Hey all;

As a writer I often, or always, become attached to my main characters. Sure, some subordinate characters come and go, but my main group (which has gotten a bit large in my current work in progress) is very special to me. So when it comes time to put some or all of them in mortal danger or even, gasp, kill one off, I’m quite torn.

After all, these are almost friends of mine (cue the Psycho music here). I know who they are, what makes them tick. I am, in many ways, both mother and father to them. Truly, if not for me, they would not exist. And then comes that moment when one, or more, has to go. It’s quite wrenching actually.

I’m sure other authors go through the same emotional ride. But in the end, if it is necessary for the story that X has to die, then you must suck it up and just do it. And then eat some cookies and cream ice cream, in their honor, of course.

J.J.