The Shaping of GEODE

Interesting questions have come up about Geode. I have had several friends and family reach out

to ask if certain parts were about them, or if a specific character was modeled after them or

someone we know. This thrills me. Geode has connected with readers. My intent was always to

have readers relate and absorb their lessons. Some of stories in the book were taken from my

experiences but tweaked and polished to fit the novel. None of the characters were modeled after

a specific real person. When I began to write the story, I looked at images online to find people

who fit how I saw the character. I printed those photos, and they are on a board above my desk.

They all held their own and created their own circumstances. Many times, I glanced up at those

faces and talked to them. Yes, I know that’s a little weird, but ideas came to mind. The only

famous one is Emma Thompson, the actress. I know nothing about her personality or thought

process, but her image became Olivia, and it is a perfect fit.

A person I don’t know sent an email crowing that he found a discrepancy in the narrative.

There is a segment where Olivia was teaching a group of kids who were part of a field trip to a

local mountain. This person planned to give a terrible review on Amazon because the storyline

was implausible. He thought, no way some woman teacher would travel up a mountain alone to

set up her lesson before the participants arrived. “Too risky,” he said. Well, that part of the story,

in part, really happened to me. It was terrifying, and worth sharing. I thought Olivia handled it

well. The students who were second and third graders, never knew anything was amiss. They had

a wonderful time. I hope you enjoyed this short reveal.

Of course, I am very attached to these characters. Their next chapters are forming in my

thoughts, and most importantly, in my notes. Familiar characters will return with new stories,

some new relationships, and maybe a couple of new neighbors. I am excited to see what

happens, I hope you are as well.