Fresh Fiction Blog | Andrea Thalasinos

When people ask, "Which character is you?" I answer "All of them and none of them." After the look of puzzlement subsides, (as if I'd just taken a wrecking ball to their Rosetta Stone understanding of life), I try to explain. I can't speak for other authors but for me, the sum-total of life experience factors into every character, situation, conversation, scene and who knows what else. In a sense, no memory or situation is safe. It can be as simple as overhearing people talking in a parking lot or an exchange between two students that sends me digging for that crumpled scantron form at the bottom of my purse to jot down verbatim. Quite often I'll salvage someone's throw away line that sets me off on a wild-goose chase—a character in search of a story—walking off with more than that person will ever know.

I usually don't have master plans for characters, they sort of worm their way into my psyche: someone I spotted sitting in a doorway smoking a cigarette with a small child on their lap, looking as if having second thoughts. Years ago I read a student's research paper that sent me reeling until decades later I was able to develop it into a novel (TRAVELING LIGHT, 2013). The facial expression of someone standing on line at the grocery store, dressed up, looking like they'd just gotten off of work. I imagine what and whom they're going home to if anyone at all. I watch hunched forms at the gas pump standing on the other side of the concrete island, staring into space as they wait for the nozzle to click off. It's in those stares that I try to imagine thoughts; hear questions, hopes or regrets. And this is what slays me, touches me and triggers an evolution of a character that's lived an entire life that I've yet to discover.

In both of my novels I've written about people who've been twisted into knots by what life has served up. Is it palatable? and if not, then what. Grief, loss and confusion haunt my characters, but only for a time. Their sense of betrayal and confusion stems from having signed on to one deal only to discover they've gotten another. Like getting on the wrong train: "Hey wait!" you yell as the train car suddenly jolts in the wrong direction and before you know it's going too fast to jump to safety, whatever safety means.

Some say that writers revisit the same dilemmas, disappointments and situations for which they're seeking answers. Sort of like a vinyl record with a scratched groove that keeps repeating the same phrase. And while situations and faces change, we watch our characters wrestle with the same sets of questions.

So next time you see someone staring off into space while waiting for the gas pump to click, take a closer look. It might be me.

Two commenters will win a copy of TRAVELING LIGHT, US / Canada only

Comments

I also love to people watch and to imagine their lives.
(Ginger Hinson 2:36am July 27, 2013)

I used to people watch, but now I REALLY people watch. By that I mean that I look at every detail - what they're wearing, down to the smallest detail, what they might be doing at that particular moment, be it shopping and looking at a particular item, or just standing in line. I look at their taste in something. I also look at the expression on their face, and if they're a woman, I check out their make-up if they're a woman. I started to do this over the past 5 years where I really was a stickler for detail more so than in the past, where I never failed to miss anything, but would sort of overlook people. Now I have this interest for some strange reason, and find them fascinating. They all tell a story in some strange way, and if you look long enough, without being rude, they tell you a story about themselves, if you look at the details. You have a fascinating cover to your book. Walking on the shoreline is something I love to do as well, considering I live fairly close to a large major lake. I would love to read your book as well, and have it on my TBR list. Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:57am July 27, 2013)

a different..interesting plot. would like to become acquainted with your writings
(Mal Kaplan 10:07am July 27, 2013)

It's always interesting to hear how authors find their inspirations.
(Maureen Emmons 10:30am July 27, 2013)

I enjoyed your interesting post. The novel sounds compelling
and unique.
(Sharon Berger 11:16am July 27, 2013)

Don't we all see people and pretend from time to time that we are one of them.....just like when we were kids, someone was always more interesting than we were. Once you grow up, your thoughts can take you places you have never been, and your thoughts can allow you to pretend you are someone you are not.
(C Culp 1:14pm July 27, 2013)

Watching people used to be a favorite pasttime of my husband and myself. You can see almost anything and everything you imagine; it can be funny or thought-provoking. I like that you do that and go and develop on from there!
(Cathy Smith 2:37pm July 27, 2013)

I found your post very interesting. I think many are people watchers. When a guy is dressed up in a suit and tie pumping gas, driving an expensive car, you take notice and wonder what his occupation is. When you see a guy walking the highway in 90-degree weather wearing a dirty winter coat, carrying a large duffel bag, with dirty, messy hair, you automatically think that man must be homeless. Your thoughts carry you away, and I can see how they could be incorporated into a very good novel.
(Rich Cook 4:14pm July 27, 2013)

Very much enjoyed the posting, will be adding this book to
my TBR listing. Must know how it all turns out! Is it being
nosy or having a healthy interest in people?
(Patricia Cochran 6:09pm July 27, 2013)

I people watch a lot too. And yes, I think my writings are reflections of me too...
(May Pau 7:49pm July 27, 2013)

Wow, Congrats on your new book: TRAVELING LIGHT. Wow, your
book really hits Home with me especially about the part
where Paula and the dog Fotis are at the Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center and she is holding an eagle in her
hands, and the experience leaves her changed forever. A
similar experience changed me forever when I grew up on a
huge farm in Kansas and one day my dogs and I were out
playing and we went strolling out by the long shelterbelt of
trees and found a Swainson's Hawk injured laying in our
ditch. I wrapped the beautiful hawk in a blanket and took
him over to the next town Great Bend, KS and left him there
at the pretty zoo. I love to feed the canadian geese at the
zoo also and that experience always makes a person feel so
free. Thanks for the great memories and I truly miss the
peaceful country life too. I would love to win and read your
book this summer. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:06pm July 27, 2013)

Your book would be a different type of read for me, that I would very much like to try. Thank you for this chance to win.
(Esther Somorai 10:18pm July 27, 2013)

this book sounds like a great heart warming read i am so
excited to get to read your book
(Denise Smith 12:32pm July 28, 2013)

I do that all the time at the gas station. I would stare off in the distance just to figure out some of the problems in my head. I could even be trying to organize what I need to get done at work. Thanks for the book excerpt.
(Kai Wong 1:09am July 28, 2013)

THE BOOK SOUNDS GREAT. THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
(Shelley Summers 1:15am July 28, 2013)

I guess our impressions are OUR reality not someone else's it would be interesting to see what their impressions of us were!
(Darci Paice 1:40am July 28, 2013)

I love to people watch and imagine what their lives must be like.
(Lisa Garrett 1:46am July 28, 2013)

It is fun to watch people and sometimes feel like you catch a possible glimpse into what their lives might be.
(Pam Howell 9:19am July 28, 2013)

I never thought about it before, but I don't usually watch people and think about what their situations are. I don't know why not---if you are a people watcher, you're probably never bored! I am looking forward to your book, Traveling Light. It looks great and I will be adding it to my "to-read" list!
(Juli Lear 10:42am July 28, 2013)

I'm an avid people watcher---we are all facinating(at least in my mind).
(Sue Farrell 12:25pm July 28, 2013)

The plot is fascinating and makes me want to travel the journey of discovery with Paula. Thanks for giving us a chance to win.
(Anna Speed 1:29pm July 28, 2013)

I watch people at the grocery store and what they buy. Then I imagine their life. The bad part is I get home with a fraction of what I wanted.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 3:08pm July 28, 2013)

Your book is one I can truly relate to. I'm from MN. originally, and have seen many eagles along Lake Pepin while traveling along Hwy. 61 through Lake City and Red Wing, MN. They love the bluffs, tall trees and all the open water. You can see them sitting up in the trees or flying. It's not something many people every get to see, especially bald eagles (which are more scarce in population). I'd love to take the adventure with Paula on her travels and read this great book! I'm a nature and animal watcher, as well as a people watcher.
(Linda Luinstra 3:38pm July 28, 2013)

People watching is fun, especially at vacation spots. Fun to watch families
interact.
(Susan Falkler 7:05pm July 28, 2013)

This book sounds as though it has something for everyone!
(Janice Milliken 9:00pm July 28, 2013)

Enjoyed reading your blog. Book sounds like a great read,since I share my home with four dogs.
(Sheila True 10:07pm July 28, 2013)

I think you present a slightly different side of yourself to everyone you meet.
You have to talk to a lot of people to see what that one person was really
like.
(Laura Gullickson 10:53pm July 28, 2013)

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