While traveling recently I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a colleague and friend. Several years ago, we’d worked together under unusual circumstances – while living in a foreign country – and I have to admit, I worried our friendship was situational. Living overseas, we enjoyed each other’s company, respected our shared skills, and relied on each other to some degree as a safety net. But we were part of a small group who shared a commonality that naturally made us cling to one another.
We stayed in touch via social media after we parted ways. The polite likes and holiday wishes one shares with friends on the internet. Then a few months ago we ended up working together again and a recent trip put me in her hometown. We quickly made plans to meet up.
I wondered if the dinner would be easy or difficult – forced conversation and awkward silences, or the kind of relaxed interaction we’d shared once before. I didn’t have to wait long to find out because the instant we saw each other I knew the evening would be filled with laughter and easy conversation. It was like the six years since our last meeting had been only a few days.
Character development is a lot like being with an old friend. We know them intimately. Not only have we created every facet of their existence they often represent a part of us, sometimes secret parts, sometimes not so secret parts.
One thing I recognized about my female MCs recently is that while they all have parts of me in them, they are ultimately who I wish I could be. Stronger, smarter, more confidant. They love more fully, take more risks. Each time I write a new character, I get to create the me I wish I could be.
Maybe that’s why I still write romance. Each new book is a chance to experience, even vicariously, the rush of falling in love.