Creating realistic characters

The thing about writing is that it mirrors real life without BEING real life. Your characters take on a life of their own, and you need to let them. I experienced this first-hand while writing MIST ON THE MEADOW and Wolf Harper. I was constantly correcting Wolf, like an authoritarian parent. "You can't act out like that." Until I realized he was a grown man (albeit fictional) and he was going to do what he was going to do. Once I gave him permission to be who he was, the rest of the book was more fun to write.

I've been thinking a lot about Wolf lately, and part of writing characters is giving them the backstory and informational support they need so the reader understands why they act the way they do. I've run into that to a certain degree with my upcoming release. I've known all along that my main character is overreacting, and I've tried to shore up her position. Despite that, my editor also pointed out the overreacting, but she also had some good suggestions to help validate my character's position. "Wounds" provide rationale for irrational behavior. Hopefully I've added the appropriate information to help the reader understand. Yes, you're going to be impatient with her (because it is a tad out there), but in addition to that impatience, I hope there is understanding. I've provided reasons. It's okay to be impatient with her, but I think you'll also sympathize with her as long as you know why.

I recently read a book where the author inserted themselves into the story to correct their character's behavior, which is what prompted my blog post today. I wasn't enjoying the book to start with, and then when the character stopped to correct themself (i.e., the author's hand was firmly visible in my mind saying "you can't do that"), I wanted to throw the book at the wall. "You can't say that/think that because it isn't politically correct." That's not exactly what it said, but it was implied. The character stopped themself mid-thought to adjust their response, complete with explanation, making them less "human." Hey, if my character has an emotional response to something, all bets are off. They can self-correct later, self-flagellate for what other people might think, but if that's what they think/feel, let them. Not everything in this world is politically correct (although I certainly get the issue in our current world and the state of affairs). The character in question is well established, and a "likable" character. If they have "a moment," I think the reader will sympathize rather than throw stones. I'm not even halfway through the book, and now it's falling into DNF territory for me. Bad enough I can't follow the plot, but to now have the author obtrusively step in to correct the character's thoughts? NOT HAPPY.

On to better things. I've made the last edits to WHEN THE PENNY DROPS and it is on schedule for release! YAHOO! Merry Christmas to me!

And Merry Christmas to you (or whatever other holiday might be applicable). Greetings of the season.

On sale January 7, 2026
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