Haze.

​As I started writing 4:05 a.m.: An Ice Era Chronicle, I became interested in a side character named Haze. The more I wrote, the more Haze stuck out in my head—I don’t know why. Finally, I had to consider that I might be giving this man his own book.
I struggle with that. I could write him a holiday story or just an Off-The-Rails story, but I am on the fence about which to do. 
I hate being on the fence. 
Haze plays an integral part in Ronan’s story, so I must give him some serious focus in 4:05 a.m.

So, to start with, I want to make sure Haze isn’t dull. I also need to introduce him clearly. I want to ensure I don’t have a reader doing that thing where they are flipping back pages and asking who that guy is.
Next, I want to make Haze memorable. I must establish his purpose and ground him in the Ice Era world.

Having fun side characters is great, but at this moment, I need to add a little more because I am considering a story for my character. I just don’t know where it belongs.
Of course, that doesn’t stop me from writing it...
​I just hit 10,000 words.
***

Chapter One:

Haze was so, so, so in trouble.
But instead of freaking out, he did what his madam taught him. He needed to slow it down.
Standing before Madam Granite as she sat in her wheelchair scowling, he took in the grand dining area of the Pochwa’s castle. He’d lived here since he was eighteen and never stepped out of line. Not once. He wanted to serve this all-female tribe that had built a fortress near Palmillas. He liked it.
Though these women were often referred to as man-haters, Haze had been with the group for so long that he didn’t see them that way. Yes, almost all these females had powerful gifts and had come here to not be around men, but even if they were leery of males in general, they never punished too harshly or hurt the men who decided to attend them.
Well—except that one time. Haze bowed his head and slowed his spinning mind. It would be okay. Madam Granite was old but kind, caring, and sharp. She wouldn’t beat him to death.
Probably...