Missy Tippens, along with all her Southern charm, joins us today to share about who her favorite characters are and why.
Missy writes sweet, redemptive stories of second chances. One of my favorite aspects of Missy’s books is the thread of hope moving throughout each one, inspiring the characters to believe in something they thought was lost.
Missy is so kind to offer a giveaway of her newest release A Forever Christmas to a commenter today, so make sure to leave your email address in the comment section below.
Now, for Q & A:
Who is your favorite hero &/or heroine from any book you’ve written (They don’t have to be from the same novel) and why are they your favorites?
That’s so hard to choose! How do you choose between your children?? 🙂 But I’d probably have to go with the hero and heroine of my very first book, Her Unlikely Family, Michael and Josie. Maybe that’s because I spent so much time with them in my head. 🙂
Michael is trying so hard to do what’s right. He’s bound by duty, which is admirable. It’s just that his loyalty to his family and the family business comes up against his commitment to care for his niece, and against what Josie wants for him.
I like Josie because she’s not trying to be someone she’s not. She’s fun and unique and wants to help others. She’s also protective of those she loves–and in her own way is bound by duty.
What is the behind-the-scenes story behind these two characters? Where did you get your ideas for them?
Michael: My first “‘what if” idea for the book was to throw together a blue-blood banker and a floozie waitress. As soon as I thought of a stodgy banker, I started thinking about Harrison Ford’s character in the movie Sabrina. I just couldn’t get him out of my head. So I pulled out the movie and watched it and thought, yes, this is Michael! One of the best compliments I got on him came from a contest judge who said Michael reminded her of that character from Sabrina! 🙂
Josie: Initially, I pictured her kind of like Flo from Mel’s Diner on the old show Alice. You know, the “kiss my grits” actress. 🙂 I had Josie wearing a low cut, tight little pink uniform and chomping on gum. But I got some feedback that she was cliched so toned her down a good bit before submitting to an editor. 🙂 I also changed some of her motivation and tried to make her more likable than my original Josie. But boy, she sure was fun to write that first time around! 🙂
Read a great review of His Forever Christmas here: http://someofmyfavoritebooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/book-review-forever-christmas-by-missy.html
Thanks so much for being with us today, Missy, and I can’t wait to read His Forever Christmas.
His Forever Love was a lovely story.
Character Creation Tip:
Getting to Know You. One of the best ways to write memorable characters, is to KNOW your characters. People use lots of ways to get to know their characters better, and Missy mentioned two. Meditating on the characters & movie-watching films of like-minded characters 🙂
Some other ways to fill out a character chart, write a journal from your character’s point of view, or interview your character – get to know them.
Tomorrow?
Steven James is up with his favorite characters from his thrillers – stop by and find out who they are.
Pepper, thanks so much for having me today! 🙂
My pleasure, Missy.
I hope we get some visitors. Renee is usually great to stop by, but since my website is fairly new and I’m figuring out the ‘business’ of it, I don’t have a big following yet. 🙂
I hope my consistency will pay off for you guys and myself.
We’ll see 😉
My friend Lori says Missy’s books are great and I beleive her! Just from the little tidbits I got from your interview I’d say His Forever Christmas is pretty good!
xoxo~ Renee
steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com
Wonderful characters, Missy. The way they were created sounds just like you : )
Pepper, this is a wonderful opportunity you’re offering authors! You’re doing a great job!
I have to go catch up on the authors I’ve missed…
Oh Audra,
I’ve learned so much. I’m thankful for the participation and hope I can keep it up with another ’round’ for December 😉 We’ll see what sort of nuisance I make of myself.
Share the news. I’d love to have new authors involved 🙂
Thanks, Renee and Audra!
Pepper, don’t worry if there aren’t too many. I know it takes time to grow. My blog is still in the beginnings, it seems. Of course, if I posted more than once a week (or month), it might help!
Pepper, I had my email listed wrong on the sign in, although I don’t guess that matters. You know where to reach me for real. 🙂
Missy,
OMIGOSH, I didn’t realize it, but you are right — Michael IS sooo like Harrison Ford’s character in Sabrina, WHICH is a movie I loved, by the way. But then I loved your book, too, which stands to reason!
Hugs,
Julie
Hidee there, Julie.
Oh boy, I might have almost all the Seekers on here before long. Audra, Myra, and Camy have all sent answers to the question and Mary will be my guest Monday. Woohoo! I just can’t wait to learn more about you guys. You’re so inspiring 🙂
I loved that movie, too, Julie! I’ve watched it several times. 🙂
Renee is our winner for Missy’s book. Renee, I need your mailing address.