I enjoy the process of writing. It’s not always fun, but I embrace the challenge of researching, outlining, writing, and rewriting. My favorite part is running the different scenarios by my husband, Kraig.

When I first started writing, I struggled with a transitioning area in my story line for Chemical Attraction. Kraig suggested breakfast at our local diner to talk about it. Of course, I agreed. First, it was his idea. Second, any chance not to cook was a plus. And, third, he was a good sounding board—although less so that day.

After ordering our breakfasts, I explained my dilemma. “What do you think I should do?”

He sipped his coffee. “I think you should kill off one of your main characters.”

“What? Who?” I demanded.

“Matt Connor.” His reply was so casual as if killing a person was a common occurrence. I wondered if I married a hitman.

With my mouth open, I tried to comprehend his words. “I can’t kill Matt. He has a wife and a son. They’d be devastated.”

In the middle of the crowded restaurant, our heated discussion received wide-eyed stares from the patrons closest to us. As I thought about Matt dying, I blinked away a few tears. My bastard husband laughed while I searched my coat pocket for a tissue.

(For the record, I’m not afraid to kill off characters. I’ve done it to progress my other stories. However, Matt has more to share.)

“How could you suggest such a thing?” I asked.

Enjoying my grief, he smiled. “Have someone shoot him. Better yet, have a farm animal maul him to death…”

I blocked out his other malicious ideas. With a sympathetic look, the waitress silently refilled my mug and slid a few extra napkins toward my silverware. I blew my nose with one while she glowered at my horrible husband.

He leaned forward. “Honey, he’s just a character.”

But Matt wasn’t. He had a family. He had feelings. In my head, I knew he was a made-up person. My heart thought differently. Embarrassed by my emotional outburst, I quietly ate my breakfast. Kraig chuckled.

“Am I crazy?” I finally asked.

“Just passionate.” He tried to put a pleasant spin on it, but his wife was a nut job.

Later, I rationally considered his ideas and quickly dismissed them. Matt was safe in that story. We’ll see what happens in the rest of the series though. Wahaha!

I hope I’m not the only “passionate” writer out there with a crazy story like this. Care to share yours?