Tonya Coffey's Blog - Posts Tagged "characters"
Characters
When someone asks me if I am writing about someone in particular, I tell them no but every writer gets their inspiration for a character from people that we know. It may be a small detail to the biggest flaw.
When I write, creating new characters, I try to focus on what I would like to be as a person and what would attract me towards them. I know it's kind of silly but it works for me.
In my new book, I came up with the names because that was what I was around. Jessa came from what I wanted to be named. I loved the name Jessica and thought every girl in school named that was special and I wanted to have the same name. So when I started the book, she was Jessica then it was shortened to Jess and then I wanted something alittle different so I added the a--Jessa. I love her name.
Roderick was the second character that I came up with. I originally had him as the only guy in the story, but she needed more of a struggle and that's why I added Micha.
Micha is a extra. My husbands friend is Michael and his wife is Jessica so I felt it was right.
Everyone else just kinda fell into place. They each reflect their name somehow, whether it's in their personalities or their looks.
I give the advice to look for inspiration around you, it doesn't matter how small or big. It's important to have a connection to it, so the reader can feel the emotion you feel when you wrote the character. That is what makes readers come back to read more.
When I write, creating new characters, I try to focus on what I would like to be as a person and what would attract me towards them. I know it's kind of silly but it works for me.
In my new book, I came up with the names because that was what I was around. Jessa came from what I wanted to be named. I loved the name Jessica and thought every girl in school named that was special and I wanted to have the same name. So when I started the book, she was Jessica then it was shortened to Jess and then I wanted something alittle different so I added the a--Jessa. I love her name.
Roderick was the second character that I came up with. I originally had him as the only guy in the story, but she needed more of a struggle and that's why I added Micha.
Micha is a extra. My husbands friend is Michael and his wife is Jessica so I felt it was right.
Everyone else just kinda fell into place. They each reflect their name somehow, whether it's in their personalities or their looks.
I give the advice to look for inspiration around you, it doesn't matter how small or big. It's important to have a connection to it, so the reader can feel the emotion you feel when you wrote the character. That is what makes readers come back to read more.
Snow Moon
OK, so I wrote book 2 pretty fast since I was excited about telling Jessa and Micha's story. I wanted to let the reads understand the struggles Micha faced before he got to the place he is with Jessa. Even now, in the book, he has a hard time trusting people and himself. He is put through "the ringer" to keep peace for him and the the realms.
I know this book will have more of a YA feel then the first. Jessa has things to think of and Micha is put in a situation that most men can't handle well. Doing this, I'm afraid of loosing younger readers. Will I push them away because the characters kiss more or Micha is feeling all these emotions a "man" isn't suppose to feel?
I hope when readers pick up this book they will feel the emotion, the fear, the sorrow that the characters feel. I want you to lay the book down when you are finished and take a breath, wondering if love does conquer all.
I know this book will have more of a YA feel then the first. Jessa has things to think of and Micha is put in a situation that most men can't handle well. Doing this, I'm afraid of loosing younger readers. Will I push them away because the characters kiss more or Micha is feeling all these emotions a "man" isn't suppose to feel?
I hope when readers pick up this book they will feel the emotion, the fear, the sorrow that the characters feel. I want you to lay the book down when you are finished and take a breath, wondering if love does conquer all.
Excitment
I'm pretty excited about my second book. I know all writers get anxious and all that when they get closer to finishing.
I decided to start a giveaway, again. I wanted more people to see the book and maybe fall in love with the cover and read it. I didn't realize how hard it would be to promote your book. I'm one of those people who goes to town (grocery store and pay the bills)once a week. I go to Walmart maybe three times a month but I doubt it. If it's a special occasion then I go more.
I'm trying hard to talk to schools about the book. They don't seem to be interested unless I donate two books to them. I would love to donate to each and every school but I can't afford it. But I'm not in it to get rich only to share my stories with others.
So, the reason for this ramble, I'm going over Snow Moon. I've reworked it and added some things. I started reading it from the beginning and realized how much I loved these characters. They are my family just as my kids and husband are. I would be lost if they weren't in my life. If I couldn't read what they were up to.
That makes me laugh and so does Micha.
I was worried about Micha in the book. I made him a little emotional. He has been through so much in the short time he has known Jessa but before that, he's been through more. We find that out in this book.
I can't wait to share this book with you and the world. I think you will be surprised by Micha's life and their relationship. I hope it turns out the way I want.
I decided to start a giveaway, again. I wanted more people to see the book and maybe fall in love with the cover and read it. I didn't realize how hard it would be to promote your book. I'm one of those people who goes to town (grocery store and pay the bills)once a week. I go to Walmart maybe three times a month but I doubt it. If it's a special occasion then I go more.
I'm trying hard to talk to schools about the book. They don't seem to be interested unless I donate two books to them. I would love to donate to each and every school but I can't afford it. But I'm not in it to get rich only to share my stories with others.
So, the reason for this ramble, I'm going over Snow Moon. I've reworked it and added some things. I started reading it from the beginning and realized how much I loved these characters. They are my family just as my kids and husband are. I would be lost if they weren't in my life. If I couldn't read what they were up to.
That makes me laugh and so does Micha.
I was worried about Micha in the book. I made him a little emotional. He has been through so much in the short time he has known Jessa but before that, he's been through more. We find that out in this book.
I can't wait to share this book with you and the world. I think you will be surprised by Micha's life and their relationship. I hope it turns out the way I want.
