I think families, folks we hang out with or groups to which we belong tell stories about us and also our characters. We include people who are wise, concerned about their place in society and warm-hearted souls. Kinda like...well...unlike the group shown here.
I enjoy hearing a little of everyone's story. Maybe because I spend so much time alone writing or maybe because I love watching people...and reading about them too (that's polite speak for nosy). Debbie Macomber writes some great community-type romances. So does Robyn Carr. You don't mind when they take you away from the romantic couple because you get an insight into others' lives and what they add to the dynamics of the story or series.Take my Effie in my Highlander's Beloved Series, for instance. She's an over-protective grandma, a survivor of Woodstock, a flirt. a lover of pink and a real pip.
She plays a major role in all three of the books. Here's the beginning of chapter one of book one, A Highlander's Obsession:
Paisley
Munro tried to not gawk at the two broad-shouldered men in kilts as she hefted
her suitcase off the luggage carousel in the Inverness Airport, located northeast
of the city referred to as the capitol of the Scottish Highlands. Her
grandmother, on the other hand, was all eyes.
“Before
we leave this country, I’m finding out what they wear under those kilts, even
if I have to hike one up and take a gander myself.” Her grandmother patted her
curls. She’d dyed her hair dark red for the trip. Unfortunately, the inability
of her white hair to absorb the dye’s full effect resulted in a halo of pink
curls. The combination of her tresses and her pink pantsuit made her look like
the Pink Panther with wrinkles, just as skinny and wiry but without the tail.
“Behave
yourself, Gram.” Paisley tugged her grandmother’s luggage off the slowly moving
belt that squeaked with every couple inches gained. No use telling the free spirit
to act her age. At seventy-four, why should she start now? “Our ride ought to
be here somewhere.”
Paisley
glanced around for Fiona Matheson, who should be holding a sign for Matheson
Lodge. Fiona had promised in her reservation confirmation e-mail she’d meet
them.
Gram
elbowed her. “Good grief, they’re coming toward us. Look at those broad
shoulders and hairy legs. I’m not drooling, am I?” She pulled her shoulders
back and thrust out her chest. She lowered her chin to talk to her breasts.
“Look perky, girls. Sexy hunks at two o’clock.”
A Highlander's Obsession: A Highlander's Beloved Novel
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00ILX9WC0
A Highlander's Passion: A Highlander's Beloved Novel
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00N6PD78S
Bearing It All: A Highlander's Beloved Novel (releasing October 27th)
by Vonnie Davis
Link: http://amzn.com/B00TCI2A5E
One of the things I love about your books is the humor--never slapstick, but makes me smile because your characters act and sound like real people. You're a gifted writer and I hope you never retire.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caroline. If I get to laughing so hard I can't see the screen, my wild ideas usually go in the book. The editor might make me take it out, but for a while my off-the-wall humor lives.
ReplyDeleteLOL. I'm already loving Effie -- just from reading the book's beginning! I agree with you. It's fun to get to know your characters as part of a larger community. It makes them more realistic.
ReplyDeleteGood post.
Thanks, Sandra. I love reading about other members of a family, no matter the age and the quirkier the better.
ReplyDeleteI like community too in a story. That's why I tend to surround my characters with lots of people and community. That excerpt definitely does its job! Off to check out the book.
ReplyDeleteI also like community in the books I read and the ones I write. Some of the secondary characters add a lot to my enjoyment in writing. Bromances are among my favorites.
ReplyDelete