When Characters Take Over

A new character has popped herself into my second book. Her name is Verna Adams, and I intended her play a very minor role. She was to find the victim, and that's all.

Well, that was not what Verna wanted. Unlike Summit in An Unexpected Death, Verna is not fashioned after a real person. She was just "there," and with a strong personality I couldn't control.

As I developed that first chapter, I also developed Verna. During the process she became quite an interesting individual. A retired school marm of a certain age, she is feisty, and unbeknownst to me, has a mystery of her own to solve.

My original plan was for a new deputy to appear and cause trouble in the sheriff's office. I developed his role a bit, but now I find Verna is the stronger personality and I am going to have to let James go. With Verna's appearance I have more than enough characters to follow. 

I have learned that when characters take over, let them. They know better than the writer where they want to go with the story. Enjoy the ride.