When a character lingers

Fiction writers tend to get caught up in their characters’ lives. Sometimes a supporting character becomes an important player, but when that character stays with you and you just can’t get him (or her) go, then there is only one option – write another story focusing on that character.

I don’t close the door on any of my characters, they each become important to me; however if my character has been allowed a happy-ever-after, I am usually content to let them rest. When I create my fictional people, I always build a background, personality and “life” for them. Sometimes they have a tragic history and become a pivotal character who deserves their own happy-ever-after.

This has happened to me twice. While I typed “the end” on my manuscripts, Tom Hughes from His Lucky Charm (originally titled Forgotten) and Matt Garratti in Final Sin lingered and haunted me just begging to live their own lives. Indeed Tom’s tragic past deserved healing and he found the salve in a relationship with Allie Davis. Matt Garratti was a close, loyal and caring friend to his paramedic partner, Julie, in Final Sin.

I moved directly from His Lucky Charm to Within the Law – Tom Hughes was fresh in my mind when I penned his tale.

However I wasn’t even aware how much Matt affected me in Final Sin, after all he was only the best friend to the heroine – I actually wrote three more books after Final Sin before I realized he wasn't going away. Somehow Matt stayed with me imploring me in my dreams to let him live again. I re-read Final Sin and got to know Matt all over again. He had dreams of his own and a future to look forward to with a new wife and a child on the way by the time Julie and Jake were riding off into the sunset.

Matt spoke to me. He begged me for his chance. I wrote Hyphema. ~coming soon.

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…

Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors.

Before long, Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare which they may never wake from.

http://ChelleCordero.com

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Welcome to the Online Book Discussion for Final Sin

Good morning everyone!

I have been looking forward to today's discussion - it should be a lot of fun. I'll be answering questions until 7PM (EST) tonight. And on Sunday I will put everyone's name who participated today into a hat and draw one for a free & signed copy of Final Sin.

Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full with the investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife when he meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. He is immediately drawn to her and finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. Julie finds herself just as drawn to him. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of their lives in extreme danger...


Whether or not you've read Final Sin, I hope you will participate - you can take a peek at some excerpts if you would like: Read the First Chapter or another scene further into the book. There is also an interview with Julie Jennings, the heroine of Final Sin. Read up on some suggested discussion topics...

Finally I want to remind everyone that EVERY purchase of Final Sin thru May 31 (print, Kindle or .pdf e-book) will benefit the Stony Point Ambulance Corps Youth Squad. Read the details...

Q: What is the difference between EMT and EMS?
A: An EMT is a trained person, an Emergency Medical Technician, who works within the EMS system: EMS is Emergency Medical Services, the umbrella term for the emergency response system.

Q: Is the training the same for a paid EMT as it is for a volunteer EMT?
A: Yes, the training is exactly the same. Whether paid or volunteer, all EMTs have to take the same classroom and field training. They are all medical professionals.

Q: What kind of training goes into being a Paramedic?
A: All paramedics must have been EMT-Basic first; In NYS there is an additional 1000-1200 hours of classroom training. Paramedics are also required to have an extensive knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. Additional training includes Bloodborne Pathogens, Haz-Mat response, emergency vehicle operations, and rescue in special circumstances. In order to maintain Paramedic certification, there are required Continuing Medical Education credits as well.

Q: How can you recognize a stalker?
A: Most stalkers seem harmless... they may be very charming, or seem socially awkward. Watch for frequent appearances at places they don't really belong (ie: YOUR workplace), frequent phone calls, random gifts, any "threatening" behavior.

Q: What can you do to protect yourself against a stalker?
A: Don't send mixed messages, be firm that you are not interested in a relationship. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you lock your doors and safeguard your property. Do not engage in confrontations with a stalker. Do not hesitate to get police help if the stalking continues or escalates.

Okay, please ask questions or leave comments below: