I’ve said it before, but characters sometimes seem to take on a life of their own and decide they’re not going to do what they’re told by some mere author. The fact that they may have no existence at all outside that author’s head cuts no ice with them. Nor does the fact that you might have a carefully plotted plan for the book they are appearing in. They decide they know better and they’re going to have the book the way they decide.

I’ve just had a classic example. My book ‘Daughters’ introduced a school friend of central character Hazel Fauld’s called Brenda George. As a school senior she was already a stunningly talented painter, so much so in fact that her art teacher, Mr. Granby, was convinced she’ll be a major force in the art-world some day. But she had a passion for producing terrifying, nightmarish images that get her the nickname ‘Weird Brenda’ amongst her classmates.

Brenda has been mentioned in one or two of the Saltbury books since that first appearance, but only ever in passing. However, I said a few weeks ago that I’d felt her almost clamouring for a full return in my next book, ‘Roisin’. No gentle reader, there’s no need to call out an analyst. I’m not hearing voices. I just had a really strong feeling that she’d be needed. The trouble is, I had no idea why. Oh, but I know now. I’ve watched her playing a wonderful role, almost as though I was merely a spectator with no idea what would come next. Part of me would love to tell you all about it, but I’d better not. It would totally spoil the story. You’re going to love it though, I just know it.