How do you create a character?

Over the years, as I have been creating characters, when I think back it feels like my characters have always existed, at least in my head. The further I go in my trilogy, the more pressure I feel in developing characters. And it is so much fun! 

Recently I was working on book 3 and got to a place that needed new characters added. So, my process? 

I pray. I think. I go deep into my quiet creative space where only I can go and let words come. As I type I am also reading my words on the screen and feeling what this character feels like. Is he or she joyful? Is he or she quiet or loud? So many traits have to come through as I write. 

I mentioned my quiet creative space. It’s heavenly. It doesn’t allow intruders. It lets me be me. 

Speaking of that, I have work to do on book 3. Off I go to my quiet space, alone.