WHAT'S IN A NOVEL?(3)

How do I decide which type of character to depict in my novels? Generally, I aim for distincitive personalities and character traits. Always I bear in mind my other novels as I start a new story. Unless the book is a sequel, I want characters in my books to be different from each other. I don't want a reader to think they've come across a character before, but by a different name. I want characters to be new and fresh in each novel. MEMORIES ARE NOT ENOUGH is a sequel to NEVER SAY GOODBYE, so here you will be reintroduced to some characters from the first book but they will be the same characters and you will recognise them. This may sound strange, but I don't really 'get to know' my characters until I'm nearly half way through a book. Once I do, I may have to go back to earlier chapters and make sure I have depicted them correctly.

I sometimes find that my support characters are stronger than my main characters. It's just the way it seems to play out. But so long as there are strong personalities in the book overall, that is what I believe is most important. Here's a few examples of characters I have purposely chosen for their 'colour' and interest. -

SECRET LIVES-Nancy Frobisher who runs a private charity - sharp and mean. Mr Humphrey, office manager, the middle-aged office pervert.

DEATH SPELL - Marie Marchmont - scary witch

LOYAL HEART - Roger Farley. Really nice guy but totally indecisive

DEATH OF MISS WETHERBY teenage Felicity with a wild imagination

MURDER ON THE CARDS -Sophie, Eastern European, manipulative on-line flirt. Peter - desperate unemployed man recoving from mental problems.

NEVER SAY GOODBYE - Tom - predatory tradesman

MEMORIES ARE NOT ENOUGH - Larry O'Keefe, the geek who collects fluorescent beach pebbles.

FAR SIDE OF THE LAKE - Donald, the cantankerous elderly man

THE TROUBLE WITH NEIGHBOURS - Chloe, the obnoxious young neighbour who upsets the entire cul-de-sac

TERMINAL FIVE - The totally obsessive admirer

ESSENCE OF EVIL - Archie Sykes, the staunch vegeterian. Mr Gray, the very insistent solar panel salesman.

MEG'S JOURNEY- Daughter, Zoe who thinks her Mum, Meg, is appalling.

POCKET MONEY - Rob, the boyfriend with a double life.

FANDANGO NIGHTS -Podge, the really nice fat guy. Loud Tracy.

I must have brought to life well over 100 characters, and many more when I include my book of short stories.

Each new novel presents an opportunity to introduce amazing characters, one of the aspects of writing I like the most. Bye for now. Julie