Why I Write Stories That Chase You Back

When I sit down to write, I’m not just trying to put words on a page—I’m trying to chase something down. A feeling. A memory. A question I can’t stop asking myself. And sometimes, a character who refuses to let me rest until I figure them out.
That’s what happened with Chasing Kane. The story started as an idea about a man caught between who he was and who he wanted to be. But soon, Kane wasn’t just a character—he was a voice in my head, pulling me along, forcing me to see the world through his eyes. Then came Chasing Avi, and suddenly, the chase wasn’t just about Kane anymore. It was about love, risk, and what we’re willing to give up for both.
For me, writing is about chasing the story—but also about letting the story chase me. It’s a two-way pursuit. And I think that’s why readers connect with it: because deep down, we’re all chasing something.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s the last book you read that chased you back long after you put it down?
Until next time,
—Nate Wilson