As I contemplated the third and final novel in the Runner Series, I had to consider the transformation that I wanted my main character, Kay, to undergo. Kay has always more or less created her own story and I, as the writer, was tasked with trying to keep up.

When writing the first book in the series (The Runner), I had an idea of the plot that I wanted my protagonist to follow, but as the story grew and new characters were introduced, I found myself struggling with trying to fit this person into a specific mould. After a while, I decided that I had to stop fighting Kay's natural wildness and let her choices and reactions drive the story, instead. Once I let go, the book became a lot easier to write.

Now that I'm in the process of drawing the trilogy to a close, I'm left with the challenge of rectifying a thoroughly-damaged heroine with the bloody aftermath caused by her actions. I wonder if a happy ending is possible, given all the destruction that Kay has wrought. For that matter, can she can even be considered a hero, anymore? I worry that in order to make my readers happy, I may have to force my savage Kay into the role she actively resists. My fear is that by trying to please the people who supported my work, I will be betraying the characters I created.

The truth of it is, at the end of book two (The Wastelands) Kay stopped being a hero in my eyes. Something occurred that broke her, severed the part of her heart that made her steady and selfless and instead turned her inwards, setting her on a path mired by revenge. In a lot of ways I miss the fun-loving, goofy girl that I introduced in The Runner, but I believe strongly that I would be doing her a disservice if I didn't accept the effects of all the trials I have put her through.

With this four-year journey drawing to a close, I'm left with two questions:

1. How do I align the girl Kay was with the woman she was destined to be? And

2. How do I honour this person who—despite being fictional—has become a very real part of my life?

As book three (The Rain) comes to life, Kay's arc is becoming more and more clear. Her bravery has made her a legend in the eyes of the people she has saved, but the world is much more than just the desert City she grew up in. In the larger scale of this post-apocalyptic world, Kay isn't a freedom fighter.

She's a terrorist.

The Runner's universe is a burned-out shell. The harsh elements are preventing food from growing and what the sun and sand don't manage to destroy, war will. In order to keep The Rain grounded in some semblance of reality, I have to acknowledge the limitations I have placed on this world and shape Kay's story around it while trying to bring everything to a satisfying close. This means accepting that Kay's pain and her relentless pursuit to save the unsaveable may end in tragedy. What I have created is an impulsive person who lacks the foresight to see beyond what is directly in front of her.

There are going to be consequences.

For fans of the Runner Series, I truly hope you'll come along with me on this journey. In all honesty I don't know what's going to happen next, but I'm beyond excited to find out.

Book 1 of the Runner Series is now available in both paperback and ebook formats! Visit my profile for a link or copy one of the following URLs:

Amazon: https://goo.gl/myzFim

Kobo: https://goo.gl/Xk4TjG

In order to celebrate the return of the Runner Series and the #WattpadBlockParty,

The giveaway will be open internationally. Check out the bottom of this post and my profile for a link.

As always, thank you so much for all of your love and support. Don't forget to vote, comment and look up!

xxKate