Getting to know characters is one of the best parts of writing a story. Everyone has different ways of building their characters. One of my favorites is to imagine how my characters would react in everyday situations. Whatever happens to me or other people I observe throughout a given day, I imagine what my characters would do if the same things happened to them. Sometimes I make notes about these what-if situations or write mini bios for my characters. By doing this I end up with a lot of information that isn’t used word-for-word in the stories, but I get to know my characters well. In a way they’re real to me.

Before writing Black Cat, I spent a lot of time getting to know Tobias and Edmond. They appeared in the first three stories of the Whisper series, so readers got to know them a bit as well before their own story was released.

Just for fun, the following questions are answered from Edmond and Tobias’ point of view, using information gathered about them during the “getting to know you” period.

Edmond Chancellor, Vampire

Favorites:

Color: Blue

Food: Blood

Sport:  Fencing

Animal: Cat, of course!

Season: Winter

Weapon: Sword

Type of Music: Piano

His Choice:

Morning or Night?

Night.

Boxers or Briefs?

Briefs

Love at first sight or long engagement?

Love at first sight, when it happened to me.

Tobias Crawford, Cat Shifter

Favorites:

Color: Black

Food: Rare meat.

Sport: Distance running.

Animal: Need you ask? Cat.

Season: Spring.

Type of Music: Flute.

Method of Defense: Fang and claw

His Choice:

Morning or Night?

Night

Boxers or Briefs?

Neither.

Love at first sight or long engagement?

Long engagement.

What are some of your favorite ways of getting to know characters? Readers, do you enjoy reading character “extras” like questionnaires, bios, additional or deleted scenes?

Contest

To enter this contest you must be 18 or over.

To enter for the chance to win a pdf download of a Kate Hill or Saloni Quinby Changeling Press ebook (winner’s choice of title), please comment. The contest will run for three days from the day of this post. At the end of that time, a winner will be selected from the comments. Thank you!

Whisper 4: Black Cat

by Kate Hill

(M/M Vampire/Shapeshifter)

From Changeling Press

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1969

Vampire Edmond Chancellor and cat shifter Tobias Crawford have had a not-so-secret affair for over three hundred years. Edmond wants to bond with Tobias permanently, but Tobias has reasons for keeping his distance.

On a chilly December night, both men turn to past memories for guidance, but it’s a present danger that makes them realize that time is precious, even to men who are practically immortal.

 The following excerpt from Black Cat is for readers 18 and over.

 “Edmond!” Tobias said, his voice rough with emotion. Naked, he sat on his knees in a cage so small that he could neither stand nor turn. His slender fingers gripped the bars and his green eyes glistened in his wan face.

 Edmond practically flew to the cage. His fingers entwined with Tobias’ and their lips met in a tender kiss.

“I have to get you out of here,” Edmond said. “Do you know where Carlos keeps the key?”

Tobias shook his head.

“It’s probably on him. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t leave me here.” Tobias shook his head. The panic in his beautiful eyes pierced Edmond’s heart.

“I won’t,” he said, reaching through the bars to caress Tobias’ cheek. Then he turned and shouted for Marka.

“Tobias,” she breathed, stepping into the room. “Thank the gods.”

“Check Carlos’ body for keys,” Edmond said.

Without hesitation she hurried out of the room.

Edmond grasped the bars, wondering if his vampiric strength could free Tobias faster. He couldn’t bear seeing him caged.

Slowly the bars bent enough for Tobias to slide through and into Edmond’s arms.

“He’s been drugging me,” Tobias said. “I have no strength.”

“It’s all right.” Edmond soothed. He shrugged off his coat and helped Tobias into it.

Marka raced into the room, panting. “The keys weren’t on him. We’ll have to search the–” Upon seeing Tobias free, she stopped talking and stepped closer to embrace him.

“We have to get him out of here,” Edmond said, placing an arm around Tobias. “Can you walk? Never mind.” He swept Tobias into his arms and headed for the stairs.

Tobias didn’t argue and that alone told Edmond exactly how weak he was. Under normal circumstances the proud cat shifter wouldn’t allow himself to be carried by anyone.

Previous books in the Whisper series:

Whisper 1: Dragon’s Bar

Whisper 2: Bronzed

Whisper 3: Mating Call

About Kate Hill

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, Kate Hill started writing over twenty years ago for pleasure. Her first story, a short erotic vampire tale, was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then she has sold over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels.

When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her family and pets.

She enjoys hearing from readers and she can be contacted at katehill@sprintmail.com. Visit her online at http://www.kate-hill.com.