Teresa asked Caroline Kepnes:

I have to ask about Joe's character development because I am so deeply engrossed in it--I read where you got the idea for him, but what did you do from that point on? How did you progress? What happened? What were the stages of Joe's character development? What were some points where his character really started coming together, when did he start getting a life of his own, when did he start telling his story? :)

Caroline Kepnes I was thinking about this a lot lately because of a new book I'm writing where I've had a similar experience. It's like those first few page pop out in a breath. And I know who this person is. And after I write them I read them over and over and almost memorize them and change them and obsess over this word and that word. That's how I get to know them.

And then I write more. And then I delete. And then I write again. With these extreme POV characters. I go with my gut. When it feels like THEY (wish there were italics :) surprise ME, that is when I feel like I'm really in it. I had this moment with two new character this weekend where it was that aahahhahhah I hear you, I do, you sick little individuals. It makes me feel high, I love that. The greatest rush. And it comes after a lot of grinding away. Then you go back and it's so easy and fun to edit because now that voice is unmistakable.

And it does circle back to that all important writing rule about killing your babies. It is so hard, when you write a chapter and you love, it, you print it, you hold it, and ultimately you know that your affection is irrelevant if it doesn't quite ring true.

One particular wonderful moment with Joe, the day I wrote the part where he takes action with Benji. I remember that moment so vividly. Blushing, looking around the coffee shop like you guys, did you see what he just did?

Thank you for this great question, Teresa!

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