Alison’s reflection on “monsters” in fiction brings out such a fresh perspective on the concept. She shows how monsters transcend horror, embodying fears, flaws, and hidden conflicts in all types of stories. The way she encourages writers to explore what "monsters" might already be lurking within their own narratives is compelling. By recognizing these figures in fiction, we get a deeper look at both character and story sometimes a monster isn’t external but the darkness within, tangled up in themes and motivations.

If you enjoyed Alison’s exploration of unconventional story elements, you might like some of my own thoughts on storytelling, where I dig into the layers of what drives characters and plot forward.