Though writing can be very isolating, we authors have our characters to keep us company. We have conversations with them. When invite them into our lives and become friends with them.
But what happens when the characters want to take over the story? Well, then you have a tug of war on your hands, and you never know who will win in the end.
When I first start a new book, I have a general idea of what I want the story to be about though I’m not big on outlining. I normally let the idea simmer in my head for a few days while I get to know the characters. Then I grab my laptop and start to write. I have the characters’ hopes and dreams all settled in my head. I know exactly when they will fall in love and how the story will end. . .that is until the characters take over.
It never fails—just about every single time I write a book, my characters have a different ending in mind.
In AMONG THE INNOCENT, I loved the ending I had in mind, and I was excited to get to the point where I could type the words, “the end.” Unfortunately, the battle with the characters started early on.
Main characters Leah Miller and Dalton Cooper had a different ending in mind for themselves, and they were very determined that it should happen their way.
And you know what? They were right. The finished book is different from what I imagined when I set out to write their story, but I love the way it turned out. With Leah and Dalton’s help, the story became a race against time to identify a serial killer before he could claim his ultimate victim. . . Leah. Writing about the connection between Leah and the killer was a challenge, especially when that connection is closer than she thinks. And the ending will hopefully be a surprise to the reader.
When I start a new book, I am so certain I have everything all worked out in my head before I write the first words down. That is until those characters I’ve created in my head hijack the story and make everything better.
All the best. . .
Mary Alford
www.MaryAlford.net
Publication Date: June 7, 2022
When Leah Miller’s entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family’s deaths.
As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can’t help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah–and Dalton–when the full truth comes to light?
USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future—together.
“Among the Innocent is no buggy ride BUT A RACE TO STOP A KILLER”
– DiAnn Mills, bestselling and award-winning author
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Mary Alford and Revell. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.
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Great guest post!
“When invite them into our lives and become friends with them.” – I love this! I very often feel like the characters are my friends.
I love that the characters are so real for you!
Thank you, Wendy. Characters do become friends, don’t they. I love when a book becomes a series because I get to visit those friends again. Have a great day.
Thank you, Dayna, for sharing Among the Innocent with your readers. I am grateful. Have a wonderful week.
You are most welcome, Mary! We’re happy to have you! 🙂