Character Q&A

I was rummaging through my old notes for other deleted scenes to share with you and I came across a Q&A I once did with my Book3 characters (no working title yet, sorry - cant seem to find the one that fits).

See, sometimes characters come to me, and force me to listen to their story (this is what happened with Amira). Sometimes, I have to discover the story while writing it - it's a really fun experience (this was what happened with Forged in Fire). But when I started writing my third book I decided to get to know my characters in a bit different way - I sat down with them and asked a few questions.

Everywhere I turn to, it seems, people are advising to know your characters before you even start writing. To know their fears and desires. What motivates them. And this was never my way! I discovered those things along the way - that's half of the fun! And yes, I'm not a planner. But for my third book I tried to walk the planner's path; I tried something different. And I managed to find the hugest writer's block ever!

For the longest time I had no desire to open up my draft. But that is another story. Today should be about the Q&A I had with Natalie and Hadrian. So here it goes:

Me: What is your opinion on Hadrian?
Natalie: I detest him! He does nothing but mock me. Constantly.
Hadrian: The first thing the little princess said upon meeting me was - no. She didn't know who I was, or what happened, she just dismissed me. Grant you, I'm used to this, but for some reason I felt my teeth grinding together.
Me: So maybe you were attracted to her from the start?
Hadrian: /scoffs/  As if.
Me: What? You don't find her beautiful?
Hadrian: What kind of a question is this? She is my charge. My duty. Period.
Me: Period?
Hadrian: /His jaw starts to grind again/ And besides, even if there was more, it cant be.
Me: If you say so...
Hadrian: Since when does it matter what I say?
Me: Do I hear resentment?
Hadrian: No. Only frustration at this line of questioning.
Me: Ah... /I laugh/  My mistake. Now that we established that... tell me what you really think of her?
Hadrian: /Eyes narrowing/ None of your damned business! 
Me: And I thought this was supposed to be informative...  /I sigh/

Moreover, while writing this blog post I began writing a blurb for the next book (Natalie and Hadrian's book); but writing a 300 word blurb is harder than writing a 100k word story. But I'll get there :D And once I do, I'll share it.