Marni did a great post recently about creating a character bible. Check it out! Creating a Character Bible – Miss Demeanors
I do that. And there’s another thing I do for my crime fiction series: I create a character board – which looks a lot like the suspects board in Midsomer Murders. I cut out photographs of actors who I feel would play my character well and glue them to posterboard. It helps me to picture my characters as I write.
For Implied Consent, my book that released on January 26, 2023, I casted five of the main characters. Here you go!
Maureen Gould
Our hero, is a lawyer in San Francisco with a solo practice specializing in representation of sexual abuse victims. Her early life was a combination of privilege and tragedy which instilled in her a need to help others. She’s tall, athletic appearing (although she doesn’t exercise much) with unruly shoulder-length red hair and prefers jeans to suits. Yet she pulls off both with equal aplomb.
I see Emer Kenny for Maureen. She meets the physical criteria. I love her character, Bunty, in Father Brown – outspoken, sometimes even outrageous. The actor herself is one smart cookie, having written the fabulous Karen Pirie TV series based upon Val McDermid’s books.
Jake Kuhn
Maureen’s tall, dark, handsome husband. He put himself through law school at night while working as a San Francisco police officer. Now he is a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office in the white-collar crime division. He is equally as comfortable in a suit as on a basketball court. Naturally the first actor who came to mind was Joe Manganiello.
Eli Conroy
Maureen’s investigator. He’s tall and lanky, particular in his person, and suspicious of just about everyone. A former San Francisco police officer, there’s something under the surface that makes you think he’s troubled and possibly dangerous – but hopefully not to his friends. Paul Anderson from Peaky Blinders fits the bill.
Yolanda Martinez
Maureen’s paralegal/office mom. She’s a caring, but no-nonsense kind of gal inspired by the characters played by Shelly Morrison. I watched “Will and Grace” just to see her.
Josephine Navarre
The client. I like Zoe Saldana for her. Elegant. Appears fragile the outside, but a formidable presence.
Francis E. Gould
Maureen’s father and archnemesis. When she files a #metoo lawsuit on behalf of Josephine against a Hollywood producer, Frank steps in to defend him. That’s when things get complicated. During the entire time I wrote the book, I pictured Jon Voigt as Frank.
It’s Your Turn!
Writers: do you create character boards?
Everyone: Have you read Implied Consent yet? Do you like my casting, or do you have other suggestions? I’d love to hear how you see my characters.
About Implied Consent
Lawyer Maureen Gould has a dark secret and a need to prove herself. When a young woman walks into her office with a Hollywood #metoo case, Maureen spots the chance for redemption.
Enter the opponent: Maureen’s father, Frank Gould, a man as evil as the movie producer he defends. While Frank pulls every dirty trick known inside the courtroom, someone behind the scenes is engineering Maureen’s defeat. Doors are slammed in her face. Disturbing photographs are “discovered.” A witness dies mysteriously. Clearly someone means to silence her.
Will Maureen muster the strength to free herself from the past, reveal the truth, and win justice for her client?
Keenan Powell
Author
While still in high school, she was one of the illustrators of the original Dungeons and Dragons. Art seemed an impractical pursuit – not an heiress, wouldn’t marry well, hated teaching – so she went to law school instead. When not writing or practicing law, Keenan can be found oil painting, studying the Irish language, or hanging out with her friends at mystery conventions.
6. Sales: Is the Publisher Selling Books?
Keenan, I love Emer Kenny! So accomplished and whip smart— seems like a perfect Maureen.
I’ve torn photos out of magazines for a few characters but this board idea is attractive. At a glance you can see the character you are thinking of—I’m stealing this!
So glad you agree on Emer! I believe we’re going to see a lot of great stuff coming from her in the future.
And glad to be of help!
Keenan, this is my favorite exercise when writing! I cast all my books in my mind. Sometimes I come right out and tell the reader exactly what actor my character looks like because I figure, they all know these people, why not have them picture them the same way I do. In my current WIP, my character tells a detective point blank that he looks like Kevin Bacon. (Because I really like Kevin Bacon :-))
I’ve written two characters based on Tom Hardy. He’s on my historical board.
On the book I’m now writing, I figured I’d just say, “he looks like Robert Redford.” Figuring I can only get away with that once per book – otherwise I’d work Liev Schreiber in too. Can I?
I love Emer, too–but I did not know she wrote the Karen Pirie series, which I adored. I do hope there are more seasons.
Fingers crossed there’s more seasons! I love that show.
LOVE this! And congratulations on your launch, Keenan! Have been so excited to read this.
The cover is gorgeous too and the casting is excellent.
Thanks so much! I am in love with the cover. Lucked into most excellent graphic artist. Thank you on the casting. That was a fun project.
I do casting too! I feel like Judi Dencch is always coming up. I probably need to introduce Maggie Dove to Robert Redford.
Judi Dench is lovely!
I never cast my books. I find it too confining. My characters are their own people and they go their own way. That being said, I loved your casting choices and I loved Implied Consent. Good job!