How Authors Put Little Pieces of Themselves into Characters

Author Spotlight, in Partnership with Taylor Thompson
The Children’s Book Review

Falling Apart at the Seams

One thing that I’ve always thought was interesting about writing fiction is how authors end up putting little pieces of themselves into the characters they create. Sometimes it’s unintentional; it just happens that way. When I started writing Ingrid’s character in my new book Seams, I wanted her to be very different from me, and in many ways, she is. She’s very brave and will do whatever it takes to help her family. I tend to be more timid, anxious, and non-confrontational.

However, I realized that I mostly relate to Ingrid in determination and self-reliance as I make my way through college. Ingrid desires to be independent so much that she thinks she can make it on her own. She has a difficult time letting people into her life. She’s willing to help others but doesn’t want to be helped herself. She is deeply emotional but tries to hide it because she dislikes feeling vulnerable for fear of unraveling all the layers of emotions that are pressed together at the seams of life.

While writing this story, I learned that we desperately need others. Sometimes when we’re hurt, being alone feels like the safest place to be, but it’s not. I believe that people are placed in our lives for a reason. We need to let other people into our lives so we can receive help and be able to help to others. It’s so important to be vulnerable with people because that allows you to be encouraged or encourage someone else by sharing your struggles. Somehow, being open with others is a daunting thing. It’s something I’ve struggled with, but I’m learning how valuable vulnerability is.

Ever since I’ve begun being open with people about my struggles with anxiety, I’ve seen that I’m not the only one. I’m so blessed to have people in my life who have encouraged me, and I’ve found that now I can do the same for someone else. It’s true that no one is perfect and other people can hurt us. Relationships, whether that’s with friends or family, always have their challenges because of this. Ingrid struggles with her relationship with her mother and consistently fights with her siblings. However, she learns how valuable these family relationships are and how much she needs them.

I’ve thought about making Seams into a series because there’s so much that Ingrid still has to learn. I also want to focus on a few of the other characters who are Aaren, Linnea, and Sven. They each have journeys that will bring them back to Ingrid. I think they didn’t realize how much Ingrid was struggling because she’s one of those seemingly strong individuals who will do whatever she can to help others even though she struggles within herself. Assuming there will be another book, they will realize that Ingrid needs help and they will do whatever they can for her and point her to the truth.

All of this goes to say that it’s so important to be there to encourage and support others, ask them how they are doing, and be accepting and thoughtful! Everyone matters and being there for your family and friends is one of the best things you can do!

About the Book

Seams

Written by Taylor Thompson

Ages 8+ | 100 Pages

Publisher: ABC Book Publishers | ISBN-13: 9780986190360

Publisher’s Book Summary: In the cold northern country, a young, self-reliant Ingrid comes of age at the same time when her mother becomes ill. For as long as she can remember, she just wanted to tend to her sheep and live a quiet life. But a sinister figure warns Ingrid that darkness is coming and will alter her world in more ways than one could ever imagine.

Embarking on a quest with her siblings to save their mom, they encounter creatures shrouded in myth and legend who try to hinder their progress. Facing fearsome beasts, rugged terrain, trolls, witches, and elven secrets, Ingrid can’t help but wonder if they will ever make it home.

Refusing to be distracted on their perilous journey with dangers lurking around every corner, Ingrid has an agonizing choice to make as she learns of long-held secrets… but will she make the right one?

Seams, by Taylor Thompson, is filled with adventure, magic, mysterious creatures, and suspense.

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About the Author

Taylor Thompson, intrigued by Scandinavian culture, writes SEAMS, her first adventure fantasy book. She loves storytelling and finds creative writing her best form of therapy and self-expression. Taylor is a college student in north Florida studying English. Her dream job is to be a full-time author or own a coffee shop with a bookstore.

SEAMS was published in 2022 by ABC Book Publishers, Inc. and can be purchased on Amazon.com and through Taylor’s author website at https://taylorthompsonbooks.com/.

Read our exclusive interview: Tayor Thompson Discusses Her Debut Novel Seams