RISE OF THE MOMENTS - Developing Characters - Part 1

This is a blog I wrote about a year ago with the readers in mind. I will post it, now, since the work continues on the followup. Please pardon my dust, but enjoy the insights:

As I prepared to write the second installation of the "Rise Of The Moments" novel series, I had some pretty daunting challenges to overcome. The first of them was the critical evaluation of the first novel. I re-read the novel, finding those errors which somehow found their way back into the text document as I prepared to send to the publisher for print. With that second edition done, I found my way to the next challenge: continuity.

This was such a challenge because of the format I chose to write the first in, namely, my "chronological puzzle." I had to re-read, this time taking notes and mentally getting my bearings as to where and when certain things would naturally occur. Even before the critical undertakings began, I had to spend time considering the future technologies that mankind is likely to succeed at bringing to bear, including failed attempts and adjustments of theoretical and philosophical concepts we might undergo. This was no easy task.

One of the key things I had done in 2003, when I conceived the idea of SPLITTSVILLE, was to sketch images of the Joe Splitt in his various forms. That also lead to my sketching villains to balance out the stories surrounding his exploits. It was more of a zany conceptualization, to be sure, but it would serve as the kernel which brought forth the Quantum character. That, in turn, lead to the idea of the Moments people. The name would come later on, when I came up with the title that inspired me to write the first versions of the story line.

As I developed the idea, Joe's character came to find a place as one of the story's main characters. Doctor Kerr and Joe Splitt were initially one character, in concept, but each required a life of his own to make the book work. One might even note that they never actually meet each other in the first novel. This is partly because they are walking independently toward the end result alluded to in the title: RISE OF THE MOMENTS.

The Moments, on the other hand, are ever-present. If there is to be a connection between the two of those characters, it is to be via the Moments, Eight or Eight... or maybe it will be Eight. Just kidding. Or am I? Perhaps you read the book and noted that it was Quantum who actually is the first Moment to actively engage the two of them, due to his disruptive course of actions as he attempts to force the powers that be into action.

In the second novel, which I am now writing, we will explore these characters a little deeper, and perhaps we shall see how some of the apparent gaps in the first novel are actually well-placed spaces. I cannot take all the credit for making that so, but I have to remain open to my creativity, and the story line for book two is certainly benefiting from my willingness to trust my intuition. As I said, before: It is a daunting task.

For the next few installations of my blog, I will try to allow you an insider's view... the characters' dressing room view, if you will. My hope is that it will inspire you as it inspires me to strive toward completion of this, my next major project.

Enjoy.