Leslie Keller Books

The new book, still tentatively titled No Reservations , is progressing and I hope to have it completed soon. As I write, characters may evolve or change completely. It's not unusual for me to change character names, change their looks or even their sex as I write. Many authors say that the characters drive what happens. I agree in part. Obviously I'm the one who has the final say! For each book, I begin with the setting. Where is the story taking place? Once I've decided on the location I will outline the rest of the plot. In my mind I'll know what the overall premise of the book will be and what I expect to happen. In each of the three books, much of what I planned is changed. Perhaps that is the characters' way of guiding me or it could just be that my mind heads in a direction which I didn't expect. Occasionally, when writing dialog the character says lines which impact the scene and move the story along a different path. In No Reservations I have a new...

What makes a particular character stand out from others? What traits make you want to know more about the character, whether he or she is a good guy or a villain? I'll use the Wizard of Oz, because the characters are so ingrained in our minds that it's easy to see what we love or hate about them. Let's start with the Scarecrow. Who didn't fall in love with him? He was the first one Dorothy met and we all know he was her favorite. He thinks he doesn't have a brain because he's made of straw but ultimately he is able to reason and give her the best counsel.  When the monkeys attacked he literally had the straw knocked out of him but came back fighting. Is it his compassion that drew us in or his funny side? Maybe it was his vulnerability? He had so many traits it would be hard to pick just one. Next we have the tin man - man of steel who has no heart. What is more touching than the first time he cries. He has so much emotion that he risks his life by rusting...