When your characters demand to be heard

[John Dean]

So how do you know when you are onto something when you are writing the novel? For me, it is when it starts to write itself.

What do I mean? Well, as an example, I am working on the new Jack Harris novel and, as usual, took time before writing to plan it out – events, episodes, characters, plot twists etc.

I had a character who was supposed to be a bit part player but as I started to write her she assumed greater importance – now she is central to the plot and may even feature in other novels.

My tip to any writer is that when something like that happens, go with your instinct and divert from your plan - the character is clearly demanding to be heard.

If only the characters could do all the typing, as well!