I have published three novels and have another one
or two in the wings, and I’m seeing a definite pattern among my main
characters. Although each of them are in very different circumstances, they are
all women looking to improve their lives and to find some balance in a world
that can be more than a little chaotic. In my first book, “Searching
for My Wand”, Glenda has been named (incorrectly, I
might add) after the good witch in the Wizard of Oz. She wants to live up to
the fantasy that that image, presents and yet she’s constantly battling her
demons and temptations.
In my second novel, “On
a Hot August Afternoon”, Stacy is living every girl’s
fantasy. She’s married to Pete, a successful rock star who swears he has eyes
only for her, and their life together is perfect. They have two adorable little
girls and a beautiful new house in an exclusive neighborhood, plus an extended
family with whom they are very close. When pictures arrive in the mail on the
day before Stacy and the girls are to be reunited with Pete at the family
compound in Lake Tahoe, Stacy’s whole world is brought into question.
In my third and most recent novel, “The
Salacious Marny Ottwiler”, Marny is searching for balance
harder than anyone. She is a novelist whose next book is overdue and whose life
in the fast lane has taken a toll. For example, she’s accidentally deleted the
eight chapters she had for this book and can’t even remember what it was about
in the first place. Her marriage is in the toilet, and her family all think they
know what’s best for her, and aren’t shy about letting her know.
All three of these characters are on a journey, and
the thing that makes each of them someone you would want to know is their determination
to get to the other side. They all have the ability to find humor and/or
compassion even in the darkest of times, and because of that, you are rooting
for them. They never give up, or cry “why me?”. They look at their
circumstances and know that they will not be defined by them. They know there
is a light at the end of the tunnel and they move towards it.
I love all three of these characters, flaws and all.
Sure, they do things and sometimes make decisions that I certainly would not,
and yet they are strong and honest and doing the best that they can. I like
their spirit and ability to get up again and again, no matter what life throws
at them.
Here
here, Bridget! Thanks for these words of motivation. My character, Mira, is
also very determined, but I don’t know if she’s much good for finding humor in tough
situations. I’m glad all this motivation was inspired by your three novels
because, now, all me and my followers need to do is get our hands on these
delightful stories.
