This character is so very interesting that he just entices me to explore events and his reactions. He started as a minor character in Wrangler's Promise, the now 4th volume of the Hopefield Chronicles. I had a minor part for him to interact with Micah and Manny, then discarded him. As I wrote the WP story, it dawned on me that I could use that discarded character in the story. So he came back.
The story line developed and I realized that Stannis ( at that time David Hopefield) was really a bad ass! He was tough. Although introduced as an investment banker, he was nothing soft or simpering. He was strong, had an ability to fight and suddenly I had to know this character more completely.
Back I went to explore how he had become the man in Wrangler's Promise! Three books developed the story and brought him to WP and his strong but bad ass self.
The other thing that happened was a name change. I heard the name Stannis in Game of Thrones and decided that Stannis was the perfect name for this character!
As to why I write about him, well, short answer, I love this character! As an author we get to create places, people and times for our own use. Almost without any thought, he was created as an undirected but educated young man in Evolution. Over the next three books, he grew, expanded his capabilities, survived many situations, and I had him with both flaws and principles.
The biggest surprise for me is that as the story unfolds, he grows into a faith through his actions with religious people. That has been important in my life, and seemed appropriate to include for the character.
As a reader, I want action, humor, good story development and characters I can believe could exist. I've tried to provide that to my readers. Let me know if I achieve my goals or not. I welcome interaction.
Read on and live your life to its fullest potential! AS
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