Lillian Blue's Blog: The Blue Print
April 1, 2025
When Secondary Characters Step Up!
When I was writing Command My Heart, it was always in the plan to have Boss and Noon as the main characters. Based loosely on some Thai BL actors and images I had found of them online, my story was inspired by a singular image of these two actors in military-esque regalia. It was easy to plan for Boss and Noon, but I didn’t want the world to be that small. Everyone has friends, meets new people, and life moves around them. I didn’t want them to become this pair who only saw each other, and the world faded away in the background.
I knew that I wanted to have secondary characters. The first one to come to mind was Pan. I wanted to have this happy-go-lucky ray of sunshine type character that also, like Noon, didn’t fit in the military environment they were placed in. Unlike Noon, Pan had volunteered for his military service early to get it out of the way so he was just happy to be getting it over with.
Initially, Pan seemed like he would be a fairly simple, basic side character. He was there to be Noon’s friend and to help him have someone to talk to and vent with as he began to fall for Boss. Yet, Noon wouldn’t stay in his lane, he was consistently pushing out and finding his voice. His character's voice was loud and proud. During the scene where he gets drunk at the bonfire, Pan truly steps into the role of a full-on character. He was someone who had a bit of a story, not a lot of trauma, but he had something to give to the story that was more than just a back-up character.
This was a similar case with Dark. Dark was created to initially be another friend of Noon, someone who was a bit more serious and who would be able to ground Noon and Pan, who were much more extroverted. Dark, too, ended up having this enigmatic flare that wouldn’t stop coming up in full force. Pairing him and Pan together was initially to be something minor and small; it was supposed to just be this simple moment and not the foundation of what was to come. Yet, both of them couldn’t stop coming up in my mind.
Consistently, I found myself drawn to Pan and Dark. Their story began to be equally as important as Noon and Boss’ because they had their own life to tell. As I write, I enjoy separating the main story of Boss and Noon and the special story, which covers Pan and Dark. However, I found that as I gave more time and let Pan and Dark tell their stories, they became fully second male leads. Boss and Noon were most definitely the main leads in this series, but Dark and Pan were standing right there beside them.
Even though I had initially planned for them to be just background characters, Dark and Pan would not allow such. This also helped me flesh out so much of the world outside of Boss and Noon. Dark and Pan experienced parts of life that Boss and Noon didn’t, and vice versa. The world was much more fleshed out, and Dark’s past and family dynamic came to light through writing and continues to develop even in the second book, which should be publishing soon.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Pan and Dark! I would love an opportunity to talk more about my characters and their book!
I knew that I wanted to have secondary characters. The first one to come to mind was Pan. I wanted to have this happy-go-lucky ray of sunshine type character that also, like Noon, didn’t fit in the military environment they were placed in. Unlike Noon, Pan had volunteered for his military service early to get it out of the way so he was just happy to be getting it over with.
Initially, Pan seemed like he would be a fairly simple, basic side character. He was there to be Noon’s friend and to help him have someone to talk to and vent with as he began to fall for Boss. Yet, Noon wouldn’t stay in his lane, he was consistently pushing out and finding his voice. His character's voice was loud and proud. During the scene where he gets drunk at the bonfire, Pan truly steps into the role of a full-on character. He was someone who had a bit of a story, not a lot of trauma, but he had something to give to the story that was more than just a back-up character.
This was a similar case with Dark. Dark was created to initially be another friend of Noon, someone who was a bit more serious and who would be able to ground Noon and Pan, who were much more extroverted. Dark, too, ended up having this enigmatic flare that wouldn’t stop coming up in full force. Pairing him and Pan together was initially to be something minor and small; it was supposed to just be this simple moment and not the foundation of what was to come. Yet, both of them couldn’t stop coming up in my mind.
Consistently, I found myself drawn to Pan and Dark. Their story began to be equally as important as Noon and Boss’ because they had their own life to tell. As I write, I enjoy separating the main story of Boss and Noon and the special story, which covers Pan and Dark. However, I found that as I gave more time and let Pan and Dark tell their stories, they became fully second male leads. Boss and Noon were most definitely the main leads in this series, but Dark and Pan were standing right there beside them.
Even though I had initially planned for them to be just background characters, Dark and Pan would not allow such. This also helped me flesh out so much of the world outside of Boss and Noon. Dark and Pan experienced parts of life that Boss and Noon didn’t, and vice versa. The world was much more fleshed out, and Dark’s past and family dynamic came to light through writing and continues to develop even in the second book, which should be publishing soon.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Pan and Dark! I would love an opportunity to talk more about my characters and their book!
March 26, 2025
Evolution of the Characters
Boss
Boss started as a cocky leader known for his harsh command style. Early drafts portrayed him as tough and unapproachable, often prioritizing his reputation over the well-being of his team. While he exuded strength, he lacked the warmth that many readers crave in a character.
The character Noon changed everything for Boss. Noon, grappling with his identity after being rejected by his family, became a catalyst for Boss’s evolution. Their interactions allowed me to explore Boss’s vulnerability and empathy. As Boss supported Noon, the narrative shifted, making him more relatable and nuanced. This transformation enriched the story, turning Boss into a mentor figure who embodied both strength and compassion.
Noon
Noon’s story is filled with heartache and resilience. Once rejected by his family because of his artistic dreams, he navigated a strict military life, often feeling lost. His initial portrayal emphasized his vulnerability and longing for acceptance.
The relationship between Noon and Boss was instrumental in his growth. As Noon began to see Boss as a mentor and more, he developed confidence and independence. His attraction to Boss became a key element in his transformation, allowing readers to witness a remarkable journey from insecurity to self-assurance. Noon’s arc tackled essential themes of acceptance and the significance of supportive relationships in overcoming personal battles.
Pan
Originally, Pan was a minor supporting character, simply a friend to Noon. However, his quirky nature and unfiltered positivity made him a standout presence in the story, particularly after a chance encounter with Dark.
The bond between Pan and Dark highlighted the importance of bonds. After a night of wild antics, where they laughed and shared vulnerabilities, their connection became vital to the narrative. I realized that while Pan desired a sense of belonging within the military, he was also discovering his identity. The friendship among Pan, Boss, and Dark provided him with the support needed to grow and find purpose.
Dark
Dark’s character was captivating yet challenging to develop. With a painful history that subtly emerged, he became a deeply complex figure drawn to the military as a form of escape.
Pan’s entrance into Dark’s life triggered a unique shift. Pan's playful demeanor penetrated Dark’s stoic exterior, encouraging both characters to introspect and evolve. Their relationship was mutually beneficial—Pan helped Dark confront his inner battles, while Dark provided a sense of stability in Pan’s chaotic world. This duality of support enriched their characters and created an emotional connection that resonated with readers.
Boss started as a cocky leader known for his harsh command style. Early drafts portrayed him as tough and unapproachable, often prioritizing his reputation over the well-being of his team. While he exuded strength, he lacked the warmth that many readers crave in a character.
The character Noon changed everything for Boss. Noon, grappling with his identity after being rejected by his family, became a catalyst for Boss’s evolution. Their interactions allowed me to explore Boss’s vulnerability and empathy. As Boss supported Noon, the narrative shifted, making him more relatable and nuanced. This transformation enriched the story, turning Boss into a mentor figure who embodied both strength and compassion.
Noon
Noon’s story is filled with heartache and resilience. Once rejected by his family because of his artistic dreams, he navigated a strict military life, often feeling lost. His initial portrayal emphasized his vulnerability and longing for acceptance.
The relationship between Noon and Boss was instrumental in his growth. As Noon began to see Boss as a mentor and more, he developed confidence and independence. His attraction to Boss became a key element in his transformation, allowing readers to witness a remarkable journey from insecurity to self-assurance. Noon’s arc tackled essential themes of acceptance and the significance of supportive relationships in overcoming personal battles.
Pan
Originally, Pan was a minor supporting character, simply a friend to Noon. However, his quirky nature and unfiltered positivity made him a standout presence in the story, particularly after a chance encounter with Dark.
The bond between Pan and Dark highlighted the importance of bonds. After a night of wild antics, where they laughed and shared vulnerabilities, their connection became vital to the narrative. I realized that while Pan desired a sense of belonging within the military, he was also discovering his identity. The friendship among Pan, Boss, and Dark provided him with the support needed to grow and find purpose.
Dark
Dark’s character was captivating yet challenging to develop. With a painful history that subtly emerged, he became a deeply complex figure drawn to the military as a form of escape.
Pan’s entrance into Dark’s life triggered a unique shift. Pan's playful demeanor penetrated Dark’s stoic exterior, encouraging both characters to introspect and evolve. Their relationship was mutually beneficial—Pan helped Dark confront his inner battles, while Dark provided a sense of stability in Pan’s chaotic world. This duality of support enriched their characters and created an emotional connection that resonated with readers.
Character Development
In an ideal fictional world, everything goes smoothly, and bad days are non-existent. However, as readers, we seek authenticity; we know life has its ups and downs. No one enjoys a story where everything happens without a hitch. Bad days, personal conflicts, and the tough aspects of life add depth to storytelling that readers relate to.
By placing characters in tough situations—like coping with rejection, facing their emotions, or dealing with misunderstandings—we create a setting where genuine character development can occur. This not only enhances the narrative but also encourages readers to invest in the characters' journeys. For example, when Noon faces the rejection of a loved one, his struggle and the subsequent growth create a connection that resonates with many readers who have experienced similar situations.
The Command My Heart trilogy focuses on four main characters: Boss, Noon, Pan, and Dark. Each character's journey is carefully designed to show a wide range of emotional and psychological growth. While the first book highlights important developments, it's crucial to understand that their stories do not end there; each character has more layers waiting to be revealed.
In any captivating story, characters must change in response to various challenges. For instance, Boss realizes the depth of his feelings for Noon through situations that force him to reevaluate his emotions. Without these moments of conflict, Boss's growth would stall, and readers would miss the joy of watching characters evolve. After all, studies show that characters who face hardships are often more relatable, with 70% of readers stating they prefer complex characters who face adversity.
Throughout Command My Heart, each character encounters critical moments that shape their future actions and relationships. These encounters may seem small, but they greatly affect individual character outlooks. For example, the bond between Pan and Dark strengthens significantly as they face shared struggles, deepening their connection in a way that feels genuine.
Such confrontations not only propel the story forward but also act as key turning points for character development. When done well, these moments resonate powerfully with readers, echoing our own experiences of overcoming challenges. The beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to reflect real life, showing that growth often emerges from facing adversity.
Another vital element of character development in Command My Heart is conflict resolution and its effects on relationships. Characters do not always see eye to eye; they argue, misunderstand one another, and face challenges together. It is through these trials that the true strength of their bonds is tested.
For instance, when characters clash, it exposes vulnerabilities, compelling them to confront uncomfortable truths. These moments pave the way for healing and understanding, fostering growth both personally and within their relationships. Through realistic portrayals of conflict, readers become more invested in the characters’ journeys as they navigate the complexities of their interactions.
As we follow characters like Boss, Noon, Pan, and Dark on their journeys, readers can anticipate evolving arcs filled with emotional depth, relatable struggles, and rewarding experiences of transformation. Characters reflect our shared human experience and remind us that our challenges can lead to profound personal growth.
Through crafting a series instead of a standalone piece, the potential for character development becomes limitless. Ultimately, this continuity enriches the reading experience and creates a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
By placing characters in tough situations—like coping with rejection, facing their emotions, or dealing with misunderstandings—we create a setting where genuine character development can occur. This not only enhances the narrative but also encourages readers to invest in the characters' journeys. For example, when Noon faces the rejection of a loved one, his struggle and the subsequent growth create a connection that resonates with many readers who have experienced similar situations.
The Command My Heart trilogy focuses on four main characters: Boss, Noon, Pan, and Dark. Each character's journey is carefully designed to show a wide range of emotional and psychological growth. While the first book highlights important developments, it's crucial to understand that their stories do not end there; each character has more layers waiting to be revealed.
In any captivating story, characters must change in response to various challenges. For instance, Boss realizes the depth of his feelings for Noon through situations that force him to reevaluate his emotions. Without these moments of conflict, Boss's growth would stall, and readers would miss the joy of watching characters evolve. After all, studies show that characters who face hardships are often more relatable, with 70% of readers stating they prefer complex characters who face adversity.
Throughout Command My Heart, each character encounters critical moments that shape their future actions and relationships. These encounters may seem small, but they greatly affect individual character outlooks. For example, the bond between Pan and Dark strengthens significantly as they face shared struggles, deepening their connection in a way that feels genuine.
Such confrontations not only propel the story forward but also act as key turning points for character development. When done well, these moments resonate powerfully with readers, echoing our own experiences of overcoming challenges. The beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to reflect real life, showing that growth often emerges from facing adversity.
Another vital element of character development in Command My Heart is conflict resolution and its effects on relationships. Characters do not always see eye to eye; they argue, misunderstand one another, and face challenges together. It is through these trials that the true strength of their bonds is tested.
For instance, when characters clash, it exposes vulnerabilities, compelling them to confront uncomfortable truths. These moments pave the way for healing and understanding, fostering growth both personally and within their relationships. Through realistic portrayals of conflict, readers become more invested in the characters’ journeys as they navigate the complexities of their interactions.
As we follow characters like Boss, Noon, Pan, and Dark on their journeys, readers can anticipate evolving arcs filled with emotional depth, relatable struggles, and rewarding experiences of transformation. Characters reflect our shared human experience and remind us that our challenges can lead to profound personal growth.
Through crafting a series instead of a standalone piece, the potential for character development becomes limitless. Ultimately, this continuity enriches the reading experience and creates a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
The Blue Print
Inside the mind of Lillian Blue and her writing adventures with bringing novels and dynamic characters to life through printed word!
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