25 comments to “When The Character Just. Won’t. Die.”
I loved reading about Donny and his refusal to “die.”
I love reading about angsty heroes who have to go through a lot to get their HEA. Many times the characters jump out of the page and become “real” to me. I don’t want to leave them and will reread bits of the book or later will reread the whole book again.
Snicker. I’ve got a similar character. Luckily he’s a hero. Well, as much a hero as a bloodsucking undead creature of the night can be a hero.
In my case he’s rather a cathartic character. Most often I get a story with him in it when I encounter, in life or through some sort of media, a person whose attitude is ‘Oh yeah! I’m bad! I’m scary! I’m tough! I don’t have to care.’
Then Georges shows up and asks them, “You want to see something really scary?”
My characters pretty much arrive in the middle of their black moments and then haunt me for the entire writing process. And I’m a pantser, so that can meander. I’ve never had a character that didn’t make my heart ache for him or her, so I think that must be my make-or-break stand-out aspect for me.
I love your story about the character who would not leave you in peace. He’s tough!
I tend to enjoy reading about quirky characters, especially if they’re female and paired with a strong, silent alpha.
I also like dark characers with plenty of angst and great motivation for behaving in the manner they do. They need to be “heroic”.
Jennifer - I really enjoyed your post and sympathize about your stubborn Donny. I agree with Wylie. It’s great to know that other people have the same symptoms as me! And you’re very welcome. You are totally worthy!
I love characters who won’t die! My favorite character in the movie SIN CITY is Marv, the big dumb galoof who loves Goldie so much that he goes through hell to get her killer. I mean, the bad guys do everything they can think of and Marv just refuses to die!
See, Julia, mine arrive and keep SECRETS!!! LOL.
Thanks Jane!
Well, Shelley, it really IS an honor to be one of your guest bloggers. I prefer quirky characters too.
Ah Gwen. I think I know which character you mean too.
ME TOO Sela!!!
I had an inverse situation when I started writing The Penitent - I fully intended to kill Halia, the sister of one of the main characters.
My DH read it and said “You can’t do that!” Eventually, for the sake of household peace I didn’t. She survived everything I threw at her and went on to win the hero and live happily ever after.
DH still proudly refers to the fact that he “saved Halia’s life”.
LOVED your blog. I had one character who started out as a minor in one book and eventually commanded his own book. Stephen in Kiss of a Druid Bard was the result. I grew to love him, but I had no intention of ever doing so. Oh well, that’s what makes writing fun.
Hi Jennifer, I can certainly relate. I had a hero just simply take over when he was just supposed to be the liaison to the hero. Oh well, I think that story turned out great, if I do say so. And I never saw it coming until the words just poured out that way.
I loved reading about Donny and his refusal to “die.”
I love reading about angsty heroes who have to go through a lot to get their HEA. Many times the characters jump out of the page and become “real” to me. I don’t want to leave them and will reread bits of the book or later will reread the whole book again.
by Ann M April 30th, 2008 at 12:28 amOh I’m glad Ann. When I write a post like this I’m never sure if people will enjoy it or send the men in little white coats after me. LOL.
Angsty heroes are the BEST.
by Jennifer McKenzie April 30th, 2008 at 5:16 amSnicker. I’ve got a similar character. Luckily he’s a hero. Well, as much a hero as a bloodsucking undead creature of the night can be a hero.
In my case he’s rather a cathartic character. Most often I get a story with him in it when I encounter, in life or through some sort of media, a person whose attitude is ‘Oh yeah! I’m bad! I’m scary! I’m tough! I don’t have to care.’
Then Georges shows up and asks them, “You want to see something really scary?”
I love writing about him.
by Rob Graham April 30th, 2008 at 6:32 amYeah Jen! Don’t worry, I’m an arguer/talker/listener to myself (since no one else will!) and hubby has gotten used to it.
I love how you develop such strong bonds to your characters because it truly shows through in your writing. Keep it up!!!
by Sandi April 30th, 2008 at 8:48 amI love that other writer’s have people talking (or stubbornly not!) in their heads. Makes me feel a little less insane
by Wylie Kinson April 30th, 2008 at 9:11 amThanks Sandi!!!
by Jennifer McKenzie April 30th, 2008 at 10:00 amExactly Wylie!!!
My characters pretty much arrive in the middle of their black moments and then haunt me for the entire writing process. And I’m a pantser, so that can meander. I’ve never had a character that didn’t make my heart ache for him or her, so I think that must be my make-or-break stand-out aspect for me.
I love your story about the character who would not leave you in peace. He’s tough!
by julia April 30th, 2008 at 11:30 amOoh, sounds like an erotic Battlestar Galactica. I can’t wait.
by Jane April 30th, 2008 at 12:09 pmI tend to enjoy reading about quirky characters, especially if they’re female and paired with a strong, silent alpha.
I also like dark characers with plenty of angst and great motivation for behaving in the manner they do. They need to be “heroic”.
Jennifer - I really enjoyed your post and sympathize about your stubborn Donny. I agree with Wylie. It’s great to know that other people have the same symptoms as me! And you’re very welcome. You are totally worthy!
by Shelley Munro April 30th, 2008 at 12:36 pmOh angsty heroes are the very bestest kind fo heroes ever.
I had a hero with a walk on bit steal my heart and get his own book. I lurved him. He hurt to write, but I lurve him anyway.
by Gwen Hayes April 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pmI love characters who won’t die! My favorite character in the movie SIN CITY is Marv, the big dumb galoof who loves Goldie so much that he goes through hell to get her killer. I mean, the bad guys do everything they can think of and Marv just refuses to die!
by Sela Carsen April 30th, 2008 at 12:46 pmSee, Julia, mine arrive and keep SECRETS!!! LOL.
by Jennifer McKenzie April 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pmThanks Jane!
Well, Shelley, it really IS an honor to be one of your guest bloggers. I prefer quirky characters too.
Ah Gwen. I think I know which character you mean too.
ME TOO Sela!!!
I had an inverse situation when I started writing The Penitent - I fully intended to kill Halia, the sister of one of the main characters.
My DH read it and said “You can’t do that!” Eventually, for the sake of household peace I didn’t. She survived everything I threw at her and went on to win the hero and live happily ever after.
DH still proudly refers to the fact that he “saved Halia’s life”.
R
by R F Long April 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pmLOL Ruth!!!!!
by Jennifer McKenzie April 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pmYour Donny is a real hero. Strong, stubborn, charmer and eternal. What more can we ask for? Give him another story.
by Mona Risk April 30th, 2008 at 3:17 pmOkay Mona!!! “Regaining Command” is in the works. LOL.
by Jennifer McKenzie April 30th, 2008 at 7:30 pmLOVED your blog. I had one character who started out as a minor in one book and eventually commanded his own book. Stephen in Kiss of a Druid Bard was the result. I grew to love him, but I had no intention of ever doing so. Oh well, that’s what makes writing fun.
d
by Jean Hart Stewart April 30th, 2008 at 8:29 pmHi Jennifer - it seems like everyone has fallen in love with the determined Donny.
BTW - Rob commented above and his comment went to spam. Sorry about that Rob! I’ve rescued you.
by Shelley Munro April 30th, 2008 at 8:53 pmGreat blog, Shelley!
I agree with Mona. I like a hero like Donny who is strong, charmer, and a fighter. He deserves another story.
by Amelia May 1st, 2008 at 12:27 am[...] guest blogging over at Shelley Munro’s blog which is a huge honor! Come say “hi” if you can. Don’t worry. I’m ranting. [...]
by A Whiskey Wednesday Guest Blog « The Redneck Romance Writer May 1st, 2008 at 6:34 amLove your post, Jennifer! OMG I have recently been there, I can perfectly relate!!!!
by Red May 1st, 2008 at 8:12 am********************
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
********************
My husband chose the winner for me:
Congratulations to Ann M who wins a download of Taking Command!!
Email me at shelley munro @ gmail.com (no spaces) and I’ll organize your prize.
Congratulations, Ann!!
by Shelley Munro May 1st, 2008 at 1:08 pmHi Jennifer, I can certainly relate. I had a hero just simply take over when he was just supposed to be the liaison to the hero. Oh well, I think that story turned out great, if I do say so. And I never saw it coming until the words just poured out that way.
by Savanna Kougar May 1st, 2008 at 11:28 pmI’m late and totally out of the loop, but I couldn’t resist my token cheesey quip about Jen’s characters ‘Taking Command’ of her.
by Gwen Mitchell May 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 amLOL Gwen!!!
by Jennifer McKenzie May 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm