In this blog I write about small town life and in my books I write about what would happen if people from a small town were thrown into situations that pop into my head. The people in my day to day life eventually become the testers for these theories. I have been known to approach someone with a back story and ask what they would do in that situation.

Other times something similar to what I have written happens and my theory is witnessed in real life. I’m going to admit it scares me when that happens.

While we’re on the the topic of creepy I will admit my characters speak to me. Ironically the protagonist has a soft voice. The antagonist has the most interesting voice and the  two strongest voices are the best friend and the wise elder. Most likely because they are the voices in the community that resound the loudest and easily gain my trust.

As the publication date draws nearer, I recently questioned the plot of one of the books. In the book Aunt Tee organizes an event and uses money to bribe her nieces and their families to participate in an activity designed for their well being. I loved the story. There was a challenge and money. Would this really happen is real life?

And then something crazy happened. This weekend I encountered the wise older family member character (two grandparents) challenge the younger generation with money as a reward if the challenge was met. They were charismatic. They were blunt with their intentions. And there was no doubt in anyone’s mind they were beloved.

Apparently the big thing to do after high school graduation is to get tattoos. “You don’t know what that’ll do to your job prospects,” was the major concern.  So grandma wanted the kids to wait 7 years until after high school to get the tattoo. Grandpa was so committed he gave the cash up front. To make it official a contract was written on the closest available piece of paper and signed with witnesses.

The “contract”  reads “On grandchild’s name 26th birthday, if she has a tattoo she must repay the $100 dollars with interest at the rate of $20 per year.” 

The eldest daughter giggled in delight. “I may have to wait for it, but I got them to pay for my tattoo.” Grandma confident that her persuasion would win was not deterred. Grandpa was so pleased he posed for a selfie.

I was pleased because my fears were allayed and I was right. The village does care about the children and even though they may roll their eyes the children appreciate that someone cares enough to bribe them to do the right thing.

And so this blog post closes with the hope that the best friend and wise elder voices that tell you how important you really are ring loudly in your head and your heart. Until the next post…

xoxoxo

M.H.M