Finally, I wrapped up. "That's the gist of it. I'll let you read over the full script tonight, but I'd like to do some test readings while you're here. Give you a chance to sink into the character and see how you do interacting with Camilla."

"Let's do it," Zane agreed eagerly.

I was impressed by how well Zane did over the next several minutes. There was no denying his talent as an actor; he slipped seamlessly into James's character, giving me the same thrill I always get when I see one of my written characters brought to life.

By the time we wrapped up, I knew I'd made the...