My favorite books when I was a kid and into adulthood have always been fictional characters who stick in my mind long after I finished reading. This is why I love to create characters who are rich in . . . well, character! I hope readers get so familiar with the people they are reading about that they feel as if they are friends—feel for them when they screw up and wish they could give them advice. It’s awesome when I learn a reader actually did connect with my characters and understands where I was taking them.
I am honored that an excellent fantasy writer shares how she connected with my characters in her review of my newly published book, Through His Disciples’ Eyes.
“In this book, as well as in Lori Virelli’s Whit’s End, what impressed me most was how carefully she creates her characters. Long after reading, I find myself thinking about them, wondering about them, as if they are real people. I truly believe that quality is a clear hallmark of excellent fiction.
I found the author’s use of time in this book intriguing. She takes a look back from the future year of 2029, a time fraught with societal dilemmas, into the equally troubled past of the 1960s. This reexamination searches for wisdom, personal well-being, and faith.
The concept of personal faith—what it is, why it is important, and how to attain it—guides three characters’ fascinating journeys. And possibly your own.” ~ Marsha A. Moore
I’m so pleased Marsha enjoyed the book. If you’re interested in incredibly visual, magical fantasies, I recommend her books. Try her Coon Hollow Coven Tales or Enchanted Bookstore Legends.
And if you’re so inclined, I’d greatly appreciate a review from you for my book.
What’s your favorite aspect of a good book?
Lori's Lane 
What a wonderful reflection by Marsha on your characters, Lori. Rich, memorable characters take time to create and sounds like you carefully crafted your characters. I think my favourite aspect of a book depends on what genre I’m reading. If I’m reading fiction, I definitely like to read about interesting characters with some out of the ordinary behaviour or some quirks, and like seeing character development. If it’s a non-fiction book, I do like those that are easy and clear to follow along and have clear points.
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I agree that (for me) the best books are the ones whose characters stick with you long after the book is finished. Years ago I read a piece by Stephen King where he explained his writing process; that was his goal with his character development, even though his plots are driven by otherworldly devices that ask readers to seriously suspend their disbelief. I always found his characters to be very accessible in spite of his plots.
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Stephen King wrote a book highly respected by authors about writing. Many authors I’ve corresponded with cite some of his processes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lynette.
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Marsha got this assessment of your character development exactly right. It was one of the things in your novel that I felt was very well done.
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Thank you, Anneli. 💗
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Your book was very well done, Lori. I hope people will buy the book and give themselves a treat.
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💗🤗
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Characters are far more important than plot when I read and when I write. Humans connect with other humans, not with plot necessarily. Sure, story is important and essential, there must be a narrative to help allow the characters to come alive. But story is nothing without characters. Good luck with the book!
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I agree, David. When a story has flat characters, I find myself dozing off and can’t finish it. Thanks for the congrats.
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