by Andy Scheer
Sometimes it’s easier to observe than invent.
“Does she have an animal in her lap?” My wife pointed to people in front of us.
“I think it’s a Chihuahua,” I said. At the outdoor concert, people often bring dogs.
A few minutes later, when she put it down and it began to nibble the grass, I realized the animal was a rabbit.
As the band played, I speculated about the kind of person who’d hook a pet rabbit onto a pink leash and bring it to an event well-populated with dogs.
She had to be someone with a backstory. Someone who’d make a great member of the supporting cast for a novel — if not a protagonist. Someone with enough quirks to make unusual choices and keep readers on their toes.
Like the little girl twirling in front of the band, wearing a tiara equipped with a Rapunzel braid. Someone had indulged the girl’s inner princess. More people with what it takes to enliven a novel.
Need some quirky people to round out your cast? Attend a free public event and sit near the back. Just don’t be surprised if people begin whispering about the person with a notebook.
