I recently posted about conversations I have with my characters and that sometimes, (who am I kidding – MOST OF THE TIME) they get their own way. I was happy to oblige Dutchy and ultimately, I know that the story for Blackstone Ranger Guardian turned out so much better than I originally thought.

But what about when your characters threatened to MURDER YOU?

YEP. 

And of course, it was J.D. McNamara. Here’s how that conversation went:

Before I became an author, I never really understood what it meant to have your characters come alive. I thought it was kind of crazy. How did these characters talk back to you? Aren’t you the creator?

Well now, after writing and publishing many books, I finally understand. Though I may have brought them to life, sometimes these characters have a mind of their own. Take for example, Dutchy from Blackstone Ranger Guardian.

This book had been in my head for so long, ever since I created Dutchy. I was initially resistant to the idea of having her paired up with a ranger, because I really wasn’t planning to write the rangers series until I’d at least done a dragon and a PD or FD series (which is why we don’t meet Damon in the previous books, but I mentioned Cole and Will several times).

I even tried pairing up Dutchy with a certain silver dragon, but she wouldn’t have it. I tried really hard, guys!

Here’s how the dialogue went:

Me: But Dutchy, he’s a dragon AND a duke. You’re named Dutchess! It would be perfect!

Dutchy: NO! I want my cuddle, growly bear mate.

Me: Are you sure? Ian is really charming. Do you really want a grumpy bear? Dragons are way cooler.

Dutchy: Noooo! I want a giant teddy bear to cuddle me all night long.

Me: But Dutchy …

Dutchy: You just don’t want to write the rangers books yet! (points to the keyboard). Now start writing! I want my Happy Ever After.

And so, Krieger and the rest of the rangers were born.

I was gonna end this series here, but then J.D. climbed out of my computer and threatened to murder me if I didn’t give her a book.

But that’s another story for another day …