As authors, we are able to take great liberty with our characters - what they look like, their back stories and how they act. In my upcoming novel, "Waiting for Santa," Jillian Bradley has a couple of romantic interludes, which is a departure from most of the previous books. When my husband read those sections he became jealous, as if he pictured me involved with the love interests! Now, I do admit to basing some of my protagonist's character traits on myself - hair color, being a gardening and art affectionado, and of course one who serves afternoon tea. But the stories are not real! He says, "I feel like punching him when..." Sorry I can't tell you what made him say this because that would be a spoiler. Further on in his reading he said, "Your readers are going to eat this up!" Well, I certainly hope so because that's the whole point! Writing fiction is the most fun of all simply because we create stories that we'd like to really happen. Hmm. Maybe my husband will get a few ideas! I've been taking care of grand kids this week in California while he's reading the book for the first time, but when I return home it will be interesting to see if he treats me any differently. Maybe I ought to say, "But honey, it can be real." "Waiting for Santa" is the sixth book in the Jillian Bradley mysteries due out at the end of November. Do you every try out ideas you read about in books?
To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, and Pacific Beach, please visit the Cozy Book Store and her blogs:
Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames
"Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews
Congratulations on the new book, Nancy! Sweet post. I think it's so funny that your husband is jealous of your book character. It's a good think you're not an actress!
ReplyDeleteOf course he's only teasing, but at least the story's getting some reaction!
Delete~Nancy Jill
That is so funny Jill. My fiance did the same thing when he read something in my next book coming out, "Murder in Marietta." I describe an Italion doctor and the reaction my protaganist and her best friend have when they see him. It is just a story - right? LOL
ReplyDeleteDeborah Malone
"Death in Dahlonega"
Love it Debbie! Keeps them on their toes!
Delete~Nancy Jill
My husband was kind of curious as to why my hero was a stocky Italian construction worker with broad shoulders and smouldering eyes instead of a tall, skinny Midwesterner with a dry wit and a mandolin. ; )
ReplyDelete"Maybe," I said, "It's because I don't like to share."
What does that mean Traci?
Delete~Nancy Jill