Kellyn Roth asked Sarah Sundin:

I just finished the second book in the Waves of Freedom book. I read it so fast that I'm going to have to read it again so to take it all in before I can review it! When you were writing it, was there a character that gave you any trouble? I'm [trying to become] a writer, and my characters are always giving me trouble. They always seem to have minds of their own. Do yours, or is it just my crazy personification?

Sarah Sundin Hi Kellyn! I'm so glad you enjoyed Anchor in the Storm! As for characters...yes, they do have minds of their own! Although I'm an outline-oriented writer, and I get to know my characters thoroughly before I start the rough draft, they still surprise me and say and do things I never planned. That's when I have to step back and evaluate. Is that unplanned thing MY voice sneaking in and overtaking the character's true self? If so, out it goes. Or is that unplanned thing the CHARACTER's true self poking up against my imposed author voice. If so, I let the character run! For example, in Anchor in the Storm, when Lillian meets the surly waitress at Durgin-Park, I'd planned for her to be offended and try to leave (totally in character). I didn't plan for her to banter with the waitress. So when she did, I leaned back in my chair and asked Lillian what on earth she was doing. She was being her spunky self, so I kept the banter. Besides, I really, really liked it!

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