As a writer, I'm challenged to create engaging characters who are realistic and unique, ones who will have an interesting story and who capture the reader's interest. In order to do that, I have to truly like the characters myself.

As with real people, sometimes characters surprise you. When I first envisioned my A Boy Named series, I wanted to play with some of the traditional stereotypes - the jock, the bad boy, the actor, the nerd, the video gamer, and the strong, silent type. Now that I'm finishing the series, none of the guys have turned out quite like I expected. Quincey, who is the latest in the series, especially surprised me.

​My characters feel like my children, and I love them all for different reasons. But, some can grab your heart a little more than others, and, for me, Quincey is one of those. My video gamer character morphed into a guy who loves adventure and has a quiet confidence that he's comfortable keeping to himself. I hope others enjoy getting to know Quincey as much as I have, and once all the "Boys" have been published, I'd love to hear which one you liked the best.

Tomorrow, we observe Veteran's Day. I want to take this time to personally thank all of you who have served our nation. No words of appreciation can match your sacrifices, your bravery to serve our country and protect our freedoms. I can't imagine the courage it takes to choose a career where your life is in jeopardy, and I respect you for willingly doing so. I have family and friends who've served our country, and I'm honored to know them personally.
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​To the Veterans I know and those I don't, I want to express a deeply, heart-felt thank you! We will never know everything you've done for us, and our words will never be enough, but please know that you are remembered and honored. Thank you!!!

Today's post is a little self-serving....

Life happens. The best plans in the world can be derailed by the unexpected. I was looking forward to surprising you in October with the paperback version of Just Another Stupid Boy and the release of A Boy Named Quincey (with Justice to follow in November). However, something of a very personal nature happened, and I got derailed, and quite honestly, a little discouraged.

Then, I read your reviews on my stories. I'd read most of them before and was excited to see some new ones. I write my stories for me, because these characters and plots pop into my head and won't leave me alone until I get them down "on paper". I publish them because my mother always said, "You'll never know if you never try."

But when I get discouraged, those character's voices tend to get quiet, and I have to find the motivation to continue. My motivation came this week in the form of your kind words on my reviews. I love my characters, even selfish, egotistical ones like Connor Sparks. To hear that you've enjoyed them, as well, makes me want to write for hours on end! Even the reviewers who wrote about areas I need to improve only encourage me to get better and not disappoint them next time.

So, today's post is really a huge thank you to my readers. You are my motivation when times are tough; you are my encouragement when I think of a crazy plot line, and you say you like it, too; you are the drive that makes me want to be a better writer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

​And whatever goals you're tackling, I hope you find the motivation and support to make them happen.