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| Image ~ Syther the Quitch: |
Here is another Aithne Jarretta secret… Conflict drives me to pulling my hair, grumbling at characters, and after much procrastination, pacing, and then eventually there's conflict resolution. (Okay, maybe that is a little crazy. lol)
Every author handles conflict is different ways. (Variety is the spice of life. ;)
Some authors bring in sexual tension between the hero and heroine. I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed this scenario many times.
I must admit that creating conflict within my stories is usually with a source outside the heroine and hero relationship. That’s because I like to see the couple come together in the face of danger and conquer those obstacles that may try to keep them apart.
Having said that…sometimes it also means I have to look to the dark side for my wicked villain.
Up front truth: I don’t have a psychology degree. When choosing character aspects for my villains, I make a point to study in a variety of places. Then I ask myself some questions.
What is the villain’s endgame? Their evil goal becomes the main conflict for heroine and hero.
What is the root motivation that drives the wicked character him/her to act the way they do. It’s important for me to know what started this villain on their dark side journey.
Is there anything good in him/her? (Compassion, kindness, love, etc.)
What will the wicked character do to accomplish their goal? (Answer is usually Anything. ß This may seem like a simple word, but it’s truly all encompassing.)
Those were the questions I asked when Syther the Quitch marched through my mind with the wicked intent to taint the world by corrupting the sacred waters of the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England. (Concentric Circles)
Within the story line Syther the Quitch startled me several times with his determination and proof that he would do what ever it took to achieve his goal. He is without a doubt, a truly wicked wizard.
There was only one spark of good within Syther the Quitch. He loved his pet panther, Sheitan. (No, she isn’t a shapeshifter.)
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| Claire & the Scarecrow |
Something else happened while writing the villains in CtLF. I started having so much fun. There were moments that made me laugh when Claire had to face her attacker. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll laugh if you read the story.
I thought at the time (while laughing) that writing conflict was finally beginning to come easier.
As of today, there is still much speculation about whether writing conflict is easier or not. ;D
Currently, I’m working on two stories.
The first story has a doctor with malicious intent behind his simplest actions. Even though I know exactly what I need him to do and how he will accomplish his bad deeds, he is a challenge to write. At first I thought it had something to do with the general inclination to believe most doctors are good people. Was I going against the flow of natural story progression?
A firm reminder that all professions have their bad characters put me back on track. So yes, the evil doctor will make a deadly appearance.
The second story features Katrina Oakland, a shapeshifter from Claire: the Lost Fae. I admit to becoming attached to Katrina during that story and I wanted to know more about her. The obstacles she faces will be a combination of dark wizards and the omnipresence of the Ancient Keepers. (More to follow soon.)
Not to worry. Even with all this conflict in my stories, romance blossoms between the heroines and heroes I create for your reading pleasure.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these plot bunny tracks. ;)
If You Missed these Plot Bunny Tracks:
Magically Entising: Is Your Shapeshifter Sexy today?
Mother, Daughter & Plot Bunny Tracks, Oh My! #amwriting
* * * * * * * * *
Amazon Kindle: Concentric Circles (Shayla's story)
Claire: the Lost Fae ~ Available Now
Wyndy: in a Heartbeat ~ Short Story [here] (soon to be unpublished!)
* * * * * * * * *
Peace & Love be with you always.
Mother, Daughter & Plot Bunny Tracks, Oh My! #amwriting
* * * * * * * * *
Amazon Kindle: Concentric Circles (Shayla's story)
Claire: the Lost Fae ~ Available Now
Wyndy: in a Heartbeat ~ Short Story [here] (soon to be unpublished!)
* * * * * * * * *
Peace & Love be with you always.
~ Aithne Jarretta
