NZ author's Gemmell Legend Award Shortlisting: Award Site Feature Interview

NZ author, Helen Lowe, is a finalist for this years's David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novel. As part of this year's official programme, the Gemmell Awards' administrators are featuring interviews with each of the shortlisted authors. Helen's interview is up this week:

"Your books to date have made a real impact, with your characters in particular being praised. How do you go about creating and developing your characters?

Helen: That is an interesting question, because I’m not sure it’s a “how” I’ve ever consciously thought about! Usually the characters come to me in one of two ways: they either spring forth fully formed, Athena style, or they evolve. Usually though, even with the evolving characters who have been with me for a number of years, there’s a flashpoint moment – usually an image of the character in a place or situation where their identity becomes ‘concrete’, although sometimes it can be the ‘voice’ of the character I hear first. Usually the flashpoint comes with with far more backstory around what the character’s life is, and the challenges ahead, which is when the writing begins.
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You can read the full interview, including more of Helen's thoughts around developing character,  here:

http://www.gemmellaward.com/profiles/blogs/legend-award-interview-helen-lowe