I thought it would be a good idea to address some of the questions I’ve been asked about my writing process, where I get my ideas, plotting, and research. Unlike a lot of authors, I start with location. Twisted Vines, the first in my Shakespeare in the Vineyard mystery series, takes place in a real town—Livermore, California, wine country, a colorful location for murder.

Why Shakespeare? When my daughter lived in Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I attended several plays and fell in love all over again with the Bard. Why not bring Shakespeare to Livermore, create my own fictional theaters and vineyard, and set the scene for murder?

I give a lot of thought to all of my characters, particularly Caitlyn Pepper, my main character in this series. I begin by exploring her background; she had to be from Columbus, Ohio, my hometown. What are her secrets? Does she have issues she’s dealing with? What’s her profession? Who are her friends and business associates? How can I transplant Cait from city life in Ohio to a small town in California?

I’m driven to uncover additional tidbits that might influence the story, and toss stones at her to see her reaction. Once I answer these questions, I have my plot . . . but not enough yet to write a synopsis. I’ve tried outlining, but find myself going off in too many directions. A different murderer than the one I intended shows up, often for the better.

I love it when I’m asked about research. In 2003 I went through Livermore’s Citizen Police Academy to better understand police procedures. In those fourteen weeks, we learned about search and seizure and the justice system, ethics and internal affairs, range training, SWAT, K-9 demonstrations, narcotics, crime prevention, juvenile law, and much more.

I’m still an active volunteer and have a “regular” job tagging abandoned vehicles. I love role-playing with SWAT. I’ve been handcuffed, shot at with rubber bullets and paint pellets, and tossed to the ground. My research is great fun!

Another frequent question: What scenes are hardest to write? I assumed it would be romantic scenes, but, surprisingly, I find them to be the easiest. Words seem to flow from my fingers. But I cheat a little. I put on a romantic CD to set the mood. When the “moment” comes, I close the door and leave the rest up to the reader’s imagination.

Do you have a question? I promise to reply.

On his seventy-fifth birthday, people from all over the world congratulated Jacques Cousteau. The famous and not so famous turned out in the thousands to celebrate his work. Characteristically, he focused on the future. He is quoted as saying, “I see something I want to do and I have to do it.”

In 1985, George Burns made a generous gift to establish the George Burns Intensive Care Unit at the Motion Picture & Television Hospital. He continued his care and compassion through a living trust. It is the benevolent spirit of Mr. Burns that the Motion Picture & Television Fund honors. George Burns’s dedication to the human condition of those in his beloved “show business” is memorialized through the George Burns Legacy Society.

There is a lot to learn from what these famous people have been able to create. “Ordinary” people are also outstanding models of the creative process. With imagination, courage, and commitment, we can rise above doubt, fear, and insecurity to achieve extraordinary levels of personal fulfillment.

My mother, Corelli Watermon, left a legacy through her music. A professional violinist and singer, she graduated from the Harrisburg Conservatory of Music.

How about a legacy of habit? Whatever we do on a regular basis has potential for becoming a “habit” or legacy. For some, eating fast food on a daily basis can be the habit. Others might only make everything from scratch. We all need to be aware that we are teaching our children by our example.

Or a legacy of health? Many people’s ideas of what is “healthy” vary drastically. If you never exercise, your children are most likely not going to envision themselves exercising as an adult. This kind of legacy can be dangerous to their health and to ours. I think of myself as a work in progress, especially in this area of my life.

One of the Legacies I’m most passionate about is Work Ethic. I want to leave a legacy of strong work ethic, which ultimately comes from having a vision for what you are accomplishing and an innate drive to compel you to take action and get it done. I personally believe that work ethic is not something that is taught, but modeled, like the love for reading or writing. What are some practical ways you can leave a legacy?

I‘ve been a collector of David Winter Cottages since 1987. These English cottages provide me with much joy. For Christmas, I set up a village scene on the long table in the front hall, using only the snow covered cottages and porcelain figures. And yes, even Scrooge is there too. Here’s one corner of the scene:

In 1992, I wrote the following, and was delighted to see it published in the David Winter Guild magazine:

“It was Christmas Eve and all was in readiness. We had recently returned from driving around town to see the beautiful lights. My husband Cliff had settled down in the family room to watch TV, while our daughter Carla was reading in her room. Magic was in the air.

Even though tomorrow would be a busy day, I chose to stay awhile in the living room. I looked fondly towards our Christmas tree, all seven feet of it, surrounded by the snow-covered cottages from my David Winter community. Christmas had worked it magic there, too.

The lovely church, A Christmas Carol, had lights flickering at the windows. Why, I could even hear the church bells. I took a closer look and was filled with warmth. It was alive. Voices were singing. An invisible congregation was singing Christmas Carols. If only I could go inside. Soon the doors swung open and joyful, singing folk from my community poured out. I knew and loved them all. There’s an elderly couple from The Village and, oh, there goes Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the poulterer, with a small lad and, yes, even Scrooge. Guess he’s had a change of heart. Magic is in the air.

Close behind are the Fezziwigs and friends. I’ll bet they will stop at the town square gazebo to watch the iceskaters before returning to Mr. Fezziwig’s Emporium. A group of carolers and musicians followed, passing Snow Cottage and waving to the lamplighter up on his ladder.

Oh look, there’s “Merry Christmas, Uncle Ebenezer,” said Scrooge’s nephew Fred, “and a Happy New Year.” And a little further on, tucked back in the trees, sits Christmas in Scotland and Hogmanay.

I hear sleigh bells. Yes, here it comes, a beautiful sleigh pulled by a lively grey horse carrying a couple with a rug over their lap.

Suddenly, I was brought back to the present and not a bit eager to break the spell. But I know I can visit there again any time I want.”

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.