Meaning: Jackie Collins, a prolific and renowned author, once said, "I really fall in love with my characters, even the bad ones. I love getting together with them. They tell me what to do; they take me on a wild and wonderful trip." This quote provides insight into Collins' approach to writing and the deep connection she feels with the characters she creates. It reflects her passion for storytelling and the immersive experience of bringing her characters to life on the page.

For authors, developing characters is a fundamental aspect of the creative process. Characters are the heart of a story, and they drive the narrative forward, engaging readers and bringing the fictional world to life. When an author expresses love for their characters, it signifies a profound investment in the people who populate their stories. This sentiment also suggests a level of empathy and understanding for the complexities and nuances of human behavior, even in the case of "bad" characters.

Collins' statement about falling in love with her characters, including the "bad" ones, challenges the conventional notion of characters as purely good or evil. It implies that she sees her characters as multi-dimensional individuals with their own motivations, flaws, and complexities. By embracing and loving even the "bad" characters, she may be acknowledging the richness that these characters bring to her stories and the opportunity they provide for exploration and growth within the narrative.

The idea of "getting together" with her characters suggests a collaborative relationship between the author and her creations. It conveys a sense of intimacy and interaction, as if the characters are living, breathing entities with whom Collins engages in a creative dialogue. This notion aligns with the experience reported by many authors, who often describe their characters as taking on a life of their own, guiding the direction of the story in unexpected ways.

When Collins mentions that her characters "tell me what to do," it speaks to the organic, evolving nature of the writing process. It suggests that, in the act of writing, the characters exert their influence, shaping the narrative and influencing the author's decisions. This dynamic relationship between author and characters underscores the idea that, in the act of creation, the characters themselves play an active role in shaping their own destinies within the story.

The phrase "they take me on a wild and wonderful trip" captures the sense of adventure and discovery that Collins experiences in the process of writing. It conveys the exhilaration of immersing oneself in a fictional world and allowing the characters to lead the way, navigating through the twists and turns of the narrative. This adventurous spirit reflects the joy and excitement that can arise from the act of storytelling, as well as the element of unpredictability that accompanies the creative journey.

In conclusion, Jackie Collins' quote encapsulates the deep emotional connection she forms with her characters and the dynamic, collaborative nature of the writing process. It highlights the complexity and depth of her characters, her willingness to embrace their flaws, and the sense of adventure and discovery that infuses her storytelling. Through her words, Collins provides a glimpse into the profound relationship between an author and the characters who populate their imaginative worlds.