Why Kiki Lowenstein LOVES Diet Dr Pepper

Years ago I attended a lecture by a bestselling author. I hadn't published a book yet, so I took copious notes and committed his every word to memory. One of his pearls of wisdom was this scintillating thought:

"Never align your character with a product you don't like."

He went on to explain that he'd created a protagonist who loved a certain brand of beer. "Not my favorite brand," said the novelist. "I just randomly chose a brand. Pulled a name out of the hat."

Lo and behold, everywhere this author traveled, fans brought him...beer. That non-favorite brand. Then they'd expect him to either 1.) drink it or 2.) be thrilled. Which got pretty old. Fast.

So when I was trying to flesh out my character of Kiki Lowenstein, I thought, "What do I love?"

Right at the top of the list was Diet Dr Pepper.

This can is ice cold. Yum.

So Kiki became a Diet Dr Pepper fanatic. (By the way, the word "fan" is actually short for "fanatic.")

And guess what? Very, very often when I visit a city and do a signing, some kind soul will bring me...

A can of DIET DR PEPPER!!!!!

Yep.

And guess what? Very, very often I  happily drink it or squeal with joy. (Unless it's warm. Then I take it home with me and put it in the 'frig.)

Now you know why Kiki Lowenstein LOVES Diet Dr Pepper.

Because I do, too!