Everyone, between radical to atheist, has experienced ‘something’ in moments of crisis or glorious amazement. Feelings of Deja vu or unexplainable intuitions are common to humankind. Therefore, as writer, why would I create characters that exist in a void? Where does strength or resolve come from? Will characters chant, meditate, or pray? Will they connect through fate or destiny?
As a real life character, I have been shaped by life lessons and traumatic events. Sometimes I have come out on top and sometimes I’ve failed but, in all, I’ve changed and grown. (see Phyllis Stories.) All I can do, as a writer, is express my inner self through my characters and hope others are encourage or inspired to keep going in life and never give up.
I appreciate Donald Maass teaching the inclusion of spirituality in the life of characters in his book, Writing the Breakout Novel (eBook edition: 2012) in which he states, “… if God is at work in the world of your novel, then you have a chance at giving your readers an experience that is humbling, joyful and maybe even transforming.” (96)
Phyllis A. Still 