That's part of what makes writing fiction such a vulnerable process. A lot of the time, we authors put ourselves into our characters without even noticing it until someone brings it up.
When I read Piercing Through the Darkness by my writing colleague, Emerald Barnes, I was intrigued to find out how much of herself she put in the story. The novella stars a young college co-ed who starts having flashbacks about a horrific accident she had repressed in her memory. At the same time, a bereaved husband remembers exactly who Kandi is and is bent on revenge, and a best friend/love interest Jimmy is doing everything he can to protect Kandi's emotions - and her life.
1) Which character in Piercing Through the Darkness is the most like you?
Despite being a female, I'll have to say Jimmy. I would do anything to protect my family and the people that I love the most. I can relate to him the most because he has such a kind nature. Although, I have a bit of a temper like Jonathan.
2) Did you give any characters quirks based off of yourself or people you know?
If I did, it was unintentional. I was drawing on emotions that I thought I might feel given the situation, but their quirks were fully their own.
3) Do you remember how you came up with the storyline for Piercing Through the Darkness?
I do actually. I had originally written a short story called Piercing Through the Darkness that is one of the scenes of the novella now. It all began with someone being chased at a football game and not knowing why. But the killer knew why and blamed her for something she wasn't even sure she did. But, when I got to the end of that short story, I had Kandi's memories forgotten, simply because I thought it would make a fun story. But I also drew from discussions that I had in my psychology class about hypnosis and repressed memories to write the entire story.
4) Are there any parts of Piercing Through the Darkness' plot that are based on your own personal experiences?
Well, I drew on my Biology class in community college for the classroom scenes, but aside from setting, nothing. 5) As an author, do you find it easier to write any specific kind of character?
Not really. I like to write complex characters because I feel like they're more realistic. Humans are complex people, and we range vastly in how we deal with certain problems. I try to keep that as realistic as possible or how I would react in a situation.
See below for more information about Emerald Barnes' suspenseful novella.
It’s on the edge of her memory like a word on the tip of her tongue, but Kandi can’t remember what it is to save her life. Despite being a cop, Jimmy can’t protect Kandi from the one thing that haunts her. She’s in danger and doesn’t even know it. After it happened, her brain repressed her memories of the accident, and now, she’s taking a Biology class under a man who wants to see her dead. The memories have started coming back, and it feels like she’s miles away from him. How can he protect her when she doesn’t even know she needs protecting?
Can these characters pierce their way through the darkness?
"Piercing Through the Darkness" by Emerald Barnes on Ganxy
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About Emerald Barnes: Emerald Barnes graduated with a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing at Mississippi University for Women. She resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She mainly writes suspense/thrillers in the YA genre, but she dabbles in other genres and her books are enjoyed by all ages! She's constantly working on new novels and has more ideas than she knows what to do with. She blogs at emeraldbarnes.blogspot.com and ebarnes23.wordpress.com which takes up more of her time than she anticipates but loves it so very much! She's also a volunteer at the World Literary Cafe which is so amazing! She's an auntie to two beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews (and another unknown gender coming by the end of 2013) who take up the other half of her time, but she couldn't imagine spending her time in any other way! She's a Whovian, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number one in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor. Stay up to date with her at her Website, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also find her on Goodreads , Google+, and stay up to date with her releases on her Amazon Author Page. For more stops on the tour visit: http://www.emeraldbarnes.us/on-tour.html
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