Chapter 1: The Importance of Character Connection

When crafting a novel, establishing a bond with your characters is crucial. Just as we cherish certain individuals in our lives—like that enduring best friend from school, the outspoken aunt, or the wise but cynical cousin—it's essential to delve into the personalities of the characters we create.

The task at hand is to consider who your character would invite to a dinner party. This exercise not only reveals their preferences but also sheds light on their core values. For instance, Meda, the protagonist of my story, wouldn’t invite someone like Taylor Swift since she doesn't even know her!

So, let’s ask Meda the question: If you could host a dinner for four individuals, who would they be?

My preferred guests would be Ornyx, Zoutula, Derina, and Dochia.

Ornyx and Zoutula have always transcended the role of mere mentors; they have been friends who understood us better than we did ourselves. They could anticipate when we’d make mistakes, whether it was snapping bowstrings or falling off our horses. They were there to guide our recovery and keep our secrets safe. For instance, Cotiso often sneaked out at night to explore the woods, and Zoutula would ensure he returned safely through hidden passages.

These two taught us the art of combat and even had us girls wear Cotiso’s attire to make learning to ride easier. They revealed the secrets of the caves and pathways in our mountain, sharing stories of our ancestors around the campfire. I vividly remember the tales of Dacian kings, like Dromichetes, who dined from gold while his guests used simple earthenware, and Burebista—the wise king who united several tribes.

Derina, on the other hand, is the embodiment of compassion. She understands my fears and instinctively knows when I need support. In her presence, I see a reflection of my true self, stripped of pride and stubbornness.

Dochia and Cotiso have always been my closest companions, so my dinner party choices remain Zoutula, Ornyx, Derina, and Dochia. Although I would have loved for Cotiso to join us, he was sacrificed to the gods for the Dacians' victory over the Romans. The outcome of that sacrifice remains uncertain.

Now, considering that these characters lived around 2000 years ago, what might their ideal meal look like? Perhaps freshly baked round bread, spit-roasted venison, rabbit, and quail, accompanied by forest berries and honey, washed down with pure spring water that carries only a hint of earthiness. In winter, they might enjoy mulled wine sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon from the Greeks.

And there you have it! Just another glimpse into my novel...

Until next time!

Chapter 2: Crafting Authentic Characters

Section 2.1: Reflecting on the Past

Exploring the backgrounds of our characters can greatly enrich our narratives. Understanding their histories, relationships, and experiences allows us to create more relatable and compelling figures.

Subsection 2.1.1: Building Relationships