You Have A Dilemma

You have a dilemma.

If you're going to be a writer, and if you're writing fiction, you have a dilemma.

You have to decide if you are going to write one-shots, or if you are going to write a series.

The reason it’s a dilemma is this:  if you write single stories or novels, you will have to create new characters with each new story.

If you choose to create a series, you have established characters that you should know very well.  If you place them in any situation, you will know how they will react.

I have written a few one-shot short stories, and created new characters with them.  Establishing them was hard.  I asked myself with each one, “What would this one do in this situation?  How would they handle it?”  It isn’t as easy as it sounds.

In my Justice Security series, and the few recurring characters in my new “Tales Of Sardis County” series, I know how each character will react within a given set of circumstances.

In the Justice Security world, if one of the characters were surrounded by three bad guys, Louie would lose his temper and punch his way out of the situation.  Dexter would use martial arts and leave the bad guys wondering what hit them.  Misty would take out every one of them but would make it look like a choreographed accident.  Megan would simply shoot her way out of the situation.  Jessica would try talking first and then shoot.  Joey would accidentally blow them up if anything explosive were lying around.  They don’t always react that way, but, most times, you can count on some consistency.

That’s the easy part of established characters.

On the other hand, the Sardis County bunch has only a couple of recurring characters, simply to give the reader a sense that Sardis County, and the city of Perry, is a magical, adventurous place.  Anything can happen there, and does.  So, that means that Sardis County itself is the series character, with only a little window dressing to remind you that there are familiar people living there.

So, there’s your dilemma.  Are you going to create new characters with each story that you write, or will you create characters for a continuing series?

Either way, you simply have to write.  Period.  Tell us their adventures.  We’re waiting with impatience for you!

And, pick up a book and…Keep Reading!

Michael  (T. M.)