Whence Cometh Darkness?

Working on HCH, the book I want to be light and happy, with funny bits alongside the kissy bits.

So... why do the character's backstories keep going dark? All of the Ashes characters have dark backstories, and I wanted to avoid that again, but a new character in this entirely separate, standalone book keeps telling me that she comes from a bad place, too. Why? I don't know! It's weird. Maybe because the Ashes books aren't done yet, and I can't get that part of my brain to shut off, maybe it's the real world creeping in, or maybe it's just the kind of writer I am. Makes the highs higher, lots of contrast. Big fan of contrast.

While it can provide depth and extra facets to a character, it's exhausting putting myself in her head every day. I guess that means it's working. The deeper and more shaded she is, the less 'stock' she is, the more there is for you, the reader, to chew on and set your hooks in. Or vice versa. If there's one thing I want to be known for as a writer, it's my characters. I've done well so far by listening to them and doing what they say, I think. I just wish they would turn the lights on before they start whispering, sometimes.

Never mind. Thanks to this post, I had a good think and then a great writing day. Angst gone, kissy bits hooooooo!!!