Chapter 1: The Unexpected Encounter

As authors, we often face the question of how we create our characters, a topic we approach with humor or sincerity, only to be met with disbelief. A few years back, when asked to share my insights with my writing group, I decided to weave my response into a short narrative. Consider this a spoiler warning.

"Seeds"

It was a crisp, sunny Thanksgiving afternoon when I stumbled upon an elderly woman on a remote road in Arkansas. My husband and I were enjoying the vibrant fall foliage near Hot Springs when we accidentally took a wrong turn and became disoriented. While he struggled with the map, I rolled down my window to admire a pond covered in algae. The scent of pine filled the air, and I felt a sense of calm. Suddenly, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. Turning my gaze, I saw her—standing by our car with a smile.

"Let me take care of this," she urged softly. "Let me be the one."

"Be the one to do what?" I asked, confused.

"Let me be the one to take care of that good-for-nothing."

I didn't need an introduction; I recognized her instantly and felt a rush of excitement. Despite waiting for two months, I hadn’t expected her to appear here.

This sprightly eighty-two-year-old woman was the most feisty character I had ever encountered. Hailing from Two Horse, Montana, she was as light as a feather. A gust of wind swept by, and I instinctively held her hand to keep her from blowing away with the fallen leaves. She stared intently ahead, her lower lip pulled as she pondered her next move. I studied her features—her hair, tightly braided, fell down her back while a few gray strands framed her face. With small, determined hands, she tucked away the loose strands.

Her stature was diminutive, with a tiny nose and a slightly pointed chin adding depth to her otherwise simple appearance. From afar, she could easily be mistaken for someone much younger, her age only visible upon closer inspection. I found myself curious about what lay beneath her exterior.

"It won't be a walk in the park," I cautioned her.

"Nothing worthwhile ever is. I'll hide the body in his car and send it to the pond," she replied, gesturing to the water I had been eyeing. Her expression was unsettling.

"But one murder often leads to more," I warned.

I glanced at my husband, still preoccupied with the map.

"I know, dear. Just focus on the finer details; I’ll handle the rest," she assured me.

After regaining our bearings, we returned to the historic Arlington Hotel, where we were staying for the week. We spent the afternoon exploring Music Mountain before changing for dinner in the Venetian Room.

Over a bottle of Merlot, I shared my earlier encounter with my husband, who agreed that the old woman was an ideal candidate for the plot. No one would ever suspect an elderly woman of eliminating her lazy husband or, decades later, her spiteful son. Despite my doubts about her capabilities and her somewhat bothersome nature, I found myself growing fond of her.

By the time dessert arrived, I had nearly sketched out the entire plan. Just as I took my first bite of apple torte, I noticed movement behind a potted plant at the bar entrance. She stood there, her head bowed, her lips moving in silence. I set my fork down and rushed over.

"Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.

She recoiled, positioning leaves between us as if to shield herself. A rustling sound behind me made me turn around, and I was startled to see another figure.

"She’s shy at first, but once you get to know her, you won’t be able to stop her from talking," the old woman laughed. "Come out from behind that bush and meet your boss."

"Your twin?" I asked, perplexed.

"Yes, my twin—she’s your motive, or rather, my motive. My husband could be cruel, but when he laid a hand on my disabled sister, that crossed the line."

"I think I’m beginning to understand," I said.

"Exactly. You thought I wanted to kill them over my ranch, which is true, but my sister’s safety is what truly drives me."

"I'm so sorry." I turned to console her twin, but she had vanished.

"She dies too, dear."

"Not you again?"

"Pneumonia. With all this chaos, her health is deteriorating."

"I see—it might just work," I replied.

"Now, get back to the table before your coffee gets cold." With that, she too disappeared, leaving me alone by the plant.

This phenomenon often occurs in Hot Springs; perhaps the place is my Muse. One year, I encountered the tall and striking Sydney Lockhart, the lead in my second mystery series. While unpacking, she emerged from the bathroom and questioned why a dead body was lying in the tub—the very tub where she had been conceived thirty years prior. Before I could respond, she asked if I could accommodate her and her two pets, a cat named Mealworm and a poodle named Monroe. Despite the no-pets policy, I welcomed them with open arms, and by the end of the week, we had plotted the first Sydney Lockhart mystery, "Murder at the Arlington."

One of the wonders of writing is how characters sometimes present themselves unexpectedly. Even more astonishing is when they take the narrative reins, as if a seed planted long ago has finally found the perfect conditions to flourish—transforming writing into a joyful and effortless experience.

For more insights into my Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series, please connect with me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter. Don't miss my humorous blog post, "Growing Up Catholic in a Small Texas Town," and my Kate Caraway Animal-Rights Mystery Series, where writing about a cause becomes a fulfilling endeavor.

Facebook Page

Twitter

Instagram

Chapter 2: Characters in Control

In this section, we delve into how characters can sometimes take the lead in storytelling, often surprising their creators.

The first video titled "Who's Writing This Story?" by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke provides insight into the relationship between authors and their characters. This exploration illustrates how characters can sometimes dictate the direction of the narrative.

The second video, "Whose Story Is This, Anyway?" dives deeper into the creative process, revealing the complexities of character development and the collaborative dance between writer and character.