Issue #20

Blog #17-2015

Section: Demons of The Jungle

Blogger: Joseph Clay

Ok, we have covered the two protagonists in “Who is Debra Lynn Wright?” and “Who is Patricia Sue Mitchell?” This week we will cover a supporting character whose Bio Template is as thick as a book.

But first, a little more information about the Bio Template. The first page of the Template, ‘Character Data’, is book-related, meaning that the facts on that sheet are relevant to that story alone. The more books the character appears in, the more front sheets he or she has. The second sheet, ‘Bio’, grows with the character, as new information is added every time something changes in their life – they get married, divorced, enter education, you get the idea. On the third sheet, ‘Notes’, I list each book that the character appears in, the changes that happen in their life in each book, and any notes that are needed to make sure they wear the same watch, drive the same car or carry the same phone throughout the story.

Levi West is the first character that I dreamed up and, oh, he had plenty of names before this one took hold. Remember back in the blog “From Engineering to an Author” I mentioned that the first novel I penned was over a hundred thousand words, and that the editor made suggestions about what path I should take? Well, Levi was the major player in that book (which will turn into a series). The way he got into this book was unexpected and unplanned. The editor of Demons of the Jungle, First Edition didn’t like the way the story ended and suggested that I change it. I decided that, since in the future Levi would become a household name, I would introduce him in Demons. Great marketing idea, don’t you think?

From the Bio Template, Page One

Book title, year: Demons of the Jungle, 2009

Name: Levi Colt West

AKA: Levi

Character prominence: Minor

Role: Protagonist

Year of birth: 1984

Age at time of story: 25

Physical Description

Sex: Male

Height: 6’-5”

Weight: 285 pounds

Hair: Black, spiked on top and short on the sides

Eyes: Deep blue

Nose: Greek

Mouth: Normal

Lips: Plump

Teeth: White, perfect

Build: Muscular, body builder definition

Skin tone: Smooth, dark complexion (half American Indian)

Hands: Extra large

Feet: Extra large

Striking Features, Distinctive Language, Hobbies, etc

• Sheer size.
• Southern drawl with a lot of baseball lingo.
• Hobbies: Golf, baseball, horseback riding.

 Goals/Motivations

• To find a diamond or gold mine for purchase.
• To… [If I say any more it will give the story away.]

 Fatal Flaws

• Temper

[Levi shows up in the last chapter so his major flaws do not come into play.]

Saving Graces

• Ability to communicate telepathically with his grandmother and others while in deep meditation.
• Friends in high places.
• Determination.

Role Played and Outcome

Levi is a businessman on a trip to Alaska.

Outcome: [Sorry, I can’t tell you. You’ll have to read the book.]

From the Bio Template, Page Two

Levi Colt West, known as Levi, was born and raised on a ranch in Dahlonega, Georgia. His family was wealthy and Levi never wanted for anything and attended the best private schools. Levi’s life changed when his dad, Remington, and grandfather, Winchester, were killed in a plane crash. Two years later, his mom, Susan, and grandmother, Betsy, perished in a car accident. The death of Betsy, who was Levi’s rock, sent the ranch and his mental state into a downward spiral. When Levi turned eighteen he was handed control of the ranch business and it was his job to pull it from the ruins and restore it to its former glory. While doing this he learned what his family was all about, and this fit right in with Levi’s mentality and disposition. Within three years everything was on track and Levi never looked back.

Excerpt from Demons of the Jungle

There was nothing Levi could do. Doug was strict when it came to safety, and since Levi wasn’t certified in rescue he had to remain on the sidelines, watching. Elena, who knew her man better than the back of her hand, walked over and took his gloved paw. He bent down so he could hear what she was saying. He smiled as she talked and rushed to the table where Doug was.

“How many crews have you got?” he asked.

“We don’t know if anybody is buried. The transmitter we’re picking up could have been knocked out of someone’s hand. They got away from the slide. I’m only working one crew,” he explained.

Levi, trying to keep his temper in check, took a deep breath to make sure his words were not harsh or coming out in anger.

“Do you have more than one crew?” He reworded the question.

“Yes, I have five more. They work in eight-hour shifts. I can’t warrant bringing the other two in,” he stated.

“I think you can. Talk it over with your superiors while I’m gone. I’ll be back within the hour,” Levi said with a firm look.

Elena had the bird in the air. Levi was on his cell; he may not be able to help in the rescue, but he could help the rescuers.

Levi and Elena were back. They had a crew of six with them, who were unloading the bird. She and Levi found Doug.

“We rounded up some help. These people, along with Elena and I, will set up a tent. Inside there will be refreshments, cots for rest, and a warming station. She’s headed back for more supplies,” Levi explained.

“Levi, I’ve no idea who you are but I got a call from the Governor Sean Parnell, then Sarah Palin. Needless to say, I’ve called the other two crews in,” Doug stated, shaking his head.

“Thank you. Can you give me an update?” Levi asked.

After Demons of the Jungle is released Levi’s full bio will be posted on the official website, AuthorJosephClay.

Blogs in this series: “When is a second edition needed?”, “Birth of the Demons”, “Piecing it all together”, “Who is Debra Wright?”, “Who is Patricia Mitchell?”, “The Demons”, and the teaser before the release, “A deal too good to be true”.

Blog edited by Clare Diston @ Human Voices.