Most of us, when we’re writing a story, have at least a vague idea about what our characters look like. Some writers have a particular look in mind and make up someone completely from scratch. But many of us see certain actors in our minds when we think of our characters. It’s hard for me not to do that. So I thought I would let you see what I saw when I wrote some of my books.
I’ll start with Guardian Vampire since that one is still my best seller. I honestly didn’t see an actor in my mind for this one until I started watching The Vampire Diaries. When I saw Ian Sommerhalder, I knew this was my Logan. And I imagined Hilary Duff as Kendall.
Ian Sommerhalder
Hilary Duff
One problem I’m having with Ian is that I also want him to be Ethan in Club Blood. LOL
There was never any doubt as to who I wanted to be Patrick in A Rocky Path. Hans Matheson was the one from the very beginning.
Hans Matheson
I think the hardest character to cast is John in Haunted Lake. I think he may be my favorite character. So much happened in his past and he’s scarred both physically and emotionally. I can’t make a connection between him and any actor yet. Those of you who might have read Haunted Lake, what do you think? I do have some ideas for Daniel, though. These two:
Archie Kao
Tim Kang
And Adam from my Libby Fox Series. It has to be Alex O’Loughlin!
Alex O'Loughlin
Who do your characters look like? Or do you make up everything about them? I would love to hear who you see when you write!
lauralynnelliott.com 
Right now, Dylan is played by Chad Michael Murray. Joss is sort of her own person, and sometimes she’s an anime person. Usually during fight scenes.
Wasn’t Chad the guy in A Cinderella Story? He’s so cute. *ahem, I’m really not a dirty old lady*
LOL at Joss is an anime person. Now I have that picture in my mind.
I’ve found I usually have actors picked out more for the guys in my books, but not so much the girls. But I do like Hilary Duff for Guardian Vampire. Hey, she’s in A Cinderella Story, too!
Yes, Austin in Cinderella Story, Tristin (the annoying rich guy who liked Rory at Chilton and kept calling her Mary), and Lucas in One Tree Hill where he is often very Dylanish.
I usually think about it in the after thought. Never have put a true face to either Jason or Nancy in The Last Cabbandeum, maybe we have a contest in the future there, I don’t know. About the only person I have ever placed a actor to the character is Marshall; kind of like Patrick Duffy there but not sure of anyone else. Maybe you could give me some ideas Lauralynn?
Peace.
Hi Jon. I’m not sure how I picture your characters. Jason is kind of a “special case”, so I don’t know who that would fit. I’m still trying to figure out John in Haunted Lake.
The number two photo for Daniel from Haunted Lake is just how I pictured him. John….hmmm, yeah, he’s much harder …But he remains my favorite character of your to date.
Yeah, I’m favoring the second picture, too, for Daniel. John is hard to cast. But I think I’m with you…he’s my favorite character.
Beautiful characters….I haven’t done this with my story yet, but I plan to very soon. I love seeing who authors imagine as their characters.
I do love imagining Ian S and Alex O…. 🙂
Yeah, those guys are so hot! I’m still having a hard time with John from Haunted Lake, though. He’s a little unusual. LOL
Alex O’Loughlin and Ian Sommerhalder. Yum!
I agree! 🙂