One of the joys of writing is living with imaginary people. Truth is, if the physical world will leave us alone and stop interfering, their reality consumes us. Of course, these imaginary people are the characters in our novels. Sometimes having them in our heads is a delight. Think of Bad Belly in PEOPLE OF THE EARTH. Other times, it can be frightening, as was Gannajero in PEOPLE OF THE LONGHOUSE. Currently we’re living with a host of new and fascinating characters. Some we love, some we hate, and all of them are interesting.
People who don’t write fiction–and some who do, but poorly–just don’t understand. They’ll ask, “How do you make all that up?” The answer is: We don’t. The characters actually live the story, create the drama, and all we do is record what they’re doing or telling us. It’s like writing down a slow-motion movie in your mind. They just take over. And, on occasion, we have to censor some of the more outrageous of their remarks or behaviors. You see, the thing about characters is, they don’t care if you the reader believe in them or not! In their eyes, you don’t exist
What, you ask, does this all boil down to?
Magic. For the foreseeable future, we’ve hopefully minimized the intrusions and interruptions that would jerk us so painfully from that magical place where our characters live. It will be marvelous.
7 thoughts on “CHARACTERS”
August 17, 2012 at 1:19 pm
just a quick note to let you both know that i love every word that you’ve put on the pages of all your books. the history and the colorful characters bring life to your novels. i have difficulty in putting any of them down, even after i’ve read them several times each. you have created a new art form.
Cheryl
August 18, 2012 at 12:47 pm
I am cuious about your use of the name Kotin. Imagine my surprise to see the name in print. Imagine my dismay at finding this character to be so cruel.
I am interested in learning more about how you came to this name. My Kotin roots are in Russia, and I know of no link to the North American continent prior to the late 1800’s.
I enjoy your work and have read all that I can find. Thank you for enriching my life and knowledge.
August 19, 2012 at 4:34 am
Thank you, Cheryl:
We couldn’t do what we do without the support of people like you. And it’s very kind, but we’re not sure we’ve created a new art form, just taken an old one and run with it. Be well, and we hope that you enjoy the new books we’re working on.
August 25, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Apropos of nothing here (except for wonderful characters), I just wanted to say “Thank You Both!” I have been checking every week this summer, aside from the past few (due to work). I just checked again and what was finally on Amazon? Some of my faves in e-book: Anasazi Mysteries and People/Owl – yes! You two are amazing and I will be reading as long as you both are writing these great stories. P.S. I blew through the Longhouse series earlier this spring and cannot wait for Black Sun. Thanks again for creating such a wonderful world,
K
August 28, 2012 at 2:47 am
Hello to “Bad Belly” and “My kidnapper”
October 15, 2012 at 6:59 pm
I accidentally wandered into a love affair with your First North Americans series. Just finished People of the Raven and can hardly wait for the library to open tomorrow. I have one question that’s driving me nuckin’ futz… Wind Scorpion is Coyote, right?
October 17, 2012 at 6:02 am
Dear Gypsi:
Thanks for taking the time to contact us. You read the clues correctly. We’re delighted that you are enjoying the series. It’s our way of making our nation’s forgotten heritage come alive. If you have any other questions, we’d be delighted to answer them.