A Character-Driven Random Walk
By Lisabet Sarai
In January I published my ninth novel, The Gazillionaire and the Virgin. This book marked a major departure for me, in terms of my writing process. It was the first time I? followed what I call the Character-driven Random Walk Method. In this method, you don’t have an overall plan for the book. Instead, you allow the story to evolve dynamically from the characters.
From conversations with my fellow authors, I know many of them use this method all the time. Not me. Though I’m not as extreme as some writers, who create detailed outlines and character sketches, my past books have tended to be more under my conscious control. I usually have a clear plot arc in mind, as well as a tentative list of scenes. I know where the action will reach a crisis and how the book will end. My writing process has undoubtedly been influenced by my education as a scientist and my profession as a software engineer. I’m definitely in the plotter as opposed to the pantser camp. Or, at least I have been until now.
When I began writing The Gazillionaire and the Virgin, all I had was a title and the two main characters (reflected in the title), Rachel and Theo. I really had no idea what they’d do, other than falling in love.
I did know this was going to be an erotic romance. In fact, although the book deliberately shreds romance stereotypes, it preserves the essential core of romance, namely, the characters’ journey toward a loving relationship. So I understood there had to be obstacles or conflicts that would stand in the way of the happy ending. At the start, though, I couldn’t have told you the nature of those obstacles. I didn’t plan. I didn’t outline. That’s not like me at all! I simply sat down at my computer, invoked Rachel and Theo, and let them interact. I can’t say I heard voices in my head, the way some other authors claim, but at each point in the plot, the focus character in some sense decided what would happen next.
I’d expected the book would be a novella, 20K words at most. As I let Rachel and Theo lead me deeper into their story, I discovered I was wrong. They did not want to be rushed. It took four chapters for them to get to their first erotic encounter. The revelation that they shared kinky interests took another four. By the time I reached the book’s climax, the events that tear them apart, I had more or less figured out how they’d reconcile, but I couldn’t make them follow my script. Theo turned out to be far more stubborn than I would have guessed. Fortunately, Rachel’s imagination came to the rescue. Still, every time I sat down to write what I thought would be the final chapter, I’d come to realize there was yet another one needed.
When I finally wrote “The End”, I was seriously relieved. I wasn’t sure Rachel and Theo would ever let me finish their story!
I found it was more difficult to make progress using this method. As I’ve mentioned, my plans didn’t always match those dictated by the characters. I’d often come away from a writing session frustrated that I hadn’t moved further along in my quest toward an ending.
At the same time, I’m very pleased with the result, and my readers seem to be, too, based on the rave reviews the book has received. Despite the lack of an outline, the book feels very “tight” to me. I managed to tie up a lot of the early details into the ending in a rather elegant fashion, I think. (These were suggestions from the characters.) And I feel that I accomplished my objective, writing a book that was both classic romance and anti-romance (in the sense that it breaks a lot of rules).
I do believe that we authors can grow through experimenting with new techniques, as well as new genres. The last thing I want is for all my books to feel and sound the same. People who’ve read my other novels will find The Gazillionaire and the Virgin a significant change. I hope they view that as positive.
Blurb
Trust can’t be bought—it has to be earned.
When Silicon Valley entrepreneur Rachel Zelinsky meets reclusive genius Theo Moore, she finds him strangely compelling. Theo is both arrogant and socially awkward, but he has an aura of power that speaks to Rachel’s carefully-hidden submissive side. Disturbed and aroused, she tries to focus on her original objective—a deal to incorporate his Artificial Intelligence software into her company’s popular virtual world. Rachel’s not a woman who lets pleasure interfere with business, but for some reason, she can’t resist Theo’s geeky appeal.
Theo Moore can’t be bought. His past battles with poverty make him deeply suspicious of the billionaire CEO. Still, with her voluptuous curves and brilliant mind, Rachel embodies his ultimate sexual fantasy. Too bad his knowledge about sex derives from extensive research and a stash of kinky porn rather than real-world experience.
That doesn’t bother Rachel, however. In his bed—in his arms—in his bonds—she discovers the bliss of total surrender. Rachel may be Theo’s first lover, but Theo is Rachel’s first true Master—and the first man to truly touch her heart. It seems that love may harmonize their differing goals and values, until Rachel’s unwitting violation of Theo’s trust threatens to tear them apart forever.
Short Excerpt
I get more annoyed by the second. I am considering honking the horn, which I know will embarrass him, when he appears on the second floor landing. I recognize him by his height and bulk. Otherwise, he’s transformed.
In the custom tailored tuxedo, he’s distinguished and elegant. The sleek black trousers cling to what are obviously powerful, muscular legs. The jacket highlights his broad shoulders and trim waist. Not fat, oh no! He moves with unexpected grace, as if the formal clothing bestowed a sort of gravitas to subdue his usual gawkiness. With his dark hair slicked back from his forehead, he looks like some international man of mystery. The spectacles just heighten the impression of intelligence and sophistication.
Holding the rail of the gallery that runs along the second floor, he scans the parking area.
“Over here, Theo,” I call out of the open window.
He jumps at the sound of my voice. I think he’s about to bolt, to flee back into his condo and slam the door. I can practically see the struggle going on in his body. I hold my breath, waiting for the outcome. Finally he raises his hand in a feeble wave, and fumbles his way down the stairs. The strong, self-assured man of a few moments earlier has vanished. But I remember him. That’s the Theo Moore I need to cultivate.
Connect with Lisabet
Website: http://www.lisabetsarai.com
Blog: http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/lisabetsarai
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83387.Lisabet_Sarai
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lisabetsarai
Buy Links
Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B76B95K/
Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01B76B95K/
Barnes & Noble
All Romance
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thegazillionaireandthevirgin-1974313-354.html
Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-gazillionaire-and-the-virgin
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/611337
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gazillionaire-virgin/id1079442844?mt=11
Google Books
https://books.google.com/books?id=qCF4CwAAQBAJ
Excessica
http://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=1011
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28766414-the-gazillionaire-and-the-virgin
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Hello, Kate!
Thanks so much for having me as your guest. The post looks fantastic. I hope your readers enjoy hearing a bit about this book, which is very close to my heart.