I’ve been working on a new contemporary romance novel and I’m struck by how similar creating a new character is to going on a first date. At first everything is awkward, the conversation stilted, and I’m a little more focused on how the person looks than who they are. Then words start to flow, some trivial, others revealing the truth about the person in front of me. As time passes, and if everything goes as it should, I begin to fall in love. This may sound odd, since we’re talking about people I make up in my own head, so I feel it’s important to explain just what kind of love I mean.

As I get older, I notice just how beautiful youth is. I mean more than just the physical. Being the terribly nostalgic person I am, when young people catch my eye I think back to how wild, stupid, dreadful, mysterious, and wonderful life was back then. For me, it also meant a lot of romantic adventures. When I look at these hot young guys, I’m not undressing them in my mind. Nor do I have any desire to see them in my bed. Instead I’m thinking of all the opportunities they have, all the fun waiting for them, and I hope they find someone their own age to experience this journey with. This is my wish for my characters too. I adore them, enjoy being in their heads or seeing them from the outside, but I want them to find their own way in the world. I love them, but they aren’t for me, so the most I can do is admire them from afar and try to guide them in the right direction.

As crazy as all of this might sound, the infatuation I feel for people that don’t exist is a good omen. If I write a joke that doesn’t make me laugh, chances are you won’t laugh either. If I don’t fall head over heels in love with my characters, then why would you? The days I’m too busy to write, I have a nagging feeling that tells me to call these characters, to check up on them and make sure they’re doing okay. With a little luck, you’ll feel the same way when you set the book down for too long. Speaking of which, just wait until you meet Connor. It’ll be awhile before you do, but believe me, you’re going to love him!