Characters of Interest: ROW 80 Check In

My husband and I try to pick a new television show every season to watch together. Too often we exchange quick goodbye kisses and run in opposite directions. Some days we talk more over email than we do in person. Our weekly television show is our date night. We should focus on each other more, but we try to at least squeeze this in.

This year the show picked us. We couldn't agree decide which show to try. One night, uncharacteristic of our typical week, we sat down at the same time. I had my laptop and he had his, but we were sitting next to each other on the couch. It doesn't hurt that our kids go to bed on school nights at 8:30pm and this show airs at 9pm. My husband, as usual, was flipping around. Finding no sports to watch, he stopped on Person of Interest .

We were so drawn in, we both set our laptops aside. We found our new show. A brief description from the show's website: "a crime thriller about a presumed dead former-CIA agent, Reese, who teams up with a mysterious billionaire, Finch, to prevent violent crimes by using their own brand of vigilante justice."

I won't lie, I was originally drawn to the show's star, Jim Caviezel. He's handsome and brooding, what more could I want? Beyond that, I am completely intrigued by his character. Is he good? Is he bad but misunderstood? Or, is he just bad?

Last week's episode ended with Caviezel's character, Reese, facing a huge decision: kill a criminal scumbag or let him live. The last scene was Reese reaching for the gun, but hesitating. I was yelling at the screen, something I don't normally do, "Don't do it!" I wanted him to have a shred of goodness, a conscience, anything I can remain invested in.

I realized this is what writers have to do with characters. I don't want some perfect Prince Charming. I want the bad guy who gradually finds his heart, usually because of the love of a good woman. Right or wrong, I'm more willing to accept a darker side in male characters. Women can have an edge, but too much darkness turns me away from the character.

Do you find you are more accepting of darkness in male characters than in female ones?

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My A Round of Words in 80 Days Update

Writing: More like researching and planning. I'm trying my hand at a more methodical approach. My panster tendencies too often leave me staring at a blank page. My young adult novel is about a young woman who thinks she's becoming a werewolf. I've been plotting using note cards and outlines, something new and awkward for me. Plus I'm working on the dark side of my main male character, and it's integral to this piece (one of the reasons I was so taken with our new show). Wish me luck.

Blogging: Going well. I'm really enjoying the gift theme of this month's NaBloPoMo. For a taste, check out Out of the Mouths of Babes. Mom in Love with Fiction is ramping up, too. I am joining a To be Read Pile Challenge later this week and have two books in the pipeline for review.

Editing: Working on a nonfiction sailing novel, such a departure for me but also a great learning experience. Also still editing another book. I'm so excited about it, but can't reveal anything here yet.

Miscellaneous: I finally got around to doing some blog visiting.

Exercise: Cleaning my house and decorating for the holidays count, right? Still staying away from sugar, too. My workout partner is out of town this week, so I hope to get to the gym on my own.

Hope the writing muse visits all my writer friends during the holiday season!