I received an interesting invitation this week, to enter one of my characters into a "challenge". Twelve authors (so far) will nominate a character from one of their novels to enter the challenge. The characters will face a series of tests and a winner will eventually be named. Your guess is as good as mine, but seemingly this is the third year of the challenge and I'm intrigued!
I know nothing of the challenge, so the first challenge for me was who to nominate? Marcel was never going to be a contender. He failed to cope with the challenges I threw at him in Chantilly Dawns, his collapse being the whole point of the story. His pal Serge would have coped better, but he'd go at this like a bull in a china shop, act first, think later if at all! I love Serge, but he's not the man for a challenge.
Within Sainte Bastien I could choose Dominic, who I know wouldn't be interested and wouldn't bother himself to compete. More than capable, less than dependable. His father Nick wouldn't have the time or patience. Loss of temper would surely ensue.
Which leaves Pete Allen, and no better man for the job. That was, after all, what he was created to do - to take the bull by the horns in Gala Day and become a hero, even though he's far from heroic and not afraid to admit to being scared. He doesn't let that put him off, though. Level-headed, proven in combat and with a secret enjoyment of acting the hero, if truth be told.
If you were invited, which of your own created characters, or favourite literary characters, would you nominate for a mystery challenge? Will it be a game of wits? Brawn and muscle? Or both?
Pete, I don't know what I'm letting you in for, but I know I can depend upon you to win! Let battle commence!