Alter Ego Part One

Alter Ego

Part One

            For October’s blog theme, I decided to go with discussing alter egos. I think it is fitting since Halloween is this month. People pretend to be someone else on that night. So, why not make a monthly discussion of it?!

            I am an author. Whether authors use a pen name or not, they take on another identity when they write, at least I do.

            I imagine myself as each character so that I can do my best to clearly describe what they are experiencing.

            In my first novel, my main female character wasn’t too far from who I am as a person. Although, I do tell people she wasn’t me, there was a little bit of me in her. If you know me, you know what characteristics of hers bring me out in her.

            It was hard to write my first novel. I fought being predictable and keeping me out of it as much as I could.

            My second novel I’m working on is a lot more fun. The main female character of this book is nothing like me. Well, okay, probably a little because there is a piece of the author in character they write. Overall though, the main character of my new book is nothing like myself and I’m having a lot of fun being her as I write.

            I also get to play the part of a true villain in this book. I get to go to the dark side for a little bit and think about how they would behave and act in certain situations. I get to figure out why they hate certain people. I also get to be the hero that stands up against them.

            I get to explore all these different characters with completely different personalities and different agendas. I get to decide where they all go and how they all get there.

            Now, I say I get to decide, but the truth is at some point the book starts to write itself. This is a good thing!! You know you have a good story when the characters are speaking up and leading the way. Am I still playing their part? Absolutely!  And I love every single minute of it!!