Characters First: my approach to writing
The announcement of a new NCIS spinoff featuring Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo has sparked mixed reactions. Here's why I'm disappointed, and why that reason is relevant to my novels.
In spring 2024, Paramount+ revealed plans for a new NCIS spinoff starring Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly as the former main characters, Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo. Even though I love the franchise and have watched nearly every episode of the entire franchise, beginning with the original series, JAG, I was disappointed. Although the spinoff has a different premise, I thought it was time for new characters and storylines.
What made NCIS so popular wasn’t the cases or mysteries. Rather, its true strength lay in its character-driven narrative. The show shined when it explored its characters’ pasts and struggles. And as much as I may have enjoyed Ziva and Tony in the past, their story finished a long time ago. They brought back Cote de Pablo a few years ago, and I thought the whole storyline was a waste of time.
Anyway, I’d rather not talk about the NCIS franchise because I have a lot of issues with the shows’ creators and CBS management. My point is, that I love watching TV shows and movies, but also reading books that have compelling characters. Though I enjoy action scenes and epic battles, whether they involve space fleets or fantastical creatures like elves and orcs, it's the characters that keep me invested in a story. Their journeys, struggles, and even their flaws draw me in. Sometimes, I tune in just to see if a certain I hate finally gets their comeuppance.
The Empath Series’ premise
As an author, I’m guided by the same principle: characters come first. I have dozens of ideas for new books. What draws me to these concepts isn't the settings or action sequences, but the characters.
Nearly every idea I’ve pursued has originated from a character. Typically, it begins with a vivid scene flashing into my mind or the allure of exploring a character concept. The premise of The Empath Series began with an empath, who, as a teenager, committed murder to protect a loved one. The paranormal suspense thriller series picks up Nathaniel Colt’s story as an adult and shows how that act had shaped his life.
I believe I’ve done justice to Colt and Lia’s characters, but I know I can do better. So, I keep on learning to craft characters that linger in your mind far beyond the last page.
Buy The Empath Series
If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love The Empath Series.
Grab your copies on Amazon and prepare for a gripping trilogy filled with paranormal thrills, suspense, and pulse-pounding action.
