with Lauren Carr
We are delighted to welcome back mystery author Lauren Carr to Omnimystery News.
We recently spoke with Lauren after her ninth Mac Faraday mystery Three Days To Forever (Acorn Book Services; January 2015 trade paperback and ebook formats) was published, and wanted to follow up with her, asking how she comes up with her cast of characters for her books. She titles her guest post for us today, "Looking for Characters".
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Photo provided courtesy of
Lauren Carr
On January 19, Three Days To Forever, my latest Mac Faraday Mystery, was released and I held my breath. Every author holds their breath until they get their first review. Even after Three Days To Forever made it up into the top ten on Amazon in police procedurals, I still waited anxiously for reader response to this mystery which brought together all of the characters in my various series and introduced new ones.
As usual with my books, many of the reviews noted, "cast of characters are well developed and interesting," "characters you will love (especially Gnarly)," and even simply, "great characters."
One reader wrote, "I wasn't sure how this book was going to go at the beginning. Some of the characters in particularly Archie's mom, seemed too silly. But as the book moved on and the story was fleshed out it all made sense."
With a big sigh of relief, I let out my breath. That was exactly what I was aiming for.
My favorite part of being a writer is finding new characters and exploring their minds and backgrounds to figure out what makes them tick. I enjoy presenting the character to the readers as a whole, and then, through the story, I slowly peel back the layers to show the reader what is underneath — who that character really is.
Such was the case with Agnes Douglas, the mother of the bride (Archie Monday), in Three Days To Forever. When readers first meet Agnes, she arrives unexpectedly at Spencer Manor and launches into an argument with Mac Faraday by announcing that she is giving their marriage five years before they divorce.
This is not a good first impression for Archie's mother. But then, during the course of the book, as readers get to know Agnes — see what makes her tick — their impression changes — and so does Mac's.
Admittedly, I knew while writing Three Days To Forever, that readers may think Jessica Faraday was a shallow rich man's daughter. She wears designer clothes, has an expensive (and unruly sheltie named Spencer), and drives a purple Ferrari. But after I take readers into the mind of this young lady who graduated with a master's degree in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, they come to realize that underneath her faux furs and leggings, Jessica Faraday is one smart cookie in high heels who has it all together.
I'm a people watcher. Even before I wrote my first book, I would study those around me and try to dissect their personality. "Why is she like that?" "What is his motive for treating his wife that way?"
I was really no fun back in my single days because instead of listening to my dates, I would be listening to the people at the next table. Now my husband recognizes that look in my eyes when I pick up a particularly juicy exchange that isn't happening at our table.
Here's a hint: Many authors listen in on conversations to hear how people talk to each other. It helps us to write dialogue. I read in one blog about an author who overheard a man plotting to kill his boss while his wife was shushing him. So don't plot a murder while eating at McDonalds. The lady at the next table may be a mystery writer and you can find your conversation in her next book.
Years ago, my family made a pit stop on the way to Snow Shoe, West Virginia. I was sitting in the car when I saw a man come out of the bathroom, purchase a soda at the machine, and go to his car. He was medium height, black hair on top of his head with gray from the temples down, like a gray strip around his head. Under a hook nose that was so huge it looked fake, his mustache was bushy and gray and he had a gray goatee. He also had a pot belly above his waist that made him look nine months pregnant and about ready to burst.
This stranger's appearance was so intriguing that I have stored him away in my memory to use later in a book. Years later, I am studying this man to find out who he is and what makes him tick. I still don't know what book I will use him in. I may kill him. Or maybe he'll turn out to be a killer? Maybe. Maybe not.
You'll need to read my books to find out.
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Lauren Carr is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She also passes on what she has learned in her years of writing and publishing by conducting workshops and teaching in community education classes.
The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, editor, cover and layout designer, and marketing agent for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genre, written by independent authors will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit the Acorn Book Services website for more information.
Lauren lives with her husband, son, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
For more information about the author, please visit her website at MysteryLady.net and her author page on Goodreads, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Three Days To Forever
Lauren Carr
A Mac Faraday Mystery
With three days left to the year, Deep Creek Lake is hopping with holiday vacationers and wedding guests pouring into the Spencer Inn for Mac Faraday and Archie Monday's huge wedding ceremony which is being touted as the social event of the year.
But droopy flowers and guests who failed to RSVP are the least of Mac's and Archie's problems when a professional hit squad hits Spencer Manor to send the groom, Joshua Thornton, Archie's mother, and Gnarly running for their lives.
With time running out to the big day, Mac Faraday and Spencer's small police force have to sort through the clues to figure out not only who has been targeted for assassination, but also who is determined to stop everything … FOREVER!
