...have I? I'm thinking I've only heard "write what you know." In this case, offstage was good...in fact, most of the deaths in this novel are going to be offstage...but something about this one, I dunno, was bad, I think because I'd given him so little thought, and then mentioned that he was all excited about taking the girls to the ball, and then I realized CRAP YOU DIE.

Oooooooh I just wrote a scene in which the main character has to watch her best friend/somewhat idol choose to go with a bunch of bandits rather than with her fiancé...nevermind all the separation anxiety that's going to come after it. But I know what you mean, about trying to strike the right chords; I've been having a lot of trouble keeping the best friend likeable (or rather, Nell likes her, and I understand why Nell likes her, but I'm afraid everyone will be angry with Nell for putting up with her).

Luck to you as well!