I've carried around a fascination about when an author decides to end the life of one of his most favorite characters. A character that has been lovingly followed through several books. A character that has brought the author fame and fortune.
As I cry about the death, does the author cry too? What goes into the decision? My friend Rex, an author himself, says: "Maybe he just got tired. Ready to write about someone else."
But what about the connection? The relationship? Isn't the character "real" in some way? Isn't it a "death?"
Walter Mosley killed off Easy Rawlins and went on to write a completely new series in a new town. That takes some kind of confidence.
The writer owns the story. The reader owns the story of his life.
I wish I had written the last paragraph, Joan. Your gift of words draws a tip of my hat!
ReplyDeleteYou’ve been obsessed with this character forever. Have you ever contacted Walter Mosley to get some of these questions answered?
ReplyDeleteI love Easy Rawlins too, and I haven't read Walter Mosley's new books, thanks for letting me know.
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