Rida asked Emma Chase:

Hi Emma. Firstly, I just want to say I absolutely adore your work! You're one of the best contemporary romance writers out there. When you're creating your characters, is there a certain pattern you like to follow in terms of their traits or do they shape up organically? Have you ever struggled with coming up with a certain character's dialogues or motivations? P.S. Can't wait for Royally screwed!

Emma Chase Hi Rida,
Thanks so much!! Usually, when I first think of the characters, they come pretty fleshed out personality-wise - if they're cocky, but laid-back like Matthew or arrogant but more type-A personality like Stanton. What is important to me is why they are the way they are. For instance, Drew was admittedly spoiled and selfish - and he told the reader why he was (his family had hoped for another child, but didn't think they'd have another until he came along). Sometimes the reasons and motivations come while I'm writing (the Judge character in Sustained wasn't part of my original outline, but it didn't make sense that Jake would be such a good, nurturing father figure unless he had had that example in his life. Hence - the Judge). Having those underlying motivations and explanations really help with character development b/c once you understand who a character is at the start, it's smoother to show how and why they become who they are in the end. Sometimes it's a challenge connecting the dots - but developing the backstories is part of the fun! xo

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