Where Does Inspiration Come From?
Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara is one of our favorite stomping grounds. It’s also where I found the inspiration for two characters in Madeline’s latest adventure, “Other People’s Money.” Crystal Blue came to me while I was taking a solitary walk on a foggy day, enjoying the peace and tranquility while I debated who I wanted to cast as the landlord of a missing woman.
I was going back and forth between a grease-covered motorcycle enthusiast and an elderly man who was very hard of hearing, when this woman appeared on the horizon, walking toward me as she emerged from the fog. We were the only two souls on that quiet stretch of the beach. I remember the lighting and rhythmic slap of the docile waves at low tide, the eerie stillness of the damp air as this large-boned woman approached, her head held high, her stride purposeful but unhurried. I was impressed with her confidence and her abundant silver jewelry, which brought to mind an aging warrior princess.
We silently acknowledged each other as we passed, and in that moment, I knew I had found my character: a quirky landlady with a creative bent and a penchant for colorful displays of whimsy. She’s a throwback to the 60s, and she really owns her persona.
The idea to introduce Samir’s cousin as a new addition to the MDPI team came from missing a fascinating acquaintance we ran into almost daily while walking on the beach. I was so intrigued by his free spirit and his enthusiasm for life, his obvious physical capabilities, and his knowledge of all things technical, which will always earn my respect.
After a several-month absence, he appeared in his usual spot, resuming his martial arts exercises on the sand, his smile as big and bright as ever. I was so thrilled to see him again, I told him about “Nigel” and his new role in the series. I also learned that the sleek motorcycle he rode so confidently was responsible for his long absence. He’s good as new, and back to his routine, minus the bike. I will do my best to make sure Nigel doesn’t meet the same fate as he fearlessly tears up the highways!
As I embark on the 8th book in the series, I can’t help wondering what will spark imagination this time around. I could be anything!
Until next time, I wish you happy reading and wonderful inspirations!
Cynthia
I was going back and forth between a grease-covered motorcycle enthusiast and an elderly man who was very hard of hearing, when this woman appeared on the horizon, walking toward me as she emerged from the fog. We were the only two souls on that quiet stretch of the beach. I remember the lighting and rhythmic slap of the docile waves at low tide, the eerie stillness of the damp air as this large-boned woman approached, her head held high, her stride purposeful but unhurried. I was impressed with her confidence and her abundant silver jewelry, which brought to mind an aging warrior princess.
We silently acknowledged each other as we passed, and in that moment, I knew I had found my character: a quirky landlady with a creative bent and a penchant for colorful displays of whimsy. She’s a throwback to the 60s, and she really owns her persona.
The idea to introduce Samir’s cousin as a new addition to the MDPI team came from missing a fascinating acquaintance we ran into almost daily while walking on the beach. I was so intrigued by his free spirit and his enthusiasm for life, his obvious physical capabilities, and his knowledge of all things technical, which will always earn my respect.
After a several-month absence, he appeared in his usual spot, resuming his martial arts exercises on the sand, his smile as big and bright as ever. I was so thrilled to see him again, I told him about “Nigel” and his new role in the series. I also learned that the sleek motorcycle he rode so confidently was responsible for his long absence. He’s good as new, and back to his routine, minus the bike. I will do my best to make sure Nigel doesn’t meet the same fate as he fearlessly tears up the highways!
As I embark on the 8th book in the series, I can’t help wondering what will spark imagination this time around. I could be anything!
Until next time, I wish you happy reading and wonderful inspirations!
Cynthia
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