This week: The Bunny or The Dinosaur Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
It isn't easy just picking names for human characters, let alone picking a creature or other type of being instead. Whether writing for children or just doing a non-human MC, it can be a tough decision as to which animal to use. |
"We're gonna make the character a bunny."
"A bunny? What, no."
"Well, what do you want to use?
"Okay, ummm, what about a dinosaur?"
"A dinosaur, really? Isn't that too cliche?"
"Your bunny is a hack. It has been done.."
"No, you're dinosaur is the one that has been done to death."
*arguing ensues*
This has been paraphrased from my memory of an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. During this episode, the wife (Debra) wants to write a children's book based off something her daughter did when she was a little younger. She makes the mistake of asking for Raymond to help her and problems ensue.
During the beginning of the episode when they are first going over the idea, there is the question of what type of character to use. She wants the story to be about a bunny. He doesn't like the bunny so suggests dinosaurs. Then there is the question as to which of the two animals is considered a hack. They do go with the bunny but then argue over name since one picks Clyve (not sure on the spelling) and the other picks Winky. Rest of the arguments aside, the questions of character choice and what will be best for the story is something authors have to face on a regular basis. I don't know if bunnies or dinosaurs are considered hacks. So, let's look at the topic and consider options for stories with animal main characters.
What is a hack?
The definition, according to an online dictionary, is "a person, such as an artist or writer, who exploits their creative ability or training in the production of dull, unimaginative, and trite work; one who produces banal and mediocre work for money in the hope of gaining commercial success in the arts."
I have to admit that I don't read children's books enough to know whether the bunny is a better choice over a dinosaur. I remember bunny characters from classics like Peter Rabbit and The Velveteen Rabbit. Then again, the main dinosaurs come from either The Land Before Time or Dinosaurs! The phrase "not the Mama" became popular from that last one. hehe
My guess would be that the bunny is used a little more often, but that is just a guess. I'm sure there are plenty for each and what really matters is the character developments plus story. How does one decide? Do you worry about the label of a "hack" if you pick one thing over something else?
I have never questioned if I'm a hack or not. I have questioned if a story was too close to the inspiration but that is a tale for another time. For the most part, I say, don't worry about it. Write about a bunny who tries to run away from home, or maybe it's a dinosaur character... better yet, have a mixed family of dinosaurs and bunnies... okay, that would be weird. Either way, consider the character and the plot, then write the story that makes sense to you. Worry about those other details later. That is future you's problem. The editor you or rewrite you or trying to publish you but for writer you, do what you want to do.
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| | | The Nutty Countdown (E) A squirrel family scrambles to fix a nutty mistake before winter arrives. WC: 740 |
| | | The Cow Who Dreamed (E) A cow dreams of travel, games with family, and a feast of love under the stars. |
| | Hook of the Book (18+) Can you write the most engaging opening sentence for a story? Round 31! Open! |
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Which one is the "hack" of children's books: the bunny or the dinosaur?
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Fantasy: February 18, 2026 Issue [#13596]
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