So, my favorite author has a new book coming out that I've been looking forward to for almost 10 years! She knows her readers are excited and put this on her Facebook page. Not only did I express my interest in reading these interviews, but I think the idea is genius! Next time I'm stuck, I'm going to remember this, even if I have to go to Finn or Leia to get straight answers!
"Some of you may be aware of a new book coming out in about three weeks. A book that's been a long time coming. (and that some of you, bless you, have been adamant about wanting. Like, NOW.) A book about a man who wanted no part of it. Yes, talking about that stubborn, intractable, and sometimes unmovable Rafe Crawford.
I did some checking, and I first started working on his story in 2012, the year the first Cutter's Code book was published. Which is the same time he began his campaign of non-cooperation. I may have mentioned before that one of my go to's for difficult characters—when I get frustrated enough—is to do an interview with them. This likely sounds crazy to a non-writer. "Hello, you sit down and talk to a non-existent person?" And yet it works, most of the time. Something bubbles up out of that pot on the brain's back burner where I toss the things that are giving me problems, and if not the full answer, it's at least helpful.
Mr. Rafer Crawford was no help whatsoever. An interview with him resulted in a string of unhelpful answers, mostly "Gotta go work on the plane/helicopter/generator", or a flat "No," or silent stares.
Finally a helpful writer friend (thanks, Eve Gaddy!) suggested I talk to the other half of the equation. Turns out Charlie Foxworth was surprisingly cooperative. And then, just for fun, I thought I'd sit down and talk to the mastermind of it all, and that furry critter had more to say than I ever expected."
Justine Davis, author of the Cutter's Code series (among many, many others!)
