August 4, 2018

The ocean’s been sort of rough the last couple of weeks. I think it’s the most beautiful then–might not be the safest time to go swimming, rip tides and such, but sometimes it’s just a joy to watch those ever changing waves.

I’ve introduced a new character to the new book I’m working on,  SHARKSBREATH–his name is August Temple. (love the name) and he a “rough” sort of character, a conflicted, unpredictable person. But these are the people I find most fun, and most interesting to write–the conflicted. Most of us have had to struggle with what is right and what is wrong–what is good and what is bad. After all, we are all human. (I have my doubts about some) Still, experience has taught me that people who always know what is right and what is always good, are either hypocrites or liars (maybe a little naive) Like the ocean, all of us have a rougher side, even though we may try to keep it hidden.

QUOTE: “Writers must be fair and remember even bad guys (most of them anyway) see themselves as good-they are the heroes of their own lives. Giving them a fair chance as characters can create some interesting shades of gray–and shades of gray are also a part of life.” Stephen King

WRITING TIP: when writing a character, think of yourself. Certainly you have doubts, certainly you weigh the odds. It doesn’t matter why you do these things (there are a thousand reasons). To appear real, your character must be human.