American author Jane Haddam, who is well-known for her suspense and mystery books, frequently discusses how she writes stories. Characters, in her opinion, are far more important to a good story than plot twists or settings.

Consider constructing a home. You could concentrate on the way the rooms are laid out, the color scheme you choose, or even the kind of furniture you wish to purchase for it. However, your house may become empty and lifeless if you don't start by determining who will live there and what their needs are. In a similar vein, Jane Haddam begins her books by imagining the characters.

Haddam is especially renowned for developing nuanced characters whose lives intricately intersect. She frequently starts by introducing a character's history or an intriguing characteristic. She might consider a chef who has a secret from their past or a detective who has a special method of solving puzzles. As Haddam examines how these characters interact and face obstacles, the plot usually flows naturally once these people are fully developed.

Every story feels genuine and captivating because Haddam prioritizes her characters. Instead of merely following a series of events, her readers frequently find themselves engrossed in the lives of these fully realized individuals. This method helps readers relate to her stories more easily while also giving her narratives more depth.

Fundamentally, Jane Haddam's approach embodies the notion that compelling characters can propel any narrative, giving each book the feel of an investigation into various facets of society and human nature.