll receive ten tips to help avoid the common mistakes often made when writing to craft a compelling character with scars. As a writer, we invite you to join our organization as we work to eliminate bad representation and understand that the impact of writing negative portrayals is more than skin-deep.

Download the Guide
Niki_Averton

About the Author

Niki Averton is a writer, editor, and lifelong member of the burn community. She earned an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where her thesis examined the representation of scarred characters in speculative young adult literature. Her short fiction has appeared in Voyage YA Journal. Prior to becoming a full-time writer and freelance editor, she was a program manager at Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Niki lives in Michigan with her wife and a small army of furry pals.