A couple of days ago, I mentioned that Second Chance Christmas, a holiday novella, is next on my list of writing projects. In fact, my writing schedule looks kinda like this:

• May/June 2014: A Wicked Love
• June 2014: Second Chance Christmas
• July/August 2014: Hawthorne's story (not yet titled)
• September/October 2014: In All Things, Balance (Daughters of the People #4)

I'm thinking of switching SCC's order in the rotation because my mind is drawn to Hawthorne's story, and more particularly to the fun I'm going to have with that story's characters. The main characters will, of course, be Hawthorne the Chronicler (aka the Beheader) and Aaron Kesselman. Isolde, a member of the Council of Seven and Hawthorne's niece, will make an appearance; her role in the story and to the overall series arc is small, but important. Bobby Upton, Rebecca Upton, and others will also make brief appearances.

Hawthorne is.... I guess the politest way of putting it is that she's a bit socially challenged. Her unofficial motto is, "Swing first, ask questions later." (Hence the dubious honorary, the Beheader.) She's blunt, straight-forward, and often tactless, and comes from a time when Daughters literally kept men. She's also a bit high-strung and, er, sensitive when it comes to the opposite sex. (Again, Beheader.) If you're looking to fix an image in your mind, think Victoria Pratt in Cleopatra 2525, except with red hair in a disheveled pixie cut and a paler complexion. It's the bad-assiness (that's totally a word) that's important, not the image itself.

Aaron is pretty much the exact opposite. He's laid-back, friendly, outgoing; also, a West Coast liberal, bless his heart. Strangely enough, he objects to Hawthorne keeping him as a sex slave. I know. What man in his right mind, right? But that's Aaron for you. Akin Akman in this photo is pretty much Aaron personified. (Again, focus on the attitude, not the image itself.)

Throwing Hawthorne and Aaron together is like trying to mix Balsamic vinegar with olive oil; you get a really good vinaigrette, but as soon as you stop shaking, the components drift back into their separate spheres. Makes for some *ahem* really interesting situations.

Now, while Aaron is in Tellowee, he and Lali, Hawthorne's four-year-old granddaughter, become fast friends, and this was the inspiration for today's post. Of all the characters that will grace Hawthorne's as-yet-untitled story, Lali is shaping up to be my favorite. There's something about the innocence of young children that softens even the most cynical heart. Aaron is a softy, so he falls and falls hard for the sweet little girl, and she for him. 

Bear in mind that many children whose mothers are immortal Daughters aren't around their fathers often, so Aaron becomes, in many ways, Lali's father figure. I have a feeling their relationship will be just as important as Aaron's relationship with Hawthorne. To extend the vinaigrette comparison, Lali is the binding agent that helps Hawthorne and Aaron realize how good they can be together.

And now, I'm just talking myself around to switching up my writing schedule so I can explore these connections. Best go write now...