My favorite part of writing a novel is the daydreaming that precedes the actual construction of the plot. The initial spark for a plot kicks my imagination into overdrive and pretty soon I’m having all kinds of conversations with a brand new cast of fictional characters. In reality, when we meet someone new, we each bring a lifetime of experiences, attitudes, and opinions to those initial interactions, right? In my opinion, introducing a hero that is both flawed yet lovable requires a basic understanding of the character’s life events that preceded the story. Yes, I realize these are ‘people’ I’ve manufactured in my head. Trust me. There’s a method to my madness.
If we want readers to root for our new hero, he must appear on the pages of the novel as a complex, nuanced individual. But just as over-sharing and ‘TMI’ leads to awkward moments, revealing the hero’s entire life story in the opening chapter ruins the reader’s experience. Hence, the character interview serves two purposes: helps the author craft a novel with believable characters and provides the reading audience with a little taste of what’s to come in the story line.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at Chase Binford, the hero of my soon-to-be-released novella, Love Flies In.
“He’s a seaplane pilot determined to honor his convictions. She’s a kayak guide who mocked his faith for sport. One small cabin in Alaska can’t house them both.”
Name: Chase Binford
Where are you from? I’m originally from Anchorage, Alaska but I’m planning to relocate to Emerald Cove, Alaska. My cousin is selling his cabin there and I’d love to buy it. We spent a lot of time there when I was growing up and it’s the perfect location to settle down and hopefully raise a family.
Occupation: Seaplane pilot
Ambition in life: My best friend and I are launching a charter flight service in Emerald Cove. We offer whale-spotting trips, sightseeing tours of the most beautiful coastline in the world and charter service to remote locations.
Best thing that’s happened to you: growing up in a loving family and becoming a pilot.
Worst thing that’s happened to you: My brother and I tried a short stint on the mission field. It wasn’t anything like I expected and I ended up coming home.
Earliest childhood memory: walking beside the lake in Anchorage with my parents and watching the seaplanes take off.
Favorite quote or verse: I have too many favorites to pick one. I don’t like to fail. At all. Since I’m trying to start something new right now, I’m focused on a verse from the book of Isaiah. ‘See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’ (Isaiah 43:19 NIV)
What makes you laugh? A good clean joke … Occasionally Will Ferrell movies … Tisha McDowell’s witty banter.
You can get to know Chase better and read more about his flightseeing adventures when Love Flies In releases June 23rd. It is one of NINE refreshing, faith-filled romances included in Splash!.
This eBook box set of novellas is now available for pre-order here.
A Pacific Northwest girl at heart, Heidi was blessed to spend her formative years in Alaska. Her unique upbringing, coupled with Alaska's breathtaking scenery, fueled her active imagination and loosely inspired her debut novel, Unraveled. Heidi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. They live in North Carolina with their three active little boys. When Heidi isn't stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the boys around suburbia or watching one of their many sporting events, she loves to read and write heartwarming romance.
Having read this story already, I can say how much I enjoyed Chase and Tisha’s relationship. Their banter was so fun, and since they knew each other before the book opens, there was a lot of depth that I didn’t expect in a story this length. Really fun and well done, Heidi!
I’m looking forward to reading the story, Heidi! Hero interviews are fun. :) Your book sounds wonderful with a cabin, a charter flight service, whale watching…sigh. I’m curious as to reading more about Chase’s stint on the mission field, too. Sally answered my question; I had assumed Tisha was the heroine in your story (I read through it again to make sure I hadn’t missed it) since Chase enjoys her witty banter. :)
Thanks, Sally! I really enjoyed writing that banter.
Thank you for stopping by, JoAnn. I hope you enjoy Love Flies In.
Heidi, great post! I can’t wait to read your story and visit Emerald Cove. I’ve always been fascinated by Alaska and it’s on my to-visit wish list :)
I love character interviews! For me it brings them to life :-) And I love the idea of a charter flight service to explore Alaska. I think having a cabin there would be the perfect dream for Chase. This story sounds right up my alley :-)