Today, as part of the Indie Writers Unite! bimonthly blog tour, I have author C. M. Barrett in the house, to discuss the relationship between a writer and well-loved characters, and how nothing lasts forever.
The Long Good-bye
For me, one of the greatest pleasures of reading a series is developing an extended relationship with characters who become familiar and dear. When the series ends, it’s always difficult to say good-bye to them.
As an author, I share these pleasures and sorrows but with greater intensity. When I’m writing, the characters basically live with me and, as our relationship grows time, tell me what they want.
My favorite dragon says he’s tired of being depressed and socially backward. He’s ready to fulfill his destiny, and, by the way, bring on the ladies. A determined and courageous kitten who was perhaps overly delighted with her many talents is ready to put a more mature paw forward.
The human characters, though slower to realize their needs, have learned fast. A young woman begins to tell me she’s tired of fearing her psychic gifts. She’s ready to exchange infamy for fame or at least happiness. A lonely and proud man with a smothering intellect wants to learn to think with his heart.
In the ways that an author is like a parent, I’ve been delighted with their growth. The more they mature, though, the less they need me. They’ll continue their lives in whatever dimension fictional characters live, and I will become an empty nester.
As all parents must, I have to learn to let them go. I know it’s for my benefit, too. Being surrounded by well-known characters gives ease to writing. However, when it becomes too easy, the time for new challenges arrives.
That moment is approaching. I’m presently writing the fourth and final book in A Dragon’s Guide to Destiny, and the long good-bye is beginning. Like my depressed dragon, I may suffer feelings of abandonment. I may be as lonely as my male human protagonist and need to take some risks with my heart.
It won’t be for long. Already, new characters are queuing up to fill the incipient void, and I’m beginning to get to know them. In time I’ll grow close to them, but I won’t forget the long-term relationships that involved so much of my writer’s life.
C. M. Barrett
You can learn more about her and her work at her website, A Dragon’s Guide to Destiny: http://www.adragonsguide.com/index.shtml, or check out her Amazon Author page at: http://www.amazon.com/C.-M.-Barrett/e/B004RCKVQA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1.
Respectfully,
Arshad Ahsanuddin
Tags: blog tour, C. M. Barrett, Dragon's Guide to Destiny, indie author, Indie Writers Unite
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