I usually map out my stories in my head first—the protagonists, the antagonists, the basic plot points. The excitement over a new idea always bubbles to the surface as soon as I sit down to write. A reel starts playing in my mind, showing me exactly how I imagine the scene unfolding.

And then the characters show up.

Once they step into the scene, everything changes. Before I know it, they’ve taken charge, rewriting every thought and every plan I had. There’s no negotiating with these stubborn, determined creatures. I learned early in my career that it’s their way or the highway. If I even attempt to force the story in a direction they don’t like, they ghost me until I put things back the way they want them.

My title may say independent indie author but trust me—I’m far from working alone.