I've been working on an idea for a prequel to the Serene Sundown trilogy for months. When a concept starts taking shape, I get that giddy feeling, similar to arriving at a fondly anticipated event.
Once I had an idea for the characters and setting, I sketched this guy. The animals/creatures are often my favorite aspects of any urban fantasy, paranormal, or sci-fi story. For my project, just "Dawn" for now, I wanted the main character to have her own almost-but-not-quite animal guide. The book is set in Hilton Head, so an iguana was appropriate. No, I've never seen a large iguana there among the osprey, herons, and gators, but it's still a tropical setting during the summer.
Thus, Galant was born.
These creatures, prevalent throughout the series, often appear as any normal animal with slight variations and their own unique abilities. For example, one of them can switch two people's minds for a day. I had fun mulling over Galant's ability. Though still undecided, I gave him larger dual spines that can split down the middle, allowing him to glide like a flying squirrel. This feature tips off the main character, Dawn, that he's special: just like her. (Not spoiling that one yet!)
Several key components are still missing from the outline, but I'm working to nail those down into a unique and compelling journey. I know I want Dawn to be tied to Hilton Head by her mother, and I know the inciting incident that sets her story into motion, so the rest of the details will come in time.
Hilton Head is dear to my heart. Over the past fifteen years, I've gone with my parents to their timeshare in Palmetto Dunes. Biking all over the island, frequenting my favorite desserts spots, Hilton Head Ice Cream and The G-Free Spot, and just enjoying the island's slower pace in the fall is a relaxing experience. This is also the place I had—though I didn't know at the time—my last in-person conversation with my dad before he passed away unexpectedly. Both my husband and I have fond memories at the condo, and we look forward to it every year. The trip will look different without Dad, but I know he would want us to have a blast for him while he's smiling down from Heaven. The beaches up there must make Hilton Head look like a dump, hah. Love you and miss you, Dad.
Keep on smilin'!
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