Character Closeup: Sharee Swift

Back to the characters of Fates' Motif for a day. I'm hoping to get the edits for the books back within the next week or so. As such, I'm expecting to be able to publish it within the first couple weeks of February. The first novel I published took me years to stumble through and work up the courage to share. This second book is better and quicker for the meanderings of the first, and I'm redefining my process with each release. It's been a great learning experience, and I need to remember to focus on the lessons in times when I'm impatient (which, let's face it, is pretty much always).

But this is about Sharee, the female lead in the novel. I mentioned in Werim's closeup that not only is Sharee his sister, but she serves as co-protagonist for the story. Basically, I took this brother/sister team and attempted to have them walk the same route from opposing viewpoints. Where Werim's path of self-discovery would resemble a stair-step, Sharee is more of a smooth ramp.

Sharee has shoulder-length auburn hair and forest-green eyes, just like her mother. She's thin as a rod, though a lot more graceful than her brother. Growing up, she generally wanted to have shorter hair and wear the same clothes as her brother. All of the other girls in their village are either older or younger than Sharee by several years, which suited her just fine as she'd rather tag along with her brother and his friend on their adventures in the woods.

She often finds herself straddling the world of a child and a young woman. She feels like she needs to keep her brother in line, though part of her always wanted to "be bad" right along with him. She turns 16 early in the novel, and her mother surprises her with some unexpected one-on-one time.

As the story progresses, Sharee displays a passion for learning and an insatiable curiosity, especially with regards to the forest. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for, and every bit as brave as her brother, though she would never cop to it. She's the more introspective of the two, and often gets a bit reflective after the rush of events.

Sharee easily embraces who and what she is. She is equal parts healer and warrior, and will defend those she loves without a second thought. Still, she isn't as completely in control as she would have others believe. Her emotions often get the best of her, especially when tired, though she tries hard not to whine and would prefer that the world not witness any tears.

Though she is capable of leading, Sharee is just as happy following. She's not afraid to question a plan, but respects the knowledge others bring to the table. She is but one instrument among many, and each voice adds value to the greater symphony. (She often feels that her brother is quite loud, though.)

My favorite scene from Sharee isn't until the very end. It sort of snuck up on me as much as it did her. Any time you can have a character blow up half of a building, I think you should, you know, go ahead and write that scene. Just a personal preference.