Introducing . . .

One of the most FUN things a writer of fiction gets to do is make friends with people. Yes, writing is a solitary business, and as a writer I am mostly alone at my computer with no other co-workers except the cat. But she isn’t the only friend sitting at my desk.

While working on my upcoming release, BREATH OF WATER, I made several new friends. They might be “imaginary” friends, but they are real to me. My characters must come alive for me. I have to be able to “hear” them (no, I don’t need to be on medication), and converse with them (please do not call the authorities to take me away) in order for them to tell me their story. If my characters don’t feel real to me, they won’t feel real to a reader, either.

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to my new friends:

DULCIE CHAPPELL — Dulcie is the fifth generation of the Chappell family. She loves the land and her legacy that has been handed down to her from her grandparents, and she is fiercely protective and loyal. Heaven help the person who speaks a word against her grandparents, because dealing with Dulcie’s wrath is a little like trying to baptize a cat.

GAVIN DEWITT — All his life, Gavin has lived in the shadow of his older brother, and has believed he must attain the goals set for him by others in order to be successful. When he meets the Chappell family, all his pre-conceived notions are trampled, and he is challenged with choices he has never faced before.

JAMES CHAPPELL — Dulcie’s grandpa is a simple man, but possesses more wisdom than most “educated” people. His love for his family is strong, his roots go deep into the mountains of his birth, and his faith in God is unwavering. His greatest desire, after loving God, is to see Dulcie inherit the land and the legacy that goes with it.

VIRGINIA CHAPPELL — Dulcie’s grandma can be a spitfire, but her heart is tender when it comes to her husband and granddaughter. She is doggedly determined keep working until the Lord takes her home, and by her example she teaches Dulcie to embrace their heritage.

ARNOLD DEWITT — is the guy readers will love to hate. Arrogant and haughty, he believes there is nothing more important than making money, no matter who he has to manipulate.

MALACHI — this guy turns out to be a hero more than once!

BREATH OF WATER releases on September 20th! I hope you will enjoy meeting this cast of imaginary friends as much as I enjoyed writing about them.