June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "teens"

Writing the words of my characters became more than looking for ways to move the story along or give readers important information. It became a special time to spend with my The Skye in June family. Listening, not disturbing the rumbling of family discord or sisters hashing out problems. I voiced my concerns: How would Mary, express her anger at her father for teasing and labeling her as a boy? Could Annie find the words, smiling through her tears, to keep encouraging her little sisters to be happy and safe? Back and forth I spoke their words, Mary to Annie, Annie to Maggie and all to June, the youngest. Jimmy, the father bellowed at his kids and fearful Cathy, the mother, guilty for not speaking up for her children to her abusive husband. I had to know how Cathy felt so I rummaged through my life experiences and observations - delving into Cathy's psyche to express her, once upon a time hopes and dreams soured with life's disappointments. No matter what, the MacDonalds were a loyal Scottish family. But would my readers believe that through all their anger, secrets, tears and lies? At least they'd get a good laugh, I giggled, tapping away at the keys, sharing the girls' sassy comments and exposing their crazy plan - "We could kill him," one sister says of Jimmy. But which would say that?