Getting Into Character
Before I put the very first word of Running To You (2013) onto the manuscript page, I had mentally
developed my characters to the point that I had “imaginary friends.” We had
conversations, interesting ones I might add. To the outside world, this might
get me a lengthy stay at a local mental institution, but an author’s mind is
never at rest. Regardless if I’m at work, home or behind the windshield… I’m
plotting storylines and mentally conversing with my characters.
Getting into character gives the individuals in the story their
true substance. I thought I would share with you my character interview with
Dr. Grayson Brooks, the hero in Running
To You, (released April 2013) and the upcoming sequel, Two Sides of a Heartbeat, (releasing July 2013.)
Where were you
born?
Chicago
What nationality do
you consider yourself?
Italian-American. My Father met my mother while stationed
in Italy.
Who was the most
important person in your life and why?
My Mom. She never stressed about anything, she was the
most patient person I can remember ever knowing. With an Italian heritage, she
had a passion for food and believed that a large family meal was the heart of
the family. She instilled honesty and integrity into my soul and even though I
lost her as a teenager to Breast Cancer, I can still hear her voice guiding me
through my journey of life.
When did you decide
to become a Doctor?
When I was in high school. I enjoyed biology and the
mechanics of cell structure. I became interested in cancer and genetic testing
after my mother was diagnosed. After one summer of missionary work, I was
hooked. My Dad was retired Army, so I decided to use the Army as an avenue to
see the world while I trained as a Surgeon.
What is your
specialty and why?
Surgery, specifically breast surgery, surgical oncology.
After my mother died of breast cancer, I knew that I wanted to work
specifically with that particular disease. I treat every patient as if they
were my mom, giving them of the best care and training that is possible with
the technology that we have.
How did you meet Alexandra?
She came into my office as a rep for a new product. I saw
her business card and thought she was a man since it read “Alex Morrison.” What
a shock when I rounded the corner and saw a tall, stunning redhead with the
most beautiful green eyes that I had ever seen. I was completely immersed in
her from that moment on. But I have to declare… I didn’t want to be.
Do you believe in
love at first sight?
I never did until I met Alexandra. I can’t explain it and
would argue until my last breath that it was possible, but it happened,
nonetheless. She’s everything to me and then some. I can’t remember my life
before her and can’t imagine my life without her by my side. She is absolutely
stunning.
What are your
quirks?
I have to control things. I like a controlled
environment, maybe because of my time spent in the Operating Room. I also have
a need to protect the people that I’m close to, which could be because of my
military training, or the loss of my mother at a young age.
Do you smoke, drink
or use drugs?
Drugs… never. I love wine and enjoy a beer from time to
time. Don’t tell Alexandra, but I love a cigar ever once in a while!
Of all the places
that you’ve been, do you have a favorite?
Absolutely, it’s Vienna. Truly remarkable architecture
and culture. I want to take Alexandra there. In fact, I would love to marry her
there.
What is your
favorite night out?
Dining and dancing with Alexandra. There’s just nothing
better. I love live jazz music and sometimes my musical choices drive her nuts.
I have music everywhere, sleep to it even. She’s adjusted to it quite well.
Favorite food?
Any kind of fish fixed in just about any way. My mother
would not be happy to hear me say that. Her family had an olive orchard in
Italy. We’ve joked that olive oil runs through our veins, giving us such
glorious skin.
How old are you and
what is your sign?
I’m 38 and I’m a Pisces.
How many children
do you want?
I would love to have four, but Alexandra would have to
agree to that.
What color are your
eyes?
Alexandra says they’re sapphire blue… you can decide that
for yourself.
Read our love story in Running To You available now. Click to purchase:
Watch for the sequel, Two Sides of a Heartbeat out later this month with a cover reveal coming in a few days! Follow me:
www.delaineroberts.com @delaineroberts https://www.facebook.com/delainerobertstheauthor
Interesting, DeLaine. If we weren't writers, we'd all be in the loony bin, wouldn't we? I love that my characters become real to me. I have trouble finding a photo to represent them because they are unique and no photos measure up to them. You found great photos, though.
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. Yes, I was lucky to find photographs matching my characters, but I had to do some searching.
I wish I could find photos first and write the story second, but it hasn't worked for me thus far.
Beautiful people, those two!
Have a great one,
D
Great post, DeLaine! I love doctor's. I'd leave my husband for my knee doctor in a minute. Only kidding, honey. I'm like Caroline, I have a very visual of my h/h and finding their pictures is very hard. I often think I should find the picture, then write the story, but I don't think that would work for me.
ReplyDeleteLoved your character interview, DeLaine. I get to know what makes Grayson tick before I read his story. Thanks for sharing with us today!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carra!
ReplyDeleteYes, can you imagine him being your doctor? He has a tough exterior, but Alexandra shreds his interior walls in Running To You and Two Sides of a Heartbeat. Can't wait to get your feedback.
Virtual hugs,
D
DeLaine, I love character interviews. It's fun getting to know a character through their own eyes. Good job! Dr. Grayson Brooks sounds like a true hero. Does Alexandra ever call him "Gray"? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteHi DeLaine! I have my stew and brew process where scenes of the characters' lives play over in my head and show me who they are and where they came from. Then when I start writing they will carry on scenes among one another that help me build the story and learn more about them.
ReplyDeleteYour two sound like a great conflict match. Nice job!
I like the questions you ask Grayson but he seems to steer the conversation back to his feelings for Alex which shows he's in love. One of my husband's friends is named Grayson. He is the only person I ever knew with that name, but now I see it popping up occasionally. Good job.
ReplyDelete