Do authors cry when they kill the best character?

That’s a question from a curious reader, as she calls herself, and I totally see her point. So let’s give an answer to this interesting question!

Let it out. Come on, share with me the truth. What? Do you hesitate? Well, I’ll go first, and if you have followed my blog, I’m sure you know the answer!

There are no tears for me.

On the contrary, there is a cunning smile and maybe some cheering. 

But I have to clarify something. For me, there is no such thing as “best character”. All the characters in my stories are my best characters. Either they’re good or bad, or annoying, they are my characters. So I can’t really pick a favorite.

When I write, I don’t have a plan. I follow the voices, giving them the lead and the ability to write their own story. So, when it comes to the point where a character dies … well, there isn’t really something I can do! It’s the way the story is developing. I’m there just to write it down.

I’d be lying though if I say that there isn’t a brief moment of sadness for the character that perished. Because we had fun together! But when a character dies another one is usually born so there is that!

Well, I try to make it pretty, but I’m not doing a good job, huh?

Alright, you got me! I kind of enjoy killing my characters!

Now you’d be wondering for what possible reason I would like that! It’s the thrill, the thought that you’re making the reader gasp, get mad or even smile. Everything comes down to the reader. When I read a book, I crave for the suspense, for the unexpected development, the difference that will amaze me. And honestly, what’s better than a character’s sudden death?

Robyn, a friend and a writer, had said she’ll read my books even if no one is standing at the end! Huge possibility! :)

Will you back me up? Please share your thoughts.