Surprising Yourself

Writing is a lot like acting in many ways. To write a character well, I feel you have to inhabit them, to some degree. Feel what they feel, go through what they go through.

So when moments come along that you feel an intense, singular emotional reaction without knowing it was coming, it's a very odd, very special feeling. Moments that are almost overwhelming, like they've taken over your brain and all you feel is what they feel right then. It feels authentic, real in a way that is amazing and encouraging. If I feel it, I hope you do, too.

Many writers talk about how their characters live in their head, and I'm no different. Victoria and Millie have lived with me the longest, so I feel them the most acutely, but Katya isn't far behind now. But knowing their hopes, dreams, fears, nightmares... these moments happen. Special ones.

Each book has had at least one, and I treasure them like no other. Book III just had one, and when you read it, I hope you'll feel it, too.