When I'm creating or writing my characters, I find it helpful (and fun!) to match their descriptions to celebrities who I consider similar. It makes for great visualization when writing scenes with dialogue or how a character might act in a certain situation. Because visualization is part of what allows a writer to put words to paper.
I love when an author shows us how they think of their characters, so I'm very pleased to be hosting Crystal Collier and her cast of characters from her new release, Soulless!
Crystal says...
Casting is especially difficult for me because I'm a SUPER visual person, so when I create characters, I have a VERY specific image in mind. It's almost impossible to find a match. Because of that, there are no easy-fit actors or actresses for my characters, but I've done the best I can. (Contains spoilers for those who haven't read MOONLESS. Get your copy October 13, 20, 27, 31 or November 7 for FREE.)
Kiren
Kiren is constantly working for redemption from the mistakes of his past. He carries the weight of the world and keeps everyone at a distance with the hope of protecting them. While striving to hold the Passionate together, he fights his own heart. Will he cling to the love of his existence, Alexia, or let her go to fulfill a greater destiny? (Don't get caught staring into his eyes or you may just find him reading your thoughts.)
Charles
(Jeffery Dean Morgan.)
Alexia's dad, Charles Dumont, is a country baron who has a tendency toward anger, but absolutely adores his daughter. After losing both parents, his sister, Alexia mother, and his wife, he clings to his only remaining family and is terrified to let her go. A soldier at heart, he is not afraid to fight, even the Soulless.
John
(Joe Manganiello)
John was a doctor in a small community before he was tainted by the Soulless. Since then he's been searching for a way to heal the Soulless, including himself. He and Kiren share many ideals, but stand on opposite sides of the Passionate/Soulless line. A man of integrity, he doesn't mix words, nor does he paint a prettier picture than reality.
Edward
About SOULLESS:
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
or enter to win some AWESOME prizes.
Loved seeing Crystal's vision of her characters. Excited for her new book.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Natalie.
DeleteLiked seeing Crystal's vision of her characters. Good luck to Crystal.
ReplyDeleteI'll take it! Send me all the luck you've got to spare. ;)
DeleteI really enjoy seeing faces put to characters. Young Paul Newmn was so handsome.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely was. Some faces are timeless, eh?
DeleteI've heard of Soulless and can't wait to read it. When I was a child I LOVED Paul Newman. At that time, he would have been the age of my grandfather, but he was HOT.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Too bad we call pull the young version of him out of the past, eh?
DeleteI can never find actors who look like my characters. Glad you were able to.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't easy. =)
DeleteThat's a great way to develop characters. Me, I let them develop as I write. The fight and jostle and elbow each other fighting for more face time and parts. Often I have no idea how certain chapters will end up. The characters decide as I write.
ReplyDeleteI completely get that. Mine develop in my subconscious about 60 to 80% percent of the way, leaving very little for the page to reveal, but it's always fun when they take you by surprise, eh?
DeleteThis is cool and who is that Gabriel Aubry? I saw his face, my eyes went fixed and my mouth started to drool and not sure what I read:)
ReplyDeleteLOL!! He's just a model. And in fact, you're having the reaction my MC has. You have no idea how hard it was to find someone that fit the vision.
DeleteCongrats, Crystal! It can be very hard to find the right type of person that we have in mind for our characters.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that!
DeleteI like seeing the author's vision of her characters. Gives another dimension to the novel.
ReplyDeleteTotally.
DeleteI'm not overly visual, but still finding characters who match the personality I have in my head for the characters is very hard.
ReplyDeleteI hear you!
DeleteI don't need to cast my characters but it is fun to do. Whatever helps you write those characters well Crystal.
ReplyDeleteSheena-kay, the only reason I went to the effort of finding pictures was because I knew I'd be sharing them in my blog tour. Seriously, I have such strong visual images, I didn't need them. Don't you love it when characters are that powerfully portrayed in your mind?
DeleteMy characters are all 13, so casting isn't nearly as much fun as you had here!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW. I have some younger characters who are IMPOSSIBLE to cast. By the time you do, the actors are way too old.
DeleteOh, yes, I can see Gabriel as Kiren. Excellent choice!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! ;) He was one of the hardest to find a face for.
DeleteI love casting characters in my head, and it's always fun to see who authors choose for their characters. That pic of Paul Newman made me weak in the knees for a second LOL.
ReplyDeleteGood visuals.
ReplyDelete