Character Probation

Today, I took Clara off of probation. There is no doubt in my mind that she belongs in this story. She is absolutely perfect for Jak, and she has some other important roles to play. And I found an actress who looks like her (after Quinny edited her eyes to be the right color -- thanks Quinny!) Behold, Rooney Mara (no, I've never seen any of her movies.)

So, good news for Clara. Unfortunately, there's bad news for someone else. Niron is officially on probation. 

I just don't feel like his character is relevant. I wanted an elf in their group, and I wanted another guy character; I wanted Maurelle to have a friend, and I just thought Niron existed. But every scene I write, I forget Niron's supposed to be there and have to have him pop in with a line or two to remind the reader he exists. I just don't care about him, and I don't feel like the story does, either. I feel bad. Maybe he was there. But, so far as I can tell, he hasn't done anything relevant enough to stay. And his presence makes Clara's less relevant (for spoilery reasons.) 

I'll give Niron a little while longer, but he may randomly disappear from the story... First drafts are fun, 'cause I can do things like that. 

Honestly, it would be a relief to chop Niron. I never did like him. I can't even put my finger on why. I mean, sure, he's a bit of a snob and a coward -- he's basically the Peter Pettigrew of my story -- but that doesn't mean he's not interesting. He has a cool backstory, a complicated family dynamic, and plays an interesting part in my group of heroes. But I just don't like him. I find him boring and obnoxious. And those aren't good character traits. So he's been led to the chopping block, and has one last chance to plead for his miserable existence. 

Progress on Magicland is going well, but I really need to pick up the pace. I am going to finish this book by September. Having a hard deadline that I hold myself to really does wonders for my writing. I'm pressing forward and figuring stuff out (ok, at the moment I have NO idea what's going on, but I trust my charries.) 

I've been developing David as a character, and I'm really excited about him. He's a great hero, and an adorable love interest. So many ships! Yay! 

I guess I should go get back to working towards that deadline... or I guess I could sleep, since it is two in the morning. Haha, that's funny. I'm going to go watch Victorious. 

Love and sparkles!

Kat!e