For blog entries posted between 2011-2017, visit Deidre's previous blog at Blogspot.
Roomy Stuff
Although my character spreadsheet for all eight (going on nine) books in the Collective Obsessions Saga is extremely detailed, there is no way I can fit all of the little details pertaining to the many characters spanning a time frame of 157 years (1865-2022).
For instance, in writing book #9: Limb of Iniquity, I've had to go through the text files for all original eight books to verify on which floor of the Larkin mansion specific characters occupied (often from birth to death). It wasn't as difficult as it sounds. I simply used the word "floor" to search all room references in the MS Word files, which took me about an hour.
It might seem trivial when all things are considered, but one of my many writing habits is to ensure consistency throughout the books no matter how miniscule some of the facts may seem. I notice the lack thereof in some of the books I've read in the present and past, and I'd rather not join their company.
For example, the twin characters of Sean and Shannon Larkin spent their early years in a nursery on the second floor of the family mansion. However, when they became adults, both relocated to the lofty fourth floor, where they apparently remain for life.
Quite simply, it's all in the details. ;)
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Posted by Deidre Dalton on Friday, 19th April 2024
Seeds of Character
At the moment, I'm developing a new character for the upcoming Limb of Iniquity (Book #9 in the Collective Obsessions Saga).
Lizbeth Darcy will become involved with the Larkin family, much to her ultimate detriment (unless I change my mind between now and the end of the book). She will be primarily involved with Gabriel "Gabe" Page, another character from the saga (beginning with Book #7: The Twilight), but will find herself becoming ensnared with the "bad seed" in the storyline, Alexandra St. John Cimarelli (who was first ushered in during Book #7: The Twilight as well).
I think my favorite part of writing is creating characters and fictional scenarios from my imagination. It captures my attention like nothing else on earth.
I just love it!
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Posted by Deidre Dalton on Thursday, 4th April 2024
