Character Back Stories
Subtitle: Or when a character hangs on and refuses to leave despite numerous other efforts.
On Facebook today I shared a photo from my recent trip to Washington, USA, where a moss-covered tree bore a strong magical resemblance to a stag, a four-legged mythical creature making its ways through the undergrowth. First let me say that the forests and woods of northern Washington, near Olympia National Forest, are truly some of the most beautiful places I have ever travelled. There was a moment in the Hoh Rainforest that I came upon a cathedral of trees, which sent my mind to Tolkien's, Lothlorien. There was some, deep part of my spiritual self that felt I had trespassed. My mortal feet were not supposed to be within these towering giant's embrace.
Looking through the photos I was reminded of Tylluan Pennoyer from my novel, Silver Words. When I ended SW I felt that the world was not yet done. In fact I have the makings of another book regarding Tylluan and Aurora-Jean, but stronger was the pull to tell tales about Tylluan's youth. I saw my young Fae struggling to find his place in his world, wanting to prove himself, and begin the movement of change needed among the ruling-class. Despite having other projects, other responsibilities, other everythings he kept creeping into my thoughts.
Ever have a character be so instant? So demanding that their story be told? I loved the world of Silver Words, even though the process had been rushed and mistakes were made, as a whole I felt really proud of what had been created with Aurora-Jean, Tylluan, Bartholomew, Cynthia, and the host of other characters, I've said before that the good physician Bartholomew is perhaps one of my oldest characters who began making appearances clear back in my fanfiction days. But he had never demanded a backstory from me. He had always been content to be the physician, the voice of reason, and good friend to whatever ruler I paired him with (though to be fair, he does get some history in Silver Words). But Tylluan demanded a backstory. He would creep into the dark corner of my thoughts and stand there expectantly, filling my senses with hints of tobacco and cedar, littering my writing space with leaves and sticks, blowing the occasional feather to softly float in my peripheral. "Lady Author," he would say rather imperiously. "We are not done. You and I have unfinished business."
Eventually, I acquiesced. And can safely say I was amused and intrigued by what my young king had to tell me. He gave me a glimpse of his parentage, his childhood with Cynthia among other golden nuggets.
I'm seriously considering releasing this backstory for free on this blog. A paycheck is nice, but sometimes sharing is more rewarding. Stay tuned. I'll reconvene with his majesty and get back to you.
Stay creative-
HD ReavisSilver Words
On Facebook today I shared a photo from my recent trip to Washington, USA, where a moss-covered tree bore a strong magical resemblance to a stag, a four-legged mythical creature making its ways through the undergrowth. First let me say that the forests and woods of northern Washington, near Olympia National Forest, are truly some of the most beautiful places I have ever travelled. There was a moment in the Hoh Rainforest that I came upon a cathedral of trees, which sent my mind to Tolkien's, Lothlorien. There was some, deep part of my spiritual self that felt I had trespassed. My mortal feet were not supposed to be within these towering giant's embrace.
Looking through the photos I was reminded of Tylluan Pennoyer from my novel, Silver Words. When I ended SW I felt that the world was not yet done. In fact I have the makings of another book regarding Tylluan and Aurora-Jean, but stronger was the pull to tell tales about Tylluan's youth. I saw my young Fae struggling to find his place in his world, wanting to prove himself, and begin the movement of change needed among the ruling-class. Despite having other projects, other responsibilities, other everythings he kept creeping into my thoughts.
Ever have a character be so instant? So demanding that their story be told? I loved the world of Silver Words, even though the process had been rushed and mistakes were made, as a whole I felt really proud of what had been created with Aurora-Jean, Tylluan, Bartholomew, Cynthia, and the host of other characters, I've said before that the good physician Bartholomew is perhaps one of my oldest characters who began making appearances clear back in my fanfiction days. But he had never demanded a backstory from me. He had always been content to be the physician, the voice of reason, and good friend to whatever ruler I paired him with (though to be fair, he does get some history in Silver Words). But Tylluan demanded a backstory. He would creep into the dark corner of my thoughts and stand there expectantly, filling my senses with hints of tobacco and cedar, littering my writing space with leaves and sticks, blowing the occasional feather to softly float in my peripheral. "Lady Author," he would say rather imperiously. "We are not done. You and I have unfinished business."
Eventually, I acquiesced. And can safely say I was amused and intrigued by what my young king had to tell me. He gave me a glimpse of his parentage, his childhood with Cynthia among other golden nuggets.
I'm seriously considering releasing this backstory for free on this blog. A paycheck is nice, but sometimes sharing is more rewarding. Stay tuned. I'll reconvene with his majesty and get back to you.
Stay creative-
HD ReavisSilver Words
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