Music and Characters

I'm often inspired by music when it comes to visualizing my characters.  For instance, two songs that often make me think of my hero are "Whenever, Wherever" by Shakira and "I've got a feeling" by Black Eyed Peas.  It represents how Derek is passionate and carefree.  Granted, he doesn't always appear that way in the book, but the songs still apply to his personality.

I've finished writing the primary part of the first book which is from Derek and MaTisha's point of views and now I'm focusing on the twin, Kaio Geotellus.  Much like I struggled with the Commander, I'm stuck thinking about what kind of situations this character will get into.  He's a very powerful man, ambitious, and completely devoted to his brother.  His song is "You're gonna go far, kid" by The Offspring.  Kaio is willing to start a war for the sake of his brother's happiness and eventually declares himself Sovereign after his brother is killed. 

The next few weeks will be focused on feeling out the Twin's story, finding out what he's truly capable of, and making him a lot more gray than black or white.  He's got an arsenal at his command.  Assassins, spies, powerful Miasho upholders, and an army of men ready to do his bidding.  With what I have written now, he seems like a man resigned to having to fight if he must.  It's my goal to turn him into a very dark, yet seemingly reasonable master of war.  He's not the bad guy, at least, not in this book.  I want the reader to understand why he's doing what he is, feel his loyalty, and not blame him for taking the actions that he does.  If I can do that, then I will consider it successful.