How I Bring My Characters to Life

Characters are the heartbeat of any story. For me, they are more than just names on a page—they are reflections of real people, emotions, and experiences that shape our lives. When I create characters, I don’t just invent them; I uncover them, pulling from the depths of memory, observation, and inspiration from stories that have shaped me.

Drawing from Real Life

Most of my characters are inspired by real people—some I know personally, others I’ve merely encountered in passing. They carry the quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities of those who have left an imprint on me. Sometimes a single gesture, a phrase, or a moment of raw emotion is enough to spark the creation of a new character.

There’s also a piece of me in every character I write. Whether it’s a fear, a hope, or a past experience, I find that infusing my own emotions into my characters makes them more authentic. Writing becomes a way to explore different facets of myself, and in turn, my characters become mirrors of universal emotions—grief, joy, curiosity, and the longing for connection.

Blending Literary & Cinematic Inspiration

My latest novel, The Memory Keepers, was deeply inspired by The Giver, Edward Scissorhands, and Meet Joe Black. These stories resonated with me because they blend elements of wonder, melancholy, and deep philosophical questions about life and memory.

• The Giver taught me about the power of memory and how it shapes identity.
• Edward Scissorhands showed me the beauty of the outsider and how being different is both a gift and a challenge.
• Meet Joe Black explored the delicate balance between life and death, and how love exists even in the most unexpected moments.

Each of these works influenced The Memory Keepers, but rather than simply mirroring them, I infused my own voice and perspective, weaving a world and characters that are uniquely my own.

Building Deep Backstories

For the characters in The Memory Keepers, I created a backstory for each of them, even if most of the details never made it into the actual book. I do this to shape their persona, dialogue, interactions, and to make them feel real to me. Understanding their histories allows me to write with depth, ensuring that every action and decision they make feels authentic and grounded in who they are.

Finding the Voice & Heart of a Character

Once I have an idea of who my characters are inspired by, I dive deep into their inner worlds. Their voices emerge through:

• Dialogue: The way they speak, the phrases they repeat, the silences they hold.
• Mannerisms & Quirks: A nervous habit, a signature expression, a way of looking at the world.
• Their Fears & Desires: What do they want most? What keeps them up at night?

I let my characters surprise me. Sometimes they take on a life of their own, shifting the direction of my story in ways I never expected. That’s when I know they’ve become real—not just to me, but to the readers who will meet them.

Why It Matters

Characters are how we experience stories. They are the bridge between fiction and reality, giving readers someone to root for, cry with, and remember long after the last page is turned. By drawing from real life, blending inspiration from beloved stories, and allowing my characters to evolve naturally, I create people who feel authentic, flawed, and beautifully human.

Your Turn

Who are some of your favorite fictional characters—either from my books or others? What makes them stand out to you? Let’s talk in the comments!