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Elizabeth Lynn Casey | How Characters Evolve
October 26, 2010
They start out as just a name—someone with a particular hair and eye
color. Sometimes they have an extensive history and, sometimes, they have little
more than a particular job or an odd quirk or two to help define them. But as you begin to write, as you begin to create the world around them, as you
begin to make them interact with other names, something magical begins to
happen... They become real. Welcome to my favorite part of the writing process. Creating characters in a series is like unwrapping a fairly innocuous gift and
finding the most extraordinary present inside. And the best part of all? The
present keeps getting better every single time you reach inside the box. When I started writing the Southern Sewing Circle mystery series, I knew
my main character—Tori Sincliar—was a librarian. I knew her age, her
general appearance, her basic personality. The same was true for the rest of the
women in the Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle—Leona, Margaret
Louise, Dixie, Beatrice, Debbie, Melissa, and Rose. But as I continued to write, each and every one of them came to life to the
point where they began to feel like true friends—friends who continue to
surprise me with each book I write. Take, for example, Leona Elkin. When I sat at the keyboard the very first time,
I knew Leona was in her early sixties, rather bossy, and a stickler for southern
rules. Beyond that, though, I wasn’t sure. However, as I wrote, I learned that those southern rules she was such a stickler
about were infused with Leona’s own opinions. I learned that she had a thing for
younger men…particularly younger men in uniform. I learned that she didn’t
particularly like kids and that she had a desperate need to remain young. And
then, just last week, I learned she’d been hurt in the past. Did this "hurt" come out of thin air? No, not at all. In fact, I’m
surprised I didn’t see it before now. Then again, I think I did see it. Or, rather, that part of my brain that dreams
up all of these characters, saw it. Why else would I have made Leona so pushy
where Tori is concerned—particularly when it comes to men? Why else would
I have made Leona so hell bent on pointing out everyone else’s increasing age
while steadfastly ignoring her own? It makes perfect sense. Perfect. Sense. It also makes perfect sense why I’m just now learning these hidden
facets…because I’m becoming closer to the women of Sweet Briar, South Carolina.
Layer by peeled layer, I’m discovering the person behind each name, the life
beneath every tap of my fingers. And do you know what? I’m loving every moment of it just as I do when I’m the
reader and I’m falling in love with a particular cast of characters in a
favorite book. It is, in my opinion, the very best part of finding a series you
love—with characters that grow and change right before your very eyes... They become our friends. Friends we root for, friends we yell at, friends we
seek out every six to twelve months simply because we miss them. Reading really doesn’t get any better than that.
~Elizabeth Lynn Casey **Elizabeth Lynn Casey
is the national best selling author of the Southern Sewing Circle mystery
series for Berkley Prime Crime. Her latest book, PINNED FOR MURDER, was
released this month. For more information, visit her website: www.elizabethlynncasey.com or her facebook fan page.
Comments
37 comments posted.
Re: Elizabeth Lynn Casey | How Characters Evolve
It's great to hear your 'process'. I have always wondered how each authors characters 'came to be'. Maybe someday someone will write a whole book on different authors and their processes. I can dream.
Thanks!!!
(Michele Powell 3:34am October 26, 2010)
I love your process and as I read each book, I'm feeling the same way about the women in the sewing circle.
(Dru Ann Love 5:24am October 26, 2010)
What a wonderful process, really getting to know the quirks of the characters and building around that.
(Joanne Reynolds 7:47am October 26, 2010)
Thank you so much Elizabeth for your Southern Sewing Circle mystery series!
(Cherie Michalec 7:50am October 26, 2010)
That is one of the best things about reading a series is getting to know all the characters and understanding what makes them act as they do.
(Maureen Emmons 10:25am October 26, 2010)
I just came across your Southern Sewing Circle mystery series and I can't wait to read it. I live in the south and just love cosy mysteries.
(Kathy Chartier 10:41am October 26, 2010)
It's really interesting to read your process. These look like books that I would love to read.
Hopping off to amazon to check them out now!!!
Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 11:47am October 26, 2010)
It must be so thrilling to see your characters come alive as you write about them. Thank you for sharing them with us.
(Robin McKay 12:39pm October 26, 2010)
The personalities that you wonderful writers create do become "friends".
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 12:49pm October 26, 2010)
cannot wait 2 read it
(Debbi Shaw 12:51pm October 26, 2010)
That's a great way to start your work on characters.. I do some of the same things... its like I come up with a name for them then what they look like, what they like, where they are from or live and then its a real person to me.. Almost like she or he is sitting there telling me all about themselves. I feel I've made a new friend..Thanks for sharing your process and I cant wait to read your next book.. I do enjoy them a lot...
Heidi
(Heidi Shafer-Wilson 1:32pm October 26, 2010)
I haven't read any of your books, but since I love cozy mysteries with good characterization I'll look for yours next time I go to the book store.
(Sue Farrell 1:57pm October 26, 2010)
I love getting to know characters through the pages of a book... watch them grow and overcome obstacles... it is wonderful to see how things come together at the end!
(Colleen Conklin 2:08pm October 26, 2010)
I would love to win this.. I love who done it books.. This sounds like my kind of read.
(Danielle Pontow 3:08pm October 26, 2010)
It's nice to have you explain how you go about creating your characters and how thay grow, It fun to see how different minds work. I enjoy your books.
(Vickie Hightower 4:13pm October 26, 2010)
I have yet to read anything by you, but I love a good mystery and will look for your books. This one looks like one I would love to read.
(Joyce Bruner 4:18pm October 26, 2010)
I haven't had a chance to read any of your books yet but I am putting your name on my TBR list. I love mysteries! Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 4:57pm October 26, 2010)
I'm from the South & will be the first to admit it's unique. We've lived a lot of places & my middle son swears you should need a passport to go home...I enjoyed the glimpse into how your characters evolve & live for you, just as they do for readers, how cool!
(Ivy Truitt 5:34pm October 26, 2010)
I love watching and reading characters who grow and open up to us. It's like you said, opening up a present and being so amazed at what's there.
(Maude Allen 5:43pm October 26, 2010)
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight.
(Mary Preston 6:04pm October 26, 2010)
That is EXACTLY why I love series books! I love getting to know a cast of characters that you watch grow and change with each book and you love them more and more with each book!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 6:04pm October 26, 2010)
I love cozy mysteries, I'm looking forward to reading yours. They sound great.
(Cheryl Lynne 6:43pm October 26, 2010)
Mysteries are my favorite genre. And the south is my favorite place to be. What a fun excuse to escape into a good read!
(Sandy Fielder 7:22pm October 26, 2010)
I love books where the cast of characters continue to grow. It makes them like you have befriend them and going through a journey with each new mystery.
(Kai Wong 9:14pm October 26, 2010)
I enjoy reading books I can relate, being a sixty something southern woman, I'm looking forward to your new book.
(Sheila True 10:11pm October 26, 2010)
I'm so glad that you had a chance to write your blog!! I tend to gravitate to books that have to do with different crafts, since I'm a knitter, crocheter, and do other needlework as well. Since your story line has to do with a sewing circle, and a mystery to boot, I should feel right at home reading it!! I should fit right in with your cast of characters, too!! I also enjoyed reading about your thought process creating the characters.
(Peggy Roberson 10:39pm October 26, 2010)
I love a good mystery
(Catherine Myers 11:23pm October 26, 2010)
love your blog
(Amanda Edmond 3:28am October 27, 2010)
Thanks, everyone for stopping by!! If you take the time to try out my series, I certainly hope you enjoy it!! And I hope that the ladies of Sweet Briar find a place in your heart as they have mine!
(Elizabeth Lynn Casey 9:45am October 27, 2010)
"They become our friends. Friends we root for, friends we yell at, friends we seek out every six to twelve months simply because we miss them.
Reading really doesn’t get any better than that."
You're right. It really doesn't!!
Later,
Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 5:50pm October 27, 2010)
Developing a character must be an interesting experience. Thanks for sharing some ideas of what it is like.
(Gladys Paradowski 5:55pm October 27, 2010)
Insight is everything, it makes you feel connected to those personas dear to you!
(Darci Paice 8:36pm October 27, 2010)
This information is very important to me as a newbie writer. I'm going to post it to my blog. Thank you for your post. I haven't read your books yet, but I'm planning to. Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win it. I hope I do.
(Barbara Shelton 9:31pm October 27, 2010)
I'm looking forward to Pinned for Murder as I've enjoyed the previous book sin the series. Love hearing how the characters develop!
(Cynthia Laino 1:08pm October 28, 2010)
I enjoy reading a good mystery--- the kind where I can't wait to find out what happens next.
(Anna Speed 2:05pm October 28, 2010)
thank you for the contest I hope i win thank you
(Pamela Hansen 5:01pm October 29, 2010)
Thanks for the explanation and writing the stuff I want to read with characters I get attached to. If characters didn't change, it would be tedious. So here's to the growth and development of more sides to the main cahracters and a new crop of minor ones.
(Alyson Widen 5:22pm October 29, 2010)
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