Ever Had This Happen?

I tend to have a pretty firm visual concept for my main characters. A lot of times I use pictures that I find online or in magazines to help me. I did that with Sage, the character from my Orphan Prince series with Scholastic. Not always though. Elliot, in the Underworld series, was only ever in my head until the illustrator brought him to life.

It doesn’t matter though. Because either way, the visual is so strong I feel like I would actually recognize them if I saw them on the street.

Well, it happened. I saw Sage.

Granted, it probably wasn’t him. I’m willing to concede that based on the fact that he’s a character I made up. And yet, while I was sitting in an airport in Jamaica last week, a kid with a remarkable resemblance to him was at the counter next to me.

He’d had his hair braided for vacation, but a girl with him had some pictures on her iphone of him before he had it braided and it was the right length and style (yes, I admit that I peeked). His eyes were slightly narrower than Sage’s would be, but his smile, height, and build were spot on. His attitude seemed to be a little friendlier than Sage’s, but I told myself that if Sage had spent a week vacationing in Jamaica, he’d probably be a little friendlier too.

In a remarkable twist of fate (or the fact that there aren’t that many flights from Jamaica at any one time), he was on the same flight home (two rows in front of me), so I had ample opportunity to rudely stare. I tried not to be too obvious, but it was just so…strange.

I was seeing someone who could have been a character in my book. And I wished I could have introduced myself, just to explain that despite all evidence to the contrary, I wasn’t a crazy stalker. But somehow, I think the explanation would have made things worse.

He and his family disappeared sometime after customs and I continue to work on furthering Sage’s adventures. But wherever he is, it’s enough for me to know that somewhere in the world, my main character is alive and well.

Erin Murphy Agency Retreat, Pt 3

Day 3, Saturday

Our morning group session began with a focus on revision tips. Here are some of the highlights:

* Take risks in revision.

* Hang on to the vision for the whole story, even if it means sacrificing individual elements.

* Trust is a big part of the revision process. If you trust the person giving suggestions, trust their opinion.

* The author has final say in a revision. Consider the suggestion but don’t feel the it’s mandatory.

* Remember that kids are very savvy readers. They will notice flaws.

* If you won’t fix the flawed parts, the whole won’t be good.

* If you want to become a better writer, ask for heavy edits.

* Even as a professional writer, it’s a good idea to occasionally take classes

* “Avoid the stranglehold of ego.” (Don’t remember who said it, but it was brilliant)

For lunch, the ladies who are clients of Joan’s went to lunch. That was excellent and we continued the conversation about revision with one client who has an editorial letter the size of the Sears Tower. It was interesting to hear the challenges she faces and her strategies for managing them.

Since it was my last full day, I used the balance of the afternoon to gather a few souvenirs for the kids, and some Garrett’s caramel Popcorn for a friend. A local in line beside me said I was lucky that it was only a 45-minute wait in line. She said she’s waited much longer, and it’s still worth it. The question crosses my mind as I walk back to the hotel that there’s no way to fit two large bags of popcorn in my already full carry on suitcase.

Everyone went for a nice dinner at the hotel that evening. I got the salmon, which was terrific. I sat at a table and peppered the more experienced authors with questions about school visits, book promotion, and other tips. It was one of the most helpful times of the weekend, getting to ask people who really know what they are talking about for advice I specifically needed.

I went to bed exhausted, but completely energized to return home as a refreshed, restocked author. I have promotion to plan for Elliot and the Goblin War, revisions for Book 3 of Elliot, and writing for Book 2 of Orphan Prince.

The retreat next year will be in Austin. I can already hardly wait!