I thought I was just telling stories. Turns out, my characters were teaching me something too. My characters are often braver than I am. They say the things I hesitate to say out loud. They forgive when I’m still holding onto hurt. They keep going when they have every reason not to. I never expected writing fiction to become so personal. But somewhere along the way, these stories became more than plots and dialogue. Each character began carrying pieces of fear, hope, grief, strength, and questions I didn’t fully know I was asking.
I’ve been thinking about why I return to the same kinds of stories. Not the simple answer. Not “I write suspense” or “I love thrillers.” Those are true, but they’re not the reason these themes keep showing up, book after book.
Every book I've written starts with the same fundamental question: What happens when ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances? I’m drawn to the moment when someone’s sense of safety shatters. When the ground shifts and they’re forced to find out who they really are. Because that's where we discover what we're made of.
A new year and new opportunities.
Check out the passion that drives Pamela Blance to write her books along with her writing partner, collectively as Jamie Tremain in author Marianne Scott's latest blog.
Writers write stories not only because we love writing but because it's who we are. Guelph, Ontario writer Gloria Ferris shares her story and how she continues to tell stories, thrilling readers, and further becoming herself as a person.