The Tie That Binds

I'm in Ohio.

He's in Kansas.

We have yet to meet face-to-face.

Nor have we spoken, e-mailed, or Instant Messaged one another to this point. In fact, I only heard his name for the first time last Thursday. And yet, (shhh, don't tell my husband) I can say unequivocably, without hesitation, I am madly in love!

In the absence of any physical or verbal connection, what could possibly stir up such a strong response in me? I believe the answer lies in the emotional energy I've invested in our relationship leading up to this point. You see, I'm head-over-heels in love with my newborn grandson, Corbin Classen Downs, who made his appearance last Thursday afternoon, July 12th. Long before he arrived on the scene, I've been praying for him. Planning ahead to the fun we'll share in years to come. Dreaming of the myriad ways I can spoil him.

How can you create an emotional bond between your characters and your readers? What are some of the ways you've found to make the reader really care about the fictional lives of your story's characters? Personally, I like to read about characters who share the same weaknesses or faults I possess. When I can relate to a character's struggles to overcome shyness, for example, I am right with them, clinging onto every word until "The End." I love it when I find myself thinking of a certain character long after I've returned a book to the shelf.

As a reader, what creates that special connection to characters for you? As a writer, what ways do you seek to create an emotional bond between reader and character?

Before I bid you adieu for this week, please allow me a moment of Grandma indulgence as I show off the newest member of the Downs Family!

Till next Monday,

Susan