Composite Characters

In each of my novels I like to include as many characters as possible who have compelling and interesting back stories. I don't remember where I read about it, but I remember reading that plot can only take a book so far. Readers don't read a book for the plot, they read a book for the characters. It's not the distance or route traveled that readers want to know about, it's the story of the people on that journey that is important and compelling.

I create composite characters. Madison and Wynn in Toe the Line, Joe in On the Edge and Stubby and Elizabeth in Vapor Trail are all composite characters of people that I've known. It's not just one person but a whole host of people encapsulated in one character. But always there is a basis for that character. One single person who inspires the character. For Sunset Perfect one of the cornerstones for one main character is going to be my wonderful friend and neighbor, Marianne.

Marianne is a terrific neighbor. I've yet to see her down or depressed. She is perhaps the best cocktail party guest in that when she arrives for a visit she always brings something (usually many things) to help make the food and drinks, and she doesn't drink so she's a cheap date too! She's the best and I can't wait to use here as the foundation for a terrific character. Sure it may not look like much, those characteristics up there, but they will be enough for me to create someone that readers are drawn to and want to know more about. She's a terrific angel, or white knight to come charging in to help the main character with his problems.

You'll notice that I've labeled this post Composites, so I expect to write more of these in the days to come to discuss some of the other characters who will be showing up in Sunset Perfect.