Soul Reader, Excerpt and Response on Character Development

"Can you explain the mind-melding thing to me please?" I whispered to avoid an audience. "It's convenient and cool, but it's also freaking me out, probably because it's still new for me." (Jennifer)

"It's just mind-melding. What's the big deal? When we choose to, I can hear your thoughts and you can hear mine." (Jadan)

page 79, Soul Reader Book #1

When developing Jadan's character, I tried to create a figure with noticeable weaknesses juxtaposed against obvious strengths. Most readers question his mysterious nature and his unexplained edge of confidence. Jadan has a timeless way of drawing Jennifer inside his mind, heart, and soul-- and she wants to know more.

Jadan's physical weakness is evidenced only by his wheels. As a San Diego day trader, he's got an unlimited supply of money to enjoy his thirst for adrenaline through extreme sports. His brown hair and blue eyes attract plenty of looks from the ladies, but his super-model health-nut girlfriend, Brooke, has kept his attention steady.

Then again, the longer Jadan studies Jennifer from afar, he realizes she offers something that simple words can't explain. Jadan connects with Jennifer differently; but it's not physical. For them, it's spiritual because their souls long for the same thing-- to be fully known and understood. Their connection allows Jadan to lower his guard emotionally; around Jennifer, he can just be himself.

Jennifer's weaknesses come from her vulnerability and worrisome nature. She's genuinely good and puts others first; but she undermines her own needs and abilities. She begins to long for more than her 9-5 routine and is drawn to Jadan's certainty about how the world works. Her strengths become more obvious as she embraces her new identity.

The more Jennifer learns about her past, she realizes life will never again be normal. But deep down, that excites her, and she can't wait for the rest of the story to unfold.
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Published on October 13, 2015 09:34 Tags: christian-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, women-s-fiction
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message 1: by Kathy (new)

Kathy Godwin I love Jennifer's whimsical nature. She is torn between wanting to be a completely normal devoted mother and wife but is constantly being confronted by mystery and miracles she just simply finds hard to grasp. She is brave, loyal; has a heart of gold; tenacious to the bone; and draws me to follow her every step forward. Truly a woman of God trying to multi-task to figure "it" all out. She wants to be everywhere at the same time and is learning she may actually have the capacity to do just that.
So anxious to watch what happens next! Great read!


message 2: by Dianne (last edited Oct 13, 2015 11:17AM) (new)

Dianne Bright Kathy wrote: "I love Jennifer's whimsical nature. She is torn between wanting to be a completely normal devoted mother and wife but is constantly being confronted by mystery and miracles she just simply finds ha..."

Thanks Kathy. Your comments are so encouraging. I hope women can identify with Jen's character-- the way she feels torn between multiple longings and identities in her own life-- and yet how she finds peace within those complexities that lie outside of her control. Soul Reader


message 3: by Jordan (new)

Jordan Soul Reader is a magical book that helped me excape from the everday hussle and bussle of life. I can also relate to jadan and love the fact that nothing stops him physically but emotionally not a strong as he thinks. Cant wait to read more keep up the great work.


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