Allie Pleiter on When A Character Won’t Stay Put

Every once in a while, a character gets uppity.  Sometimes they decide “secondary” isn’t a sufficient status, and they want their own book.  Other times they clamor for their own ending, having seen how their buddy/sister/partner just got all the happy kisses and they now demand their own.  If you think the author’s in charge, think again…

Characters can hound you, stalking you from the back of your mind until you relent and give them their own book.  Such was the case with Ida Lee Landway from Homefront Hero.  She wasn’t going to settle for “best friend” casting, no sir.  She was ready to play leading lady, and would not hush up until I gave in.

Then came the search—what man would win this feisty army nurse’s heart?  Outspoken and unconventional, her match of course needed to be a bit on the stuffy side.  Opposites attract, after all.  He needed to share her dedication to her work, but I wanted him to be in sorry need of the color Ida brings to the world wherever she goes.  Is it any surprise, then, that one of the first ways Dr. Daniel Parker shows his growing affection is with the purchase of cans of paint?

Ida and Daniel’s journey to each other’s heart is filled with bumps and twists, tender moments and outright laughs, as well as a host of adorable little orphans who create no end of surprises.  I hope you enjoy reading THE DOCTOR’S UNDOING as much as I enjoyed writing it.