Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Challenge of the Elders- The Ramsey Elders

Creating a world where so much is known about the characters; before the first setting is put into place, is not an easy thing to do. Yet this was but one of the challenges that awaited me once I accepted reader requests to create Book of Scandal- The Ramsey Elders.



In this series pre-quel, readers are taken into the world of the Ramseys- the world of the elder Ramseys before they were elders. Series readers already know of the drama the elders have roused. These readers also know how this growing drama affects the younger Ramseys and their love interests.

What readers haven't been given a glimpse of however, are the origins of the scandal and those responsible when they were somewhat...innocent (I use that term very lightly, for current readers know 'innocent' in no way pertains to certain characters in this series).

Another challenge was bringing realism to a world that; before Book of Scandal, was only hinted at by characters in the main series through dialogue and memory. It was both a challenge and an adventure to actually flesh out these occurrences from their onset.

As the author, I discovered new dimensions to my characters. I'm often asked about my inspiration for the series. Most often my response is: the characters, as this is truly a character-driven storyline. Discovering new dimensions, new facets to character persona goes even farther in making them real for me. Inspiration indeed.

I mentioned earlier that much is already known about many of the characters in Book of Scandal. The elders play pivotal roles in the main series which focuses on the younger generation. With that said, staying true to what's already been revealed was another looming challenge. During the creation of this story, I knew readers would be especially interested in Marcus and Houston the two Ramseys most responsible for the upsets shaking the family to this day.

Readers wanted to know why Marcus was so evil. Was he traumatized as a child? Was he simply born that way? In relation to Houston-Marc's younger brother-speculation revolved around his obvious character defects. What allowed him to be so easily coerced? Delving into Houston's background/persona was most important as he is the catalyst for what occurs in the prologue to book one: A Lover's Dream. The murder of Sera Black spawns the unraveling of the scandal when author Michaela Sellars arrives to research her biography on the mysterious Ramseys of Seattle.

We are quickly approaching the bottom of the rabbit hole. The next and final stage of the saga focuses on the Ramsey women with revelations no one will expect or believe.



Look for "A Lover's Shame" in 2011.



Until next time,
AlTonya