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Carolyn Haines | CHARACTERS OUT OF CONTROL
July 7, 2009
This summer, the 9th Bones book, GREEDY BONES, will be released by St. Martin’s Minotaur. I’m hard
at work on the 10th book. People often ask me if I grow weary of the characters
in Zinnia. After all, I’ve been in relationship with them for ten years or
better, which is longer than many marriages. I never get tired of the Zinnia gang. They’re old friends to me. Trusted
friends who share wisdom, laughter, shenanigans, and a zest for life that I
often find in my real life friends and in the letters of many readers who’ve
written to me. Sarah Booth, Jitty, Tinkie, Cece and Millie bring out the best
in me, I think. One of the most interesting things is how much these characters
have grown and changed over the books, exactly as real people do. Sarah Booth has made some decisions that I question (and she could say the same
for me if she had her own computer!). But one of the most interesting things
about writing series characters is that by now, a decade into it, I don’t
consciously decide what these characters do. They act and react without any
prodding from me. I literally have yielded control, allowing them to become the
people they are destined to become. So if you like what they’re up to in Zinnia, I’ll take credit. But if you’re
angry, then it’s the character’s fault. Writing is the best job in the world,
but also one of the hardest. Please check out my WEBSITE and sign up
for my newsletter. I’d love to hear from you.
Comments
11 comments posted.
Re: Carolyn Haines | CHARACTERS OUT OF CONTROL
I like the idea that the characters are part of your life so thoroughly they come naturally to you
(Diane Sadler 9:22am July 7, 2009)
Thanks for sharing how your characters tell you the story if you are able to listen. Writing it down, an author feels challenged to get the whole story, while it's being revealed a piece at a time like some super puzzle.
(Alyson Widen 10:07am July 7, 2009)
Also, if you get tired of the people around you your could always hang out with the Zinnia Gang
(Karin Tillotson 10:18am July 7, 2009)
I'm glad you're stopping by to guest blog Carolyn, because I'm dying to ask you a question!
A couple of years ago you published a suspense novel with MIRA - Revenant. I really adored that book and was curious if there were any plans to turn it into a series?
(Wendy Crutcher 11:27am July 7, 2009)
I have read all of your "Bones" books and can't wait to read Greedy Bones to see how Tinkie's husband is doing. I love Jitty...she's a haunt after my own heart.
(Robin McKay 11:56am July 7, 2009)
Looking forward to Greedy Bones!!
(Martha Lawson 5:35pm July 7, 2009)
Many authors have mentioned that
their long term characters, locale seem
to take on a life of their own..
Characters seem to dictate their
stories. Hopefully, yours will continue
to take you, and us, through their
world.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:57pm July 7, 2009)
Sorry to be slow to respond. I had a
wonderful book signing at Main Street
Books in Hattiesburg. I arrived in a
monsoon with a bottle of Sarah
Booth's favorite libation and we had
great fun.
Thank you all for commenting. I have
this wild life--where I live most of the
day with fictional characters, but then I
also have this strong connection with
people I've never met BECAUSE of the
characters.
As to REVENANT, there are no plans
for future Carson Lynch books right
now. But I explore different fictional
terrain when I have time. So there's no
telling where I'll end up when the
Zinnia gang is finished with me for the
day.
(Carolyn Haines 9:44am July 8, 2009)
sined up for your newsletter . lookin forward to your books
(Tami Bates 4:59pm July 10, 2009)
Jitty always knows so much; I wonder if she knows of a cure for Morton's toe -
(Elwood P. Suggins 5:12pm August 25, 2009)
Not only do I love her writings, she is a wonderful teacher. I was a participant at a Writer's Workshop in Grand Bay after Hurricane Katrina. She brought out the best in the group.
(Esther Nicholson 11:12pm January 18, 2010)
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