Characters

For the last several days, I've been working with my character and scene charts for my Church Doors novels.
Behind Church Doors was published in 2010. Beyond Church Doors was published in 2013. I hope to have the third Church Doors novel published in 2014.
As I review the characters who traveled from the first novel to the second, I have such a sense of familiarity. I can hear the voice of Foster Pace, the wise older Christian man who encourages NikkiMac to leave her old lifestyle and come to church. I can see Cletus transform from a local drunk hustler to a new life in the Lord, not without struggle, but possible with Christ. I hear the laughter of the children as they run and play outside after church services. I sense the darkness under the facade of Darius Muse.
A few new characters talk to me in the second novel. Anna Maria DelGrosso-a new friend to narrator NikkiMac, Lucy Bergamot- the exotic beauty shop owner, Adam Greene-the new assistant minister. So many voices, so many visions of what each character looks like.
Writers' characters come to life. We develop them so precisely that we know what they would or wouldn't say or do. But sometimes, they surprise even us. Well, gotta go, my many characters are clamoring for more attention.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

The Holding Principle

Recently, an associate came at me in what I consider an aggressive verbal manner. She thought I had done something to insult her, but I had no idea of what she was talking about. My first reaction was to flare up at her in return, but I stopped, kept quiet, and listened to her.  I considered the fact that this type of reaction was unusual for her. I noted that she would not hear my statements or my request for clarity from her. I remembered that she's going through professional and personal stress. I let her finish, and then I replied,"I really don't understand what's going on here between us. I think I'll just walk away and think about how I should respond. I think I'm gonna pray about this before I say anything more." Then, I walked away from her. I held my peace. I prayed.
We saw each other again the next day.  She walked directly up  to me and put her hand on my shoulder. She apologized. I didn't ask for any explanation. Her eyes showed her embarrassment and sincerity. We are fine now. I'm thankful for James 1:19-20 and that I used what one preacher calls The Holding Principle.
Praise Him,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com