I will ever be that off woman who enjoys picking up creepy, slimy, and odd creatures. Whenever we go to Hawaii, I look forward to seeking out the largest snails just before dawn—and, of course, holding and photographing them. Yes, I wash the slime off before I eat.
This probably explains why I got on better with boys when I was younger. Most girls didn't appreciate my enthusiasm for icky stuff. My propensity for the strange creates a plethora of opportunities to build unique characters and situations.
Inspiration is everywhere, and not always out in nature.
While volunteering at the charity, one of the ladies had a fright involving a surprise visitor. In the donation intake area, there are many large tubs up on shelves that contain seasonal items awaiting the correct time of year to be priced and sold in the thrift store. Needless to say, some of these items are tucked away, warm and undisturbed for months.
Now, I've never understood how there hasn't been an outbreak of pests in the thrift shop. It must be divine intervention on some level. With all the donated random items from hundreds of homes each month, how have there not been bed bugs, roaches, or some equally horrid creature lurking under the scenes? As far as I know, it hasn't happened in the entire thirty+ years they've been open.
Until the day one of my fellow volunteers pulled down a bucket from the top shelf.
Apparently, a baby snake had nestled itself beside that bucket. When it came down, so did the snake—right on her shoulder. I will say I'm not only relieved she wasn't bitten, I'm impressed with how she handled it. She doesn't like snakes, but she doesn't have a phobia either. While the ladies scattered, the manager came over with a broom and dust pan to get the little guy outside the gaping donation door.
The reactions from each of my fellow volunteers could spin a multitude of short stories. The full disclosure went down over lunch in the break room. I did what any creative would have done—absorbed every facet of responses for future character development. Several older ladies, all with different reactions. Picture this:
Lady 1: "No way, that really happened? I left too early that day!" She leans in, mouth wide open.
Lady 2: "Oh no, I can't handle snakes at all!" She shakes her head throughout the story, interjecting "mmm-mmm's."
Lady 3: "Wait, where was the snake? It didn't bite you? What happened to it after?"
Lady 4: "Well, there was also that time someone donated a toilet with poop in it." She says this while smirking, not surprised.
Lady 5: "A snake, eh?" She chuckles.
Lady 6: "I picked up a snake in my garden once and thought it was a stick. I shook all day."
Manager (not present) who actually dealt with releasing the snake: "Well, hope it stays outside this time." When asked what happens if it comes back in, she shrugged. I adore her nonchalance.
And then there's me: "Am I the only one here who's glad the snake was released instead of killed?"
Not sure everyone heard me, but I did get a couple of blank stares. These reactions used to make me uncomfortable, but now they crack me up.
This experience was an AP class in character differentiation. No two characters should have the exact same reaction to a situation, and this was beautifully displayed through each volunteer. If there is fear, one character could scream while the other wets themselves or runs. If there is joy, one person could laugh while another stays stoic, afraid to show emotions.
I love digging in deeper with characters to make sure they are diverse. Getting to this level is a sign the characters are coming together. Once I can ask myself, "What would this character do in this situation?" and have a solid answer, I'm ready to write.
Keep on smilin'!
Kommentare