Guest PostI’d like to start by thanking The Character Connection for hosting me today on my virtual book tour for Deadly Image. It is an honor to be here and meet your readers.
Creating characters is one of my favorite aspects of the writing process. Before I begin, I have an idea or two of who they are and if I’m lucky sometimes I’ll know what their goals are. Usually, either the hero or heroine has been hounding me for weeks in my head to tell their story next so I have an idea of what they need or want.
Beginning a new story is always thrilling. The possibilities are endless and I have the characters’ lives, happiness and future at the tip of my fingers. A couple of strokes to the keyboard could determine their fate and it’s an exhilarating feeling. I think one of the reasons I love writing is because it is the one area in my life where I at least feel like I have total control of the outcome. Far too often in real life, circumstances are out of our hands. That’s not the case in novels. The author can determine what will and will not happen to the characters. Of course more often than not, the characters will sometimes surprise you and take over the story. When this happens, I let them. It is their story after all and they usually know best.
Some authors fill out a detailed form about each main character before they begin to write. I have a few of those forms stored on my computer and I’ve tried to fill them out before, but I simply don’t have that kind of patience. Sometimes, I will search for pictures on the internet and find ones that are similar to my characters. I store these in a file on character and add to it as they reveal a little more about their lives to me while I’m writing the book. Though sometimes, I’ll have a stubborn character who refuses to share, but as I pen the first draft of my story, I can usually manage to get him or her to open up eventually.
In my latest book, Deadly Image, Ace Valdez was on of those stubborn characters. He is a very private person and wasn’t at all forthcoming in the beginning. But, as the story began to take shape he finally let me in on his traumatic past and his inner most fears. One of the most surprising secrets, Ace revealed to me was the reason he kept a supply of caramel candies with him at all times. It seemed to be a bit odd for an FBI agent to have such a strange habit, but who am I to argue? I’m just the author. The characters are the lifeline of the story and even though I may think I’m in control, they usually have the last say in how the story plays out. Which is how it should be. Who are some of your characters and why did you like them?
About the BookGone without a trace...
Lexi Yates knows she hasn’t harmed her three-year old daughter, yet the Louisiana town of Gator Bayou seems to think she’s guilty. With her daughter missing, the evidence stacking up against her and her faith in God tested to the limit, Lexi must find a way to convince FBI agent Ace Valdez she’s innocent before she becomes the next target.
Ace Valdez doesn’t trust easily, and he certainly knows better than to fall for a case, yet there’s something about the widowed mother that makes him want to believe she’s innocent, but evidence doesn’t lie. Or does it?
Pages: 113
Publisher: Steel Magnolia Press (July 6, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B008IJ5FPA
Buy Link: Amazon
About the AuthorTamelia Tumlin sold her first story to Dogwood Tales Magazine many years ago while taking a creative writing course in college. The short story titled "The Traveler" was the feature story for that edition. After graduating college in elementary education, life, a teaching career and a wonderful son consumed most of her time. However, in the past couple of years, the yearning to pen fabulous romantic tales of to-die-for heroes and spirited heroines has taken over. Ms. Tumlin has worked with several online publishers, but she is now writing for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes to pursue her passion. Her novels range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous.
Links to connect with Tamelia:
Web site (author)
Web site (publisher)
Goodreads
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