Welcome to the A to Z Challenge. This year I’m blogging about the Behind the Scenes for the Echoes Trilogy – a story a started writing about six years ago.
![A2Z-BADGE-100 [2017]](https://lydiahowecom.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/a2z-badge-100-2017.jpg?w=620){kind=icon}
For the letter “N” I wrote about Nicolette, and now for the letter “R” I get to write about Raquel. While Nicolette is sweet, diplomatic, easy-going, and a peacemaker, Raquel is the sister who helped her learn how important all those traits are. 😉
Headstrong, passionate, capable, active, loyal, confident, unyielding, and a touch of arrogance… That pretty much sums Raquel up. Born with an unwavering desire to prove her point, Raquel is a dedicated, full-thottle, nothing-is-going-to-stop-me type of girl. With too much snark and wit for her own good, Raquel is nearly as capable of fighting with her words as she is with a bow, javelin, or throwing knifes.
To the endless amusement of the Inner Chamber Family, Raquel takes after King Dalan to a great degree. Unsurprisingly though, she steadfastly refuses to be associated with him while not playing the role of Princess Rylie. If Raquel needs to learn one lesson, it would be forgiveness – specifically for King Dalan.
(Just imagine her with blonde hair…) source
Driven by bitterness, Raquel sometimes drops into the grumpy doldrums, other times she becomes restless. It’s during times like this that talking to her yields few results, and instead Keagan generally takes her out to the practice arena so she can work on her marksmanship.
Raquel is extremely proficient with horseback riding, self-defense, and of course things like archery and javelin throwing. Yet, at the same time she is thankful to be a princess and takes her job seriously – ruling in Judgement Hall and learning the laws and codes with a diligence that is commendable.
The very most surprising part of Raquel to me is how much I’ve enjoyed writing her side of the story. Granted, I haven’t worked on it since September of last year, but back then I was amazed at how her scenes flew onto paper. So, while she may not be a favorite with the readers, she happens to be a favorite with me. And that’s despite the fact that I know she’s going to do something pretty horrible in the second book.
*****
Is it only me, or are y’all also disgruntled with books where the princess/prince always bemoans their station in life and wishes they were average instead of taking hold of the opportunities their position affords them?
Noveltea 
Nononononoooooo! Raquel is my favourite! She can’t do something horrible! (And don’t you dare make her die. That would totally ruin everything!!) #ohthesuspense
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY! I’m so glad there’s another person who really likes Raquel. After the feedback I’ve been getting from most my beta readers, it seems like Nicolette is the favorite. (Raquel’s my favorite, too.) =)
LikeLike
Raquel sounds like an interesting, complex person. I will have to go back and read your other posts when I have time. Good job, Lydia.
Emily | My Life In Ecuador
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m glad you want to come back and read more posts, Emily. Thanks!
LikeLike
Perhaps Raquel needs to gain a little RESPECT! Perhaps that’s her arc in your story as she moves along.
Affirmations for a Good Life
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! No kidding! Her dad does too. 😉
LikeLike
Great post Raquel sounds quite a character! I totally agree with you about the prince/princess characters not embracing their positions and advantages!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I’m glad you agree with me. nods happily
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome post! I look forward to reading how Nicolette and Raquel interact and complement each other’s personalities, even if Raquel does have a few major faults. 🙂
-Bekah
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! And yes, I like how Nicolette and Raquel interact with each other. And hopefully Raquel learns from her flaws… 😉
LikeLike
First time visiting your blog…and thanks for stopping by mine. This is an intriguing character sketch. I can see why you want to get back to writing about Raquel. Good luck with A to Z! We’re almost in the home stretch 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! Nearly done with the challenge again. This is my fifth year and it’s been a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
The grass is always greener on the other side, I suppose. But princesses shouldn’t complain. Raquel sounds like a fun character to write.
R is for Reptilian Elite
LikeLiked by 1 person
Raquel is fun! And yep, I know generally the grass is always greener, but I think that’s just plain wrong. 😉
LikeLike
I have never written fiction so I am enjoying reading about the process you went through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing fiction is tons of fun, but also a lot of work! I’m glad you’re enjoying reading about the process. =)
LikeLike
Raquel sounds like a fascinating character…definitely the opposite of Nicolette, it’s amazing they can masquerade as Princess Rylie so convincingly! 😀 I absolutely feel your frustration when characters don’t take the opportunities they’re given – there are too many times when they just want to be “normal” and have no responsibilities. Which I guess I can understand, but I like to read about something different! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad Raquel sounds fascinating. claps hands in delight And yes! I’m glad you agree with characters (and people in general, even!) not taking opportunities that they have. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is THAT the plot twist?! Something with Raquel doing something horrible?!
Actually I like Raquel too….I see her potential, and I am so hoping she will let the God of the Path Book take control over her life and help her forgive. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, that is a good question, but I’m not gonna answer it! 😉 And that’s great that you like Raquel, it makes me happy. And yep, I’m hoping that too.
LikeLike
Raquel’s prowess with words reminds me of my daughter when she was two/three and very articulate. Her precocious logic always beat me hollow
I’m with you on those privileged characters who bemoan their station in life.
Thank you for visiting my blog:)
R is for Rann of Kutchch
LikeLike
Kids that are articulate are so much fun to listen to! But, it can also be a bit daunting when they question everything. 😉
Thanks for visiting my blog!
LikeLike
Got to love a girl with plenty of snark and wit. 🙂
I’d much rather the royal do something with what they’ve got, even if that means rebelling or sweeping changes that might go wrong than whining about not being average.
Discarded Darlings – Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to find yet another person who agrees. Having the ability to make a change in people’s lives is a wonderful privilege!
LikeLike