Characters!!! (What is your process for developing characters and making them relatable?)

My characters start out for me as a feeling.  They come to me with a history of relationships, education, and family.  That is generally part of the basic feeling for me.  I then work thought he details of the character including family history, experiences, outlook, and even sexual characteristics and desires.   That is generally the hero. 

Then the love interest comes into focus and the love interest has to have some thing that the hero doesn’t and some areas where the two are going to clash or not see eye to eye.  Each character is different and special to me.  However, there are some that start out as a bit of a pain in the butt and then change and warm through the story.  I think these are the ones I love the best. 

For me there isn’t one process for developing a character.  Its more a feeling that grows and develops throughout the story and I get to learn my characters through the writing process. 

Martin Graham built his business from the ground up with hard work and intuition. Due to a degenerative eye disease, he’s learned to rely on his other senses to feel out the competition. To realize his dream, he just needs to broker one last deal… and finally secure an assistant.

Brock Littleton is desperate for money—desperate enough take the job no one else wants: assistant to demanding, fussy, intensely private Mr. Graham.

Everything about Brock gets under Martin’s skin in ways he never expected, making him realize a successful business isn’t the only component to a happy future. But as Martin’s deal comes together, one of the prices could be the relationship with Brock that Martin is just starting to believe could be real.

Brock entered the number for Graham Consolidated, hoping and praying as he pressed each digit. He could see himself setting the financial world on fire, being the next Martin Graham or Jamie Dimon—having the chance to be someone and something important and to really make a difference in people’s lives.

“Graham Consolidated, Edna Goldstein’s office,” a woman said when she answered the call.

“This is Brock Littleton, returning your call.”

“Excellent. We have a position that has come open and were wondering if you were still interested.”

“Yes,” Brock answered, probably a little too quickly, but he was too worried to be proud.

“How soon can you come in for an interview? I have some slots this afternoon at three and four.” She shifted the phone. “Will that work?”

Brock could hardly believe his luck. “Sure. I can be there at three. Your office is in Brooklyn, correct?” He was already pulling up the address on his computer so he’d know how long it would take him to get there from Queens. “And who do I ask for?”

“Yes, we’re in Brooklyn. Give your name to reception, and we’ll send someone right down to get you. Please bring all your employment documents, because if you’re selected, things will move quickly. We appreciate you coming on short notice, and we’ll see you this afternoon.”

Brock put down his phone and checked the clock before taking the few steps to the bathroom.