Shannon here: Becky Sue Harwood share how she creates loveable characters, plus excerpts from her Women Fiction title, One Last Summer, and a chance to win a print copy. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Nov 4th – 15th to enter the drawing for Becky’s book along with 3 other titles in my Nov Book Bundle #1. Deadline: Nov 22nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Becky:
Falling in love with fictional characters can be hazardous to your health. It’s addictive. First, you write a sentence. Maybe a witty quip? Something you, as the writer, would never say out loud but wish someone would. It’s so clever. Then, before you know it, a scene forms around this character with a delightful sense of humor. You reread those few sentences and smile.
And that’s when the “what ifs” start popping into your head. A flurry of questions lead to a larger world for your character. As the paragraphs start to flow, and with every action and emotion, you learn more about this person you’ve created. Before long, they’re no longer just words on a page. They’ve moved into your heart, unpacked their bags, and made themselves at home.
The secret to writing characters readers fall in love with, and stay up late reading about, is creating three-dimensional people with both strengths and weaknesses. If you give them hearts that ache, faith that wavers and grows, and flaws they see in the mirror, your readers will remember your characters long after the last page.
Ruth was the first character born into the scene that would eventually become my debut novel, One Last Summer. When I closed my eyes, I saw her radiating quiet strength, confidence, independence, and with a deeply rooted faith. She was the type of woman others admired and even envied. Yet, beneath her strong exterior, she carried a heartbreaking burden, Alzheimer’s disease. Despite her challenges, I knew Ruth would cling to the lifeline of her faith and trust that Christ would walk beside her through every moment of confusion and loss. In her, I saw a precious example of spiritual maturity.
Once you know who a character is, the next step is figuring out how to reveal those qualities to your readers. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from my critique group. “Put your characters in a tree and throw rocks at them.” I know it doesn’t sound very nice, but adversity reveals character. When you throw metaphorical rocks, you give your readers a chance to see what your characters are made of.
In one early scene from One Last Summer, Ruth’s faith shows up in an everyday setting, a coffee shop line before Bible study. Her inner thoughts display her spiritual grace.
Excerpt from One Last Summer by Becky Sue Harwood:
Behind Ruth in the line, an intense conversation between two women flared.
“You would not believe what they are doing. I planned to mention it to the pastor.” The woman lowered her voice.
The whispered exchange faded into the clatter of mugs on the tables, the tink-tinking of spoons, and the other conversations floating across the room.
Ruth closed her eyes. Living as a believer presented enough challenge without another celebrating our stumbles. Father, be with each of these and with me. Knock the stone from my hand when I’m foolish enough to take aim at another.”
Becky again:
Moments like these show readers who Ruth is, not because she tells them, but because her thoughts and actions show us her heart.
Ruth also adores her family, especially her five-year-old granddaughter, Molly. Their scenes offered me a chance to show Ruth’s warmth, creativity, and playfulness.
Excerpt from One Last Summer by Becky Sue Harwood:
“I’m proud of you. Well done. The fork is on the left, and the knives and spoons are together on the right side of the plates. You did a great job. There is one little problem, though.”
“I don’t see.” Molly’s face scrunched as she examined the place settings. “What?”
“Check the knives. They have their bellies facing the spoons. So rude.” Ruth trilled the last word with a theatrical fanfare. She snickered, flipped a knife, and continued with the same accented flourish. “Knives should always have their bellies pointed toward the plates. It’s much more polite.”
Molly giggled and flipped the other two knives. “You’re so silly, Grandma.”
Becky again:
That silliness and joy is as important to Ruth’s character as her faith. It makes her relatable, someone readers would want to know, someone they might see a little of themselves in.
I create some of my characters with conscious thought and careful planning. Others just walk into my imagination, introduce themselves, and refuse to leave. When that happens, I take a walk with them. Ask questions. Learn their beliefs, their fears, and what they want most. Only then do I discover how they’ll help me tell the story only they can tell.
Creating a character readers love isn’t about a system. It’s about connection. It’s about giving them a heart and a soul that breathes on the page. And if you’re lucky, they’ll not only change your story, but also touch the hearts of everyone who meets them.
Reader Question: Do you have a favorite character in the fiction you read? What draws you to that
special character? I’d love to hear about it!
Nov Book Bundle #1
Gone to Texas by Caryl McAdoo, Historical Romance, e-book
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory by Shannon Taylor Vannatter, Contemporary Romance, print
Detecting Deadly Threats by Carol Post, Romantic Suspense, signed print copy
One Last Summer by Becky Sue Harwood, Women’s Fiction, print
About Becky Sue: Becky Sue Harwood calls Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley her home. She lives in a hundred-year-old farmhouse with her husband and their anxious Chihuahua, Reggie. She is a grandma to eight, ages two to twenty-six.
A former pastor, hospice, and eldercare worker, she enjoys time with her husband and family. She can also be found chasing her chickens around the yard, gardening in the greenhouse, or trying to bring order to her fabric collection. Learn more & connect:
Becky Sue’s Website Becky Sue’s Instagram Becky Sue’s Facebook
About the book – One Last Summer:
Why is Ruth gardening in her nightgown and slippers on a frigid December dawn? Three months behind on the farm store bill? These questions plant fear in Jim Lancaster. Something is terribly wrong with his wife. God feels distant and unknowable to him as he watches her slip further away with each new struggle. Where will he find the strength to face each day?
Her faith the only refuge, Ruth grieves the changes in her life. She’s always been the sociable person who took care of everyone, but now she wrestles with loneliness and being unable to care for herself. What legacy will she leave for her family and friends?
A story of faith and relationships, One Last Summer shows how Ruth’s family faces an Alzheimer’s diagnosis with hope, strength, and love.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Get your copy now! One Last Summer
Come back Nov 15th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
I think I have a favorite character in every book I read lol
What makes a character your favorite?
Thanks for your comment! I appreciate your time.
It depends on the book. Sometimes I have a favorite character and other times I don’t. What draws me to the character is usually their personality.
Do you have to like the personality, or can a favorite character be a villain?
Thanks for reading my blog post! I appreciate your time.