Aug. 24, 2025 - Unpredictable!

I'm always amazed at the spontaneity that occurs in writing. From time to time a character comes along - one you hadn't planned for - and absolutely insists on being given a role in the story. In my experience, they come fully formed with a backstory and everything! Don't try to ignore them or leave them on the sidelines. Oh no! They just keep popping up insisting to be included. They can get downright pushy at times. I've learned to just go with the flow and add them somewhere. My sanity is worth it. Do other writers experience this? Please leave me a message in the comments if you do. I'd be interested to know how many other writers grapple with the uninvited character.

I had something similar happen over the last two days. One of the characters in my children's picture book, is a 4 year old little girl with blonde curls and blues eye. Actually, when I wrote the story originally my granddaughter was the inspiration for the child. Now she's a mother with a two year old of her own! Anyway, when I drew the character it was more gender neutral. I was using the name Taylor - Tay for short - so it fit well. It can be a name for a boy or a girl. Then the muse jumped in and showed me the potential to make this a more inclusive story for all the children who might enjoy the book in the future. I really liked the idea. It appealed to me, so with very little effort I made the child in the story gender neutral. They now have curly chestnut brown hair and brown eyes. I didn't even have to grapple with pronouns. I simply wrote three lines differently. Easy peasy!

As I said...characters can be very unpredictable, but this time I think it really improved the quality of the story. I'm pleased with the change. Lesson learned - when you're writing just go with the flow. All kinds of good things can happen!

Best wishes always...

P.S. Welcome to my blog! My intention is to keep followers up to date on my latest writing adventures. My current focus is on fiction genres including children's picture books and YA/NA historical romanticies. I'm also preparing to write an epic fantasy for the young adult audience. As a debut author I face all the challenges of breaking into the traditional publishing market. I need your interest and support to do so! Please consider following me here and on other social media platforms, which you can access on the Home page of my author's web site. I'll be adding more in the weeks to come so please check back from time to time. Thank you so much, in advance, for following my blog. You are potentially helping me enrich the lives of future readers. I just need this break to attract my first agent representation! Your efforts will make all the difference! Thank you once again.