It takes all kinds....

First, let me say that ...
but I'm just too crushed for time to hunt up cute smilies to add.
Sorry!

Also, know up front that I'm THRILLED to hear from readers for any reason. I'm not picking on anyone here, or singling out any emails. To everyone who has written me - THANK YOU!

This topic just seemed so interesting to me that I wanted to explore it more.
Not to complain.
Not because anyone's email or opinion bothered me.

In fact, it always fascinates me to know what others think about my books, even if their thoughts are contrary with my own.

So here I go.

When I wrote Jude's Law , I introduced the heroine's brother Tim, who, at first, was about as sleezy and unlikable as you could get. Throughout that book, Tim didn't change much, but he learned a few things. And we saw him at least try to grow up and become a better person.

I got a lot of emails from readers who wanted Tim dead.
Buried.
Gone from the earth.

Tim was not well liked.
Even I didn't like him, but I sort of understood him.

And hey, as the heroine's brother, I couldn't see killing him. That would hurt her.

Then, in Murphy's Law, with another secondary character's guidance, Tim morphed a little.
Thanks to Denny, we saw Tim become a more likeable guy.

Still not hero material in my mind.
But he did show growth.

Now I get just as many emails from readers who want Tim to get his own book, as I got from folks wanting him dead!

I'm sorry to tell everyone, but it ain't gonna happen.
Tim won't die, and he won't become a hero, either.
Tim is what he is, a flawed secondary character. Period.

But I remembered Tim's tale as I received some messages from readers about another character in my new book.

In Causing Havoc, Roger on his worst day is, in my opinion, a whole lot better than Tim on his best day.
But again, readers want him dead.
There is such complete loathing for that poor man!

In case anyone who hasn't read Causing Havoc still plans to, I don't want to give the story away.
But I can tell you that Roger doesn't die.
And like Tim, he shows growth.

Yes, he made mistakes, but come on folks, what would a book be if all the characters were so clear cut as to be either a pure hero or a vile villain, with no one walking the line, or struggling internally?

Can there be no misunderstandings?
Can't there be, as in real life, some folks who stumble a little through misguidance or a horrid past?
Can there be characters who make genuine mistakes, just as we humans do, but try to atone for those mistakes?

Do you, as a reader, enjoy seeing a character redeemed if not in one book, then throughout a couple of books, maybe even a series?

Do you like some "gray" personality types thrown in with the clear cut black and white?

Can you name a character in a book that you started out hating, but came to like?
Or vice versa?

I hope that more people understand and forgive Roger, but if everyone despises him, I'll deal with that, too.
Now Dean... he might have something to say about it.
But we'll save that for another time when Dean might finagle his own interview again.

Hugs to all!

Lori