Character Out of Thin Air

Guess what? I just wrapped up the first draft of The Killing Ends ? yesterday, and I'm absolutely thrilled about this third book in the 'killer on the loose' series! I'm so proud of how my antagonist, Franklin Rogers, has evolved into such a unique serial killer. He started off as a nerdy high school kid who could no longer quench his thirst for murder just by diving into gory graphic novels or comic books, as they were called back in the 1970s. By book 3, he's transformed into a brazen killer, more twisted and evil than ever. He's gone from trying to emotionally punish his childhood bully, Konnor Williams, to outright taunting him, daring Konnor to react.

While I'm letting the first draft of The Killing Ends ? "cool in the drawer," I'm diving into editing the audiobook version of The Killing Continues. During this process, I've been struck by Franklin Rogers' incredible growth. It made me ponder where the idea for Franklin and this series about such an unusual murderer came from. Honestly? I have no clue!

Like many fiction authors, I craft characters from people I've known or observed over time. I've always been a people watcher, fascinated by the little gestures and dialogues that define a person, at least to those who are just observing and don't truly know them.

But Franklin Rogers? He's a complete creation of my imagination, unlike any other character in my books. I can't say he's based on anyone I've ever known or observed. Considering Franklin's disturbing sexual perversions and his chilling ability to kill without a shred of remorse—something you'll definitely see in The Killing Ends ?—it's probably a good thing I don't know anyone like him.

Anyway, these thoughts popped into my head while editing The Killing Continues audiobook, and I just had to share them with you. I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment or reach out to me!