HELP - MY MANUSCRIPT HAS BEEN HIJACKED!

Have you even had your manuscript hijacked? Do you know what I’m talking about?
I had my outline. The story was in my head and just begging to be written down. The main character was fully developed in my mind. And then, he came into the story.

Of course, with a romance, I knew I was going to have my hero. The lover, side kick, second focus main character. But I never expected him to take over! After all, she was supposed to be who the story was all about. He was meant to play a supporting role.

However, as I delved into his character, his inner feelings, and his background, and discovered what made him tick; he became so compelling and interesting to me, I had to give those things voice. I had to let my readers see just why she was falling for him so quickly. And why I did as well.

Before I knew what was happening, the story was written. Complete, finito. That is, so I thought.

It took another’s eye to see what I had done. To notice that my main character was not who I thought it was. In the end, rewrites and edits have brought her back to the fore and strengthened the manuscript all around.

My hero wasn’t left out in the cold. He has stayed just as strong as he started out, but my heroine now matches him chapter for chapter. At least that is what I hope to have accomplished.

I had heard some of my most loved authors mention this happening to them, but I hadn’t understood. I hadn’t believed it was possible. Now I know.

In the end it was a great learning experience and a wonderful challenge to overcome.

Have you ever had this happen to you?