Introducing my Characters
To make the top of my ‘best books ever’ list, the characters have to shine. They have to reach out from those black and white pages and wrap their arms around me, pulling me so deep into the story that I can’t put the book down until it’s finished.
That’s also my goal for my own stories. I want characters that will stick with the reader long after the final word has been read. Characters that call the reader back to the book time after time. I know I haven’t perfected my characters yet, but with each rewriting and each new story, I hope my characters are growing stronger.
So let me introduce you to my hero and heroine from the story I finished last summer, Autumn’s Grace.
Meet Hailey Harper Williams. She’s a farm girl who couldn’t wait to leave the small town life for something bigger and more exciting. The only problem? The big city wasn’t quite as fun as she expected and her husband was busy climbing the political ladder. A trip home turns tragic and Hailey is left to deal with the loss, pain and guilt her father heaps on her. Paying restitution is more important than anything, right? Even if the cost is a failed marriage, Hailey hopes that someday her father will forgive her.
Trey Williams. His love of politics has taken him to Washington D.C. and a good job with a Senator. While he was busy following his dream, his marriage suffered. He never expected that Hailey wouldn’t return after her weekend trip home, but one accident changed everything. He shouldn’t have to change his life, should he? Hailey knew when they got married that he wanted a life in politics. But he’s always loved Hailey and a future together might be worth fighting for.
Thanks for meeting these special people. Over the two years it took to write this story Hailey and Trey became my best friends! I know their good points and their huge flaws. I’ve laughed with them, cried with them and I’ve told them to figure out their own problems! They aren’t perfect, but I think they’re pretty likeable and hopefully, if this story ever gets published, you’ll agree!
Happy Friday!
Sara
We do like your characters, Sara! It’s nice to see the pics that you based the characters off of. One day, I’ll be opening up the PUBLISHED copy of this story and I can’t wait!
It was fun finding pictures! I can’t seem to use actors because one move colors my idea of their character and if it doesn’t match my hero/heroine I’m stuck! I’ll send you a free copy if it ever gets published!!
Thanks for sharing how deeply connected you are to your characters. And for spending time with them in a way that will be a blessing to all your readers. I look forward to see Autumn’s Grace get published.
Thanks, Larry. I haven’t always liked Hailey, but hopefully throughout all the rewrites she’s become easier to connect with. Published or not, it’s been a fun story to see grow and improve.
Thank you, Sara, for being vulnerable enough to share Hailey and Trey with us. It’s a little like taking your children into public for the first time, isn’t it? And you hope no one thinks they are ugly!! Well–they’re not. And I’ve loved watching this story and your characters grow.
And I’ve loved all the suggestions you’ve give to help them grow!! As Susie said on Monday, it does take a village to create your characters!
Can’t wait to read Autumn’s Grace! Sounds like a wonderful story….and yes, one seldom reads a book where the characters are lovable or even likable 100% of the time. Sometimes you just what to shout at them “How can you be so dumb or so blind!”
Believe me, Jeanie….sometimes we DO shout at them…and completely forget we created them in the first place. Much like our own kids!!!
Sometimes I find myself thinking about my characters and wondering what they’re up to. And then it’s like, “Oh yeah. They’re not really real.” LOL But then again, they can do whatever “I” want them to … I’m writing the story. Although, sometimes they do tend to take over.
Thanks, Jeanie! It’s those books where the characters are perfect that I tend to not make it past the first few chapters!
Thanks Sara for sharing Hailey and Trey with us. I’m looking forward to getting to know them when I get to read the published “Autumn’s Grace.” No matter what happens, God drew them into your imagination so He would be glorified. And I reckon that’s pretty cool. Enjoy your weekend, my friend.
You’re right, Ian. Even if writing Autumn’s Grace was only to grow and strengthen me and my writing, it was worth it! Can’t wait to read your story, Angelguard!!
I’ve come to treasure Hailey and Trey, too. That was brave to put your friends out there! One day we’ll see a beautiful fall cover with “Autumn ‘s Grace” embossed across it.
You all are so positive. Wish there was an agent or editor in our pages group!! Who wants to become one?
Thank you for sharing Hailey and Trey with us. They sound like interesting people and I’d live to “meet” them in your book.