El Segundo Author Fair  

I wanted my books to have an across the board age appeal, that was one of the reasons why I made Muriel an older character. I was raised by a late in life parent who reminded me that age was in all the head and that I was not to judge people by their age (no mention of the fact my mother lied about her age until I was seven and then caught her! Darn that public school education). So I am very sensitive to it. I never tell someone they are “old” or emphasize their “age.”

With that in mind I created Muriel. Her character is based on several people I have known, been related to, or worked with over the years. All of them being strong, independent women; their age not slowing them down if they could help it. Keeping that in mind, like other authors I admire (Brown, Fowler, Christie…) I have written the four stories over a two year span in their lives, but a four year span in mine. When you have a character you’ve grown attached to, the last thing you want to do is age them so quickly you have to pass them on to the great beyond. If you keep your references on time subtle enough they can be with you for a very long time.

Muriel was born in the late twenties/early thirties. In the first book she’s in her early seventies. I’m keeping that open too. I gave her Julia as a partner in genealogy because Lydia had Faye and I didn’t want her to seem like an appendage, just sort of waiting on Lydia. I wanted her to be a strong character who enjoyed life and made friends easily.

Also Muriel is a product of her time in history (1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, etc.)  she tends to be a parental figure to Lydia, she is also one of the women who rode the end of the crest of the “Rosie the Riveter,” so she grew up knowing that women could be more than teachers, secretaries, or nurses – they could be lawyers, doctors, plant managers, librarians, etc.

She has also seen personal tragedy in her life which (a little bit more is revealed in book three) includes the loss of two husbands. We don’t see much of her family in the beginning since I tried to make Lydia and the society her family, but I had second thoughts and began adding in her family members as the series progresses.

So I hope that each reader finds a little something in my book to identify with, be it family chaos, a character who is their age and can relate, or just the depiction of the past melding into the present – making us all appreciate our ancestors for without whom none of us would be here…

Well I discovered a great group called the Independent Authors Guild. They are a group of writers and publishers who use alternative methods of printing and publishing. Totally fits my bill, and once they get all their ducks in a row I think I will join. It is so funny how people perceive the publishing industry and how there is a right and a wrong way of doing it. Totally depends on the perspective - in some circles I've done it the wrong way, and in others I am a trailblazer! I kinda like the trailblazer part.

I also found a blog which is fantastic too called the Populist Press (sounds so Revolutionary War - doesn't it?). The host gave a great list of things writers - Independent or small press - should be thankful for. Check it out. You may or may not agree.

Next blog I will tackle the senior representatives of the Lydia Proctor Mysteries. I'll start with Muriel and then Julia. Stay tuned...

Okay, last time I discussed Lydia's character, now I will share Fay'e background with you.

Faye and Lydia went to high school together and have been friends for 20+ years. They have seen each other through family issues and the births of Lydia's children. Faye a former administrative assistant had a mid-life crisis similar to Lydia's. The only difference was Faye got a new job, a husband and two stepsons and Lydia had her daughter Sarah.

Faye decided she wanted to try something a little more adventurous and she chose the path of a police-person. Her family of course was not pleased, but she did it anyway. Having been active and fit most of her life playing sports she easily passed and entered the academy.

After some unsuccessful dating she ended up with a fellow officer - a divorcee with two teenage sons. Faye relys on Lydia for parenting advice since the closest she had ever come to being with "children" was babysitting her younger brother on occasion -and he lived!

Lydia tried to introduce genealogy to Faye in high school, while Faye's grandparents and father were still living, but she decided it was too boring. Once she had lost those integral members of her family she decided it was time to document what her family was all about - proud Italians.

Lydia and Faye make research trips together. Lydia hates to drive freeways and Faye - well she gets them there. Faye gets involved in Lydia's escapades and research tangents as she can depending on her schedule. She is good at giving a cops insight since she sees so much corruption on a daily basis. She helps to take the rose off of Lydia's glasses.

Next time...Muriel