Back Story

For something different, I have written a little back-story from the point-of-view of one of my other main characters.

Here's Louie's Story

Louie sifted through the charred remains of his home.  Not much remained.  He picked up a scorched jewellery box.  Holding his mother’s precious possession brought a tear to his eye.  His mother was gone.  Gone, as swiftly as the firestorm that had engulfed them.

He opened the lid of the box, and his heart skipped a beat.  Photos.  Probably the only remainder of any treasured memories he owned.

As he flicked through them, one caught his eye.  The old black-and-white photo showed a lone man leaning against a fence.  Louie had never seen it before.  Due to the fire damage, the man’s face was unrecognisable, but Louie could just make out the words on a sign in the corner.  Di Rossi’s Vineyard. 

He turned the photo over.  The writing that was scrawled across it read, Johnny, Yarloop, 1965.  He frowned.  Yarloop?  Where the hell was that?

Coming Soon.  Read the Blurb.

Characters

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Characters are fundamental to a story and may be classified as ‘good’, ‘bad’ or ‘neutral’.

A ‘good’ character does what is right or tries to.  A ‘bad’ character causes the needed conflict in the story usually because of their selfishness.  A ‘neutral’ character is often a combination of the two and readily changes depending on the circumstances.

The dishonest, morally corrupt, manipulators, and the indifferent, are just as important to the story as are the fair, compassionate, protectors and supporters.

The writer cannot create characters to be solely perfect, villainous, or stagnant because that is not realistic.  Each character must have a range of emotions, thoughts and reactions. 

By placing characters in bad situations, the writer allows the reader to discover how the characters will react.  Will they be cowardly or brave?  Will they be selfish or do what’s right?

A writer needs to ‘get inside’ the head of each character in order to understand their motives and perceptions of events because they will all think and react differently. 

Remember, one person’s molehill is another’s mountain.

One Night by Malla Duncan

4 and a half Stars. Another well-written, enthralling novel by Malla Duncan. The situation was gripping, the characters strong and intriguing. This is the third book by the author that I've read. Each one is completely unique. Mystery, humour, terror. It's all there. Malla Duncan writes a compelling thriller. Definitely recommended.