Hello my friends,
Before writing their book, some authors create an outline with tons of notes about their characters, especially the main characters. They mention every aspect of their appearance and personality, but I don’t do that. My characters evolve with the story as I write it. Yes, I keep a few comments, but I let them be explained as the reader goes through the story.
I begin Murder at the Canadian National Exhibition with the main character, Abby Field, who is a thoughtful and introspective woman in her sixties. She declares her love for murder mystery novels, especially by her favourite author, Jane Yurich, who is a famous Canadian author. (No, she’s not real.) I’m establishing Abby as an amateur sleuth, waiting and hoping to solve a mystery.
But she is me, if I were her. Or I’m her, except for major differences like she’s a widow, a retired nurse, and is pet-less. I volunteer at the city’s hospital, so I know nurses. Also, I have a dog and two cats. I get Abby a dog in the next book, but she’s not as experienced with animals as I am. I can’t give her children because I never had kids so don’t know how to write them properly.
As a widow, she remains strong yet vulnerable after the tragic loss of her husband. She’s living a new life and exploring every aspect of it, such as dating and deciding to enjoy her time at the CNE even after her boyfriend abandons her in the food building. Abby remains hopeful and open to new experiences, but should she stay? Should she return home? This is a conundrum she must face.
Abby’s day at the CNE is truly an unexpected adventure filled with revenge, shadows, and secrets.
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Have a great day,
Patty
www.pattylesser.com