Bringing Characters to Life: Fudge

In the previous two posts, I've talked about visualising characters and scenery as I write, and how I use real people to bring them to life.   Shelley and Carly came to mind first, followed quickly by Fudge - Tomas's dog - once I decided to give him a pet. Tomas is the hero, and Fudge is his life-long (and only) friend when we first meet them in the story. Creating Fudge was easy - the inspiration for him lives in our house; Smudge - our dog. I first got the idea for the story of SKY while walking the dog with my daughter. So he was under our noses the whole time.

In the book, Fudge is 14 and a collie. Smudge is 3 and a beagle-collie cross, but it was easier and less wordy to make Fudge a pure collie.

If you own a dog, you'll know they can be incredibly intuitive, for example, they soon learn to spot the signs when you're about to take them for a walk. Smudge (Fudge) Many owners will say their dogs know when they're on their way home and will be ready for them when they arrive.  If you've already read SKY, you'll see how I was able to use this trait for a plot line - and a crucial one as it turns out in the end.

I've had many comments about Fudge from readers - one only decided to read the book after she heard it featured a dog! A number of beta readers had to know nothing bad would happen to Fudge before they would carry on with the book. And just to put your mind at rest, he's there right in the last chapter :0)

What do you think? What's your favourite dog in fiction? Feel free to comment below. Here's a suggestion for Fudge from Rose - see her comment below. 

This is Duke - sadly he's no longer with us but he's more like the age of Fudge in my book. He looks a lovely, good-natured chap and yes - he would make a great 'Fudge'. 

I was just in conversation with Rose and mentioned I completed another scene with Fudge today for the sequel Stargazers .

Any other suggestions / pictures? Duke - thanks to Rose for letting me post his pic.