When I begin to write something new I usually only have a snapshot of the characters I want to write about. I have an idea how old they are, what they do for a living and their physical appearance. I always know what they’re called and often the name is the starting point for a new character. But that’s about it!
As the first draft gets underway – and I usually write a very quick, rough first draft that is often little more than dialogue, the characters evolve. I begin to understand what makes them tick; what has happened to them in the past which makes them react or create happenings.
I thought it might be fun, in an occasional series, to revisit characters I’ve written in past books.
I’m starting with Simon Tait.
Simon is thirty something. He appears as the ambitious, fast-tracked teacher in Love’s as Easy as ABC. He’s cool, confident and rarely wastes words.
He’s my favourite of all the heroes I’ve written. I love him. I’m in love with him!
I think it’s important that I fall for the hero I’m writing about. I’m sure it comes through to the reader. At least I hope it does.
Simon isn’t all he appears. People can be in awe of him and he certainly isn’t as easy to get along with as his younger brother, Miles.
He’s tall and sparely built, pale with dark hair and blue eyes. He’s a runner, so has that loose-limbed sinewy fitness. He looks pretty hot in a tracksuit but is more often found in his personal uniform of dark trousers and black leather jacket. And he’s clever. I find clever men deeply attractive.
The brothers come from a long line of actors. Both parents are jobbing actors and their grandfather was one of the best stage actors of his generation. With a domineering and plotting mother, who is desperately trying to keep middle age at bay and revive her career, sometimes their home-life isn’t all that easy. Margo Tait hasn’t fully got over her shock and disappointment that Simon has rejected the family ‘business’ and become an academic.
As well as having to cope with Margo as a mother (she was one of my favourite characters to write) the Tait brothers also have a tragedy in their past. How they reacted to it has affected them profoundly but in very different ways. Whereas Miles is constantly on the lookout for attention, Simon is the most truly confident person I’ve ever written. He’s one of those quiet men, who go about their business with supreme efficiency. Does he sound a little boring? Trust me, he really isn’t.
His Achilles’ heel is his desire to do the right thing – and that causes all sorts of problems.
Who did I have in mind when writing him? It’s really hard to pinpoint a certain look but Richard Armitage in the above cover shoot provided inspiration for the ‘coat’ scene at the fireworks party and the lovely actor, James Rob-Collier might well look a little like Simon – but his personality, as Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey, is absolutely nothing like him!
Tempted to read more about Simon Tait? Try Love’s as Easy as ABC. Buying link at the top of the page.
Love,
Georgia x
