An Ink and Paper Twin

You may already know that my genre is middle-grade horror (think GOOSEBUMPS + the basement from CABIN IN THE WOODS), so there's nothing too treacherous to worry about when writing late at night. However, I'm beginning to recognize a recent arrival in my manuscript as similar to an in-real-life (IRL) neighbor from my childhood. And that is creepy. Especially since this new character's voice grows louder and clearer than my main character (MC)--who is creepy enough on her own.

I'm thrilled that my work-in-progress (WIP) is getting stronger. I don't just mean better--though I won't object if this alone were the case--just that the MC is getting antsy for me to finish her story. She's usually the loudest voice in the WIP, but a little over a week ago, this other boy crept in.

And he's everywhere.

Seven nights ago he showed up in a scene barring my MC's way into the Half-witch Woods. He said he was protecting her, but I'm not sure. I don't think I trust him. Either way, my MC seems neither to care nor mind.

Three nights later, he showed up briefly in a dream. Can't remember what, but when I woke up, my skin crawled.

Yesterday during class I had to give my students an early break so I could email myself his connection to my MC's family--during which he proceeded to rant about me not referring to him by his 'real' name.

Last night, I woke from a dream in which I came-to in an abandoned nine-story boathouse--him standing on the dock watching the killer jellyfish circling closer and closer and closer. Woke up sweating.

I did not plan this character.

I do not want this character.

Yet, I need this character.

The tiny gods living between the pages of my manuscript demand him and they are never wrong. But it's creeping me out. You try ignoring an imaginary depressive-ogre-nightmare-boy who makes your story a million times more goosebump-giving.

Resistance is futile.

I tried avoiding him.

I tried writing around him.

I tried writing him out.

Bad idea.

As a result, he is currently holding my unconscious MC hostage in the middle of the Half-witch Woods, threatening to bury her. Unless I learn his 'real' name.

I don't even know what that means.

Until then, he has taken the name of this childhood neighbor who was no where near as creepy and only half as intimidating. Regardless, this character insists they are ink-and-paper twins.

And I am powerless.