Secondary Characters That Inspire
I’m so excited to be part of Tornado Alley Publications THIS SUMMER STORM anthology! My story, ATLANTIS TWISTED TIDES, features Adria a secondary character from an earlier novel who inspired me so much I had to write not only the novella featured in this anthology, but another complete book.
What makes a secondary character worthy of their own book and/or novella? The character needs to be compelling, needs to have room to grow, have a unique background, and an interesting story to tell or an adventure to complete.
Readers must like and be intrigued by the secondary character you’ve chosen to star in their own story. A princess from the underwater Kingdom of Merta, Adria is the sister of Reef the hero in ATLANTIS DARK TIDES. This book was supposed to be the final book in the Lost Daughters of Atlantis series, but I couldn’t forget Adria. She is outspoken with her family and the adults in the royal household, but get her around people her own age and she’s tongue-tied and shy. And she had her own story to tell.
Her half Atlantean-half mermaid princess background makes her unique. Her mother’s fear of her not being approved of has kept her secluded from other Atlantean kids. Like all teens, she worries about being accepted on a variety of levels. On top of that, Adria craves excitement and until ATLANTIS TWISTED TIDES she’d never had any of her own. I wanted to give Adria her first adventure.
And does she ever get it. An adventure that based on the choices she makes could bring down her entire kingdom.
Adria’s growth in ATLANTIS TWISTED TIDES takes her from inexperienced, shy girl to a teen who heads out on a quest and learns to trust her instincts. But she still has more growth to accomplish and a love to fulfill which is why she will have her own full-length book to be released later this year. Keep watching my website for information.
So, have you ever read a book that had a minor or secondary character that you wanted to read more about? Tell me about it in the comments below for a chance to win an e-copy of ATLANTIS DARK TIDES.
For more information about other books in the Lost Daughters of Atlantis series, visit my website at www.allieburton.com.
Secondary characters are always very thrilling. The lead character wants us to follow them througout the story, but the secondary character takes the reader to another level altogether and makes the characters become part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Anonymous! That is what happened with Adria in Atlantis Dark Tides. I'm so glad her story is included in the THIS SUMMER STORM anthology!
ReplyDeleteYou so nailed secondary characters. I had always wished LaVyrle Spencer had given Charles from Vows a story. He was the jilted boyfriend of the heroine and I always wanted him to have his HEA.
ReplyDeleteI loved that book! In a romance when there is a love triangle and both guys are good guys, I always want them both to get a happy ending.
DeleteI've wanted Julie Garwood to write Nick and Clare's story for a decade. Not sure she's ever going there, but they were such dynamic characters in SAVING GRACE...they just need a story bad!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new release, Allie!
Suzanne, Maybe you can email Julie Garwood and request a sequel.
DeleteAllie, I did...twice! LOL, Any more and she'll think I'm stalking her! ;)
DeleteAllie, I really loved Adria and Kai's chemistry in ATLANTIS TWISTED TIDES! So glad you are giving her a full story of her own! And I'm just thrilled to have this great short story in our This Summer Storm collection.
ReplyDeleteAs far as secondary characters--I have a few of my books that just beg for the secondary characters to have their own stories, and one of these days, when I figure out how to cram 48 hours in a 24 hour day, I'm going to do it! LOL
Cheryl
Cheryl - So many stories, so little time!
DeleteI love secondary characters, but they do have a tendency of wanting their own stories. That can certainly throw a wrench into a writer's writing schedule. I'm pleased to be in this anthology with you, Allie. All the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristy! I loved your story, A Current So Swift, in the novella!
DeleteLooking forward to reading this story!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I love villains that turn into the heroes/heroines of their own stories. One of the peeps I'd love JK Rowling to write about is Draco Malfoy. I hated that smug kid, but at the end of the series, I felt so bad for him and the choices he had to make. There was something good in there underneath all the crap. I want to see that come out. This is probably wishful thinking now that the author has turned to mystery, but I can still hope.
Caro - I asked my son this same question and he picked Ron Weasley! JK Rowley could write a million more stories based on the Harry Potter books.
DeleteAllie, congratulations on the release of Atlantis Twisted Tides! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteSecondary characters are the best! I love that extra thread when a strong character makes themselves memorable.
Tracy - I know there's a secondary character from your book, Touched By Texas, that I'm still waiting to read!
ReplyDeleteAllie, I think it's great that you answered the muse (or Adria) and wrote a follow up! That's what makes writing so much fun. When I was a kid, I always wished the secondary characters in the Hardy Boys series would get their own book. I thought it was wrong that they did so much heavy lifting, but the Hardys always got the credit. BTW- that is one very cool cover. Love the Atlantis logo too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard! I loved your story in the anthology. Jo is such a spunky character.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read more adventures in your Atlantis series. Adria sounds like an intriguing character with a great story to tell.
ReplyDelete