Rain In My Summer

I actually drafted a revised plot for this novel.  Now I'm coming to terms with Brad's personality.  I realized I need to deepen my connection with him.  I need to give him a credible background.  Something that is related as to why he behaves the way he does with Nikki.

It has been established that he is an orphan.  He joined the navy sometime in his youth.  There has to be a deep reason why he quit and focused on Save The Ocean Campaign instead.  

Could it be that he lost the girl he once loved because of his career?  And he volunteers now just to find himself again and rebuild the shattered pieces? He wanted to start anew, find forgiveness and redemption by joining volunteer activities. Then he met Nikki.  He was not ready for another romantic involvement although he cannot deny how she has wormed her way into his heart without even trying.  He considered himself single for life until she came.  Now, a solitary existence at sea suddenly lost its luster.  Now, he can picture her in his arms at every voyage he will make.  Could this plot work?  I wonder.

If I go ahead with this plot, what could be the actual cause of his ex-gf's death?  I can establish that it was part of his career, part of an OPS they had.  But just exactly what?  Could it be that his cover was exposed? He was successful with his mission at the cost of his girlfriend's life? How? And the name of the girlfriend?  Vera Karlyn Gempesaw.  Okay, now I got an ex-girlfriend's name.  I need to construct the backstory.  Something he recalls as he gathers Nikki in his protective embrace.

He is afraid to love again because he is afraid of loosing that person again.  And when it happens, he cannot forgive himself anymore.  He might not pick up the pieces once again.  This plot might work.  Now all I have to do is draft some scenes and move the story forward.  It should be inserted somewhere in Chapter Two for the initial backstory and memories of Karlyn would flood his mind after teaching Nikki how to swim for the first time. 

I might do the draft later tonight.