A blog aesthetic, or in this case, a character aesthetic, is a glance that gives the reader both a visual and written overview, a snapshot if you will. It’s a good idea for character development but also as a reflective element to help readers immerse in a series or better understand a character. Why? Because it gives the reader two key things:

1. a keyword list which helps to define the character

2. a visual sense the character’s world/life without creating spoilers

Last week, I explored the aesthetics of the series’ protagonist, Etain Ixtii. You can read that post HERE.

This week, I’m focusing in on another character, Etain’s very best friend, frequent side-kick, and imma, Mercine Feney, who’s generally referred to as Merch.

Note: Taken from The Surrogate Series Language Primer

Imma–(Alyward) [im-mah] intimate best friend

Here’s my keyword list for Merch.

1. Human

2. Scotch on the rocks

3. Fighter

4. Colorful language expert

5. Independent

6. The Empire’s Akierli (female leader)

7. Bisexual

8. Simple tastes

9. Colony raised

10. Smart-ass

11. Firearms

12. Strength beyond measure

Visual Reference – images I believe best represent Merch as she appears in Surrogate.

Like last week, I thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating the visual aesthetic, and this week, the enjoyment continued. I’ve been with Merch through three rough drafts at this point. Novel one, Surrogate, was released in March 2017, the second novel, Hunted, will be released in March 2018, and the third, Traditions, 2019, I hope. *crosses fingers*

I’ve had the image of Merch saved in my writing files since 2012, I believe, so I can’t link the image back to the creator, but thanks to whoever developed this image. It’s Merch, completely Merch, to a fine degree.

Next week, I’m featuring Amna Dresh, another significant character in Surrogate. Her relationship to Merch and Etain? You’ll have to do some reading on that one, but she’s important to them both.