Writing the first book in the ‘Curse of Stone’ series was a four year process as there are many characters, twists, subplots, and many facets to the main plot. I needed to be clear on who was whom, what they looked like, their background, their role, and how they would react in certain situations as the story unfolded. I ended up creating a one-hundred page character book, giving each character a profile and biography. Many of these characters do appear in the first book, however, there are still many yet to appear. It was a great exercise for me, and a tool that I have referred back to countless times to check certain things, including small things like eye colour or hair colour, or even if that character had tattoos.
Because of this, I developed a great sense of character and have modelled the character development I did for this book into a workshop. For each character, I can tell you everything about them, and eighty-percent of it isn’t information included in the book, but it was critical to how they come across on the page.
One such character development tool that I frequently use, is the character interview tool, but that is just one of many tools I use to develop a character (can’t give away all my secrets in one post).
Below is the character interview I did for Jamie. He is the second main character in the ‘Curse of Stone’ series, and his story is told from first POV, and he is intertwined from the very beginning with Danielle Stone – the main POV. I decided to interview him with different questions to that of Gabriel (third main character) as he has different motives and background.
Basics
What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Jamie Wildhorn, but my friends call me Jay.
Where and when were you born?
I was born 16 June 1994
Who are/were your parents?
My biological parents died when I was young. The man who raised me and ultimately I see as my father is King – my alpha.
Do you have any siblings?
Not that I am aware of.
Where do you live now, and with whom?
I live an apartment on the fourth floor of Stone’s building.
What is your occupation?
What do I do? Let’s just say that I work in a team situation, it’s like security guard type work, and we protect the city.
Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Left-handed.
What is your hair and eye colour?
I have long brown dreadlocks, and my eyes are blue.
Do you have any physical traits that stand out? If you have tattoos, why did you get and what meaning do they have to you?
My upper body is covered in tattoos. They tell my story, my history, where I come from, and my loyalty to my pack.
How would you describe your childhood?
Normal I guess, except I also had to learn things that regular kids didn’t, like the history of our species and our role in society. I had to learn how to fight, pack law, and learn about demons and how to kill them. I got all of that knowledge from King, but I feel like I had a normal childhood like regular kids because Stone was my best friend back then, and still is, and after my parents died, her grandmother took me in as sort of like a foster grandson, I spent a lot of time at her house.
How much schooling have you had?
I finished high school. Didn’t need to go to university.
Did you enjoy school? If not, why did you struggle?
I enjoyed the social side of it, and being there with Stone.
Where did you learn most of your skills and abilities?
From King.
Do you have any role models? If yes, describe them and why they are your role models.
It would honestly have to be King. He raised me by himself, and taught me everything I know today. He is the strongest, fiercest, and smartest man I know.
Do you get along with the other members of your family?
I don’t have any blood relatives but I consider my pack as my family – we are like a big extended family. So, yes, we all get along for the most part.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Even back then I knew I didn’t have a choice. I can pretend to have a normal job, but my real job is so much cooler. Who wouldn’t want to be a werewolf, right?
What are your favourite activities?
Sex. Partying. Going to the gym. Flirting.
Who were you friends with growing up, and what were they like?
I had heaps of friends growing up. There was a big group of us. Kyle, Marcus, Harley, Tiffany, Stone, Flynn. They were all really nice and laid back.
When did you have your first kiss, and who with?
My first kiss, that takes me back. I think I was like six or seven years old and it was with Danielle Stone.
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
Ha, ha, ha. Me? A virgin? Yeah right. But I don’t kiss and tell…all the time.
Do you have a criminal record?
No
If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
Not making Stone mine before Harley transferred to our high school. She should never have dated that loser. But I have waited for her to come back to me, and now she is back…in my life.
What is your best memory so far? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
When I transformed to my human form for the first time, when I turned two years old. We are born in wolf form, so that moment was incredible.
What is your worst memory so far? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
My first transformation back to wolf, after taking human form at age two.
What is your biggest secret? Does anyone else know about this? Which person do you least want to know about this secret, why?
That would that Stone doesn’t know I’m a werewolf. I don’t even know how to tell her that.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
Optimistic.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is telling the woman I have loved all these years that I love her and being rejected by her when I finally decide to tell her and make myself the most vulnerable and honest, I have ever been.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Women
What are your religious views?
None – the devil exists.
What are your views on sex?
The more the better.
Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
Perhaps, but there is more than just one person who is our soul mate, but I believe that there is only one soul mate that is right.
In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Side with evil.
Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
Yes, I can kill anything I want; however, I am designed to kill demons, without being susceptible to human law.
How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings in the company of others?
In a round-about way I am honest, except about Stone. Sometimes people don’t need to know.
Who or what would you die for, or otherwise go to extremes for?
My pack, my alpha, and Stone.
In general, how do you treat others?
I’m a bit of a smartarse, I am cheeky, and make people laugh. Although sometimes I can be annoying. I treat others with respect, absolutely.
How close are you to your family?
If you are talking about my pack, then we are close.
Which person do you wish you were closest to?
Danielle Stone.
Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person in some rough strokes.
Not right now, but there is someone special I wish to make my mate for life.
Have you started your own family?
No, because the only person I would ever consider settling down with, doesn’t know how I feel about her.
Who is the most important person in your life, why?
My dad, my pack, Danielle Stone.
Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
Dad or my pack.
What is/are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?
Sex, partying, working out.
Do you like to read? If so, what do you like to read?
No
Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? How do you get the money for it? Do you want to quit?
Drink alcohol. Don’t smoke – that’s bad for you.
How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
Having a few drinks with mates on occasion, having sex, annoying Stone, or working.
If you usually walk away from a situation that makes you angry, where do you go to calm yourself?
I like to be alone.
How do you deal with stress?
I don’t get stressed, but if I’m really fustrated or bothered by something, then sex.
How do you deal with pain (physical and emotional)?
I put a mask up when I am hurting, I don’t like anyone to know.
Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
Depends on what you are referring to.
What are your pet peeves?
Girls who don’t stick up for themselves.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Confidence, and calling me on my shit.
Where would you like to live? Why?
Wherever Stone is.
Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
I don’t have a routine, what each day brings is unknown for me.
What is your greatest strength?
My strength.
What is your greatest weakness?
Danielle Stone.
Do you like yourself?
Absolutely, I mean look at me.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing, I’m awesome.
Name three things you consider yourself to be good at, and three things you consider yourself to be bad at.
Good things – flirting, talking, sex. Bad things – feelings, monogamy, honesty.
What three words best describe your personality?
Playful, charming, genuine
What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Sexy, handsome, manly.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Wherever Stone is. I hope to be able to muster up the courage to tell her how I feel about her, so I guess I secretly hope for us to be together. Married to Stone with one or two kids already.
If you could choose, how would you want to die?
In the arms of Stone.
If you knew you were going to die in twenty-four hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
Tell Stone how I feel about her, hold her close to me and love her with all I have, and I would marry her.
If you were to die and come back as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think it would be, and why?
Well since I am already both human and wolf, I would like to come back as me.
What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
The greatest lover of all time.
What do you have in your pockets or purse?
My phone, wallet, lip balm.
What in or on your nightstand?
Condoms, light, glass of water, phone charger.
What is in your refrigerator?
Beer, water, vegetables, leftover pizza
Nikki Lockwood 