Joe Siple
Hi Ariadne,
Sorry for the delay, and thanks so much for your question! It's such an interesting one: Where to characters come from? I know a lot of writers take from people they know (or have met) and build on that. I guess in a way, all writers are doing that to a certain extent, even if it's subconscious. After all, characters come from our minds, and our minds are shaped by our experiences. But I try to create them from scratch as much as possible. I don't think of any of my characters as being based on anyone I know...but I have been a mentor to a boy (now a 5th grader) for the last few years, and I did have three grandparents live into their 90's, so I'm sure those experiences impacted my characters on some level. But to me, one of the best parts of writing is creating characters and getting to know them well enough along the way that they take over the writing process. For me, it doesn't happen often or easily, but when it does, it's very satisfying.
Thanks again for the question, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!
-Joe
Sorry for the delay, and thanks so much for your question! It's such an interesting one: Where to characters come from? I know a lot of writers take from people they know (or have met) and build on that. I guess in a way, all writers are doing that to a certain extent, even if it's subconscious. After all, characters come from our minds, and our minds are shaped by our experiences. But I try to create them from scratch as much as possible. I don't think of any of my characters as being based on anyone I know...but I have been a mentor to a boy (now a 5th grader) for the last few years, and I did have three grandparents live into their 90's, so I'm sure those experiences impacted my characters on some level. But to me, one of the best parts of writing is creating characters and getting to know them well enough along the way that they take over the writing process. For me, it doesn't happen often or easily, but when it does, it's very satisfying.
Thanks again for the question, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!
-Joe
More Answered Questions
Larry A
asked
Joe Siple:
Hi Joe, Online with my book club here in Chicago on The Five Wishes... We all liked the book, but felt the ending was a little too contrived. Characters were great - plus I'm a big Cubs fan! What made you decide to change careers from sports journalism to writing a novel? Larry
Annette
asked
Joe Siple:
Joe, Just finished the love story about Murray McBride..... incredible... I'm a voracious reader, 98% fiction, and it's been a long time since I cried while reading. Thank you so much. I look forward to reading more of your work. Will you please keep sharing your beautiful writing? Annette
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