Evolving Character

Kate Grady was just a baby near the end of Bloodfrost, first book in the Bloodline Trilogy. There was something quite different about her from the get-go. I made no secret about her continuation in Bloodlust (book two in the trilogy); therefore her character development is now progressing in my current writing.

Bloodlust begins when Kate is a teenager, attending English High School in Boston. Despite her penchant for "Goth" apparel and accessories, she is an outstanding student who is also responsible and compassionate. She feels great love and admiration for both her parents (Noel and Pim from Bloodfrost), and is secure in her life and friendships.

I outlined the Bloodline Trilogy last year via private scribbled notes, so I know where I need to take Kate in the continuation of the story. From birth, she has possessed a unique ability to bend people to her will (a result of Noel and Pim's experiences in Bloodfrost, which is hinted at in the first book). For most of her life up to high school, Kate has used her gift to help people rather than harm them.

The current blurb for Bloodlust: Noel and Pim's daughter Kate Grady has unusual powers which allow her to bend people to her will. At first she uses her gifts wisely, but then goes astray after falling in love with the diabolical Kirk Lester, whom she follows down an ugly path of debauchery and evil...

Taking a decent-themed character and transforming them into somewhat of a monster is a challenge, but very enjoyable to write. As any serious author is likely to agree, creating the hideous rather than the mundane is much more satisfying. At the moment, I'm just beginning to push Kate off the cliff into the proverbial abyss. It's an exciting part of the story, and I'm relishing every minute of writing it. I can't wait to see where my imagination takes me as I go around the next corner...

Call me crazy, but that's the way of it.