Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.
–Goethe

The more I write, the more I realize how true this quote is. There are little pieces of me in my characters. Chloe, for instance, loves caramel. It’s a candy addiction we share. Erin is tall, and the scene where she describes the way she looks next to her friend owes more than a little to my thoughts about the way I look next to one of my sisters.

But one of the coolest things about writing is the way in which my characters and I are different. Sabrina is far more stylish than I am, and Mélanie has an inherent confidence and ease with people I wish I had. Each character is unique, and the best thing I can do is keep out of the way and let them tell their stories. I get to know them as I write.