The Author Surrogate: A Writer’s Sneaky Way to Sneak Into Their Own Story

You’re sitting there, sipping your coffee, turning the pages of a crime thriller. The plot’s thick, the stakes are high, and the hero, Mort, is about to crack open a case that smells worse than a dumpster in the middle of summer. But wait—something feels...off. Is it just me, or does this character sound a lot like the author? Maybe it’s that sharp wit, or the self-deprecating humor that slips through the cracks like a hidden weapon. Could it be? Yes, dear reader, you’ve uncovered a little literary sleight of hand—the author surrogate.

This crafty technique allows writers to slyly slip their own voice, humor, and personal insights into the story, all while maintaining the illusion of fiction. It’s like the writer is sitting right next to you, whispering their thoughts in your ear, but without ever taking center stage. It's a twist in the tale—just not the one you expected.

What Exactly is an Author Surrogate?

Let’s break it down, detective-style. An author surrogate is a character who acts as the author's stand-in. They share the author’s opinions, quirks, or even worldview, but they’re still just fictional enough to keep things mysterious. Think of them as the writer's alter ego in disguise, adding a personal flair without stepping into the limelight. It's like getting an inside scoop from the author without them interrupting the plot like a bad dinner guest. The author’s voice is there—lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings from behind the curtain—but it doesn’t steal the show.

Four Examples of Author Surrogates Who Are Anything but Ordinary

1. Philo in David Hume’s Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
   Philosophers aren’t known for their wild parties, but David Hume knew how to shake things up. Enter Philo—a character who’s basically Hume in a wig and sensible shoes. Philo serves as Hume’s stand-in for questioning the existence of God. And let’s face it, if you’re going to stir the philosophical pot, it helps to have a character who’s willing to tackle those big questions head-on. So, is Philo really a character, or just Hume in disguise? We’ll let you decide, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Philo was just a philosophical version of Hume with a better wardrobe.

2. Ian Malcolm in Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park
   Ah, chaos theory. It’s the theory that says everything’s a mess, but you might as well have a sense of humor about it. Enter Ian Malcolm, the rockstar mathematician who’s practically Crichton’s personal mouthpiece for all things chaotic. Malcolm’s snarky remarks and chaotic wisdom aren't just random chatter—they’re Crichton’s way of using a character to slam home his concerns about human arrogance and nature’s unpredictable wrath. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a character who can explain chaos theory with that much swagger?

3. Jo March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
   If there’s one thing Jo March isn’t, it’s subtle. In fact, Jo is practically Louisa May Alcott wearing a top hat and carrying a pen. Alcott used Jo to pour out her frustrations about societal expectations, creative struggles, and being a woman in a world that expected her to be a proper lady (yawn). Through Jo, Alcott expressed her personal dreams of being a writer and living outside the box—without asking for permission. It’s like Alcott said, Here’s me, but with more ink stains on my fingers and a lot more sass.

4. Ariadne Oliver in Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot Series
   Agatha Christie didn’t just invent one of the world’s most famous detectives—she also gave us Ariadne Oliver, her literary doppelganger. Ariadne is a quirky mystery writer who finds herself solving real-life crimes alongside Poirot. Through Ariadne, Christie gets to poke fun at her own genre, offering a satirical take on the tropes and conventions of crime fiction. Ariadne’s just mysterious enough to fit into the story, but self-aware enough to make you wonder if Christie’s really having the last laugh.

The Fine Line: How Much Is Too Much?

Like any good detective knows, balance is key. Use the author surrogate too much, and you’ll end up with a character who’s more Mary Sue than mystery man. (For the uninitiated, a Mary Sue is a character who’s too perfect, too much of a stand-in for the author, and generally as subtle as a sledgehammer.) If the character feels like the author’s ego running wild, it can distract from the plot and make the story feel more like a personal diary. The trick is to sneak the author’s voice in just enough to spice things up, but not so much that it derails the narrative. After all, this is a mystery—let’s keep it interesting.

Wrapping It Up: Will You Guess the Author Surrogate in Book 4?

Now, for those of you who have been following The Mortice Series like a seasoned sleuth, you may be wondering: Could Mort, the ever-gritty hero, be a reflection of —A.J. Wilton? Well, that’s a question for another time, partner. But in Book 4, Mortice: Hammer Down, there’s a surprise waiting for you. A.J has recently confirmed hiding an author surrogate in plain sight—one that’ll make you second-guess every character’s true inspiration!

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack the case? Put on your detective hat, sign up for the newsletter, and enter the competition to guess who the author surrogate is. The first person to solve this mystery will win the ultimate prize—a chance to have their very own character make an appearance in the next book.

So, what are you waiting for? The clock’s ticking, and your detective skills are about to be put to the test. Join the investigation—before someone else beats you to the punch.