From: Raymond E. Feist
Date: 13 October 2009
I have no problem killing off characters except that I do think of how best to do it and how the other characters will react. My first big "on camera" death scene was Lord Borric and it was a classic sort of "death bed confession" scene with grieving sons surrounding their father, etc. Since then one of the things I've tried to do is remind readers that death comes unexpectedly and doesn't ask for permission or consider what's convenient. James and Gamina died in the sewers.
Greylock was accidentally killed after the battle by one of his own soldiers. Locklear was ambushed and stuffed in a closet. Roald got a hero's death holding off the bad guys while his companions made good their escape. Roland was killed by chance trying to protect some cows from Tsurani foragers.
It's all part of the storytelling process and no more or less difficult than other stuff, less than good comedy or good love scenes.
Best, R.E.F.
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