Guest Post
What inspires you and why?
I have many sources of inspiration in my life, but three stand out to me because they spark my creativity and enhance my storytelling: people-watching, family drama, and other's creativity.
People-watching is truly fascinating. It's intriguing to observe how people interact with each other and the world around them. A couple at a coffee shop shares a tense silence. Friends laugh and chatter while they walk a dog through the park. A commuter hurries to catch a bus, barely making it. Each of these scenes are a glimpse into someone’s life. I often find myself imagining the stories behind the people I see. Who are they? Where are they going? What are they thinking? These seemingly mundane moments spark my imagination. People-watching lets me collect an endless supply of emotions, motivations, and quirks. Mixing my observations and imagination enables me to create new, complex characters or scenes in my novels.
Family drama is another favorite source for me, both from my own life and from the stories I hear from others. Family dynamics are universal. Relationships within a family can bring out the best and the worst in us, often at the same time. I love the kind of stories that begin with, “Did I ever tell you about the time...?” These stories are often full of humor, conflict, and unexpected twists. They remind me that the most compelling stories come from real life. Our messy, complicated relationships shape who we are. By weaving elements of these stories into my work, I aim to craft story arcs that resonate with readers on a personal level.
I also find profound inspiration in watching other creative people do what they do best. I love visiting museums to see art created by masters and listening to musicians pour their souls into their instruments. I take every opportunity I can to watch artists and craftsmen at work—whether it's blowing glass, building miniatures, or decorating cookies. There’s a kind of magic in witnessing someone else’s passion and skill, and it often reignites my own desire to create. For me, it’s not just about the art itself but about the process, the dedication, and the love that goes into it. These experiences remind me why I write, and they encourage me to keep pushing the boundaries of my own creativity.
Writing is my way of making sense of the world. I want to capture the beauty and the chaos of life in a way that resonates with others. Inspiration is everywhere. It’s in the people we pass by, the stories we hear, and the art we admire. And the final source of inspiration is this: maybe, by sharing my words, I'll inspire someone else to share the light they have been keeping hidden.
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Set in Baltimore, 2009, what begins as a simple missing person inquiry transforms into a complex case of espionage, financial crime, and deep-seated grudges. For Katherine, this case strikes a personal chord, stirring up haunting memories from her own past. As unexpected connections emerge, she must confront her unresolved guilt.
Can Katherine and her team of private detectives solve the case before it's too late, or will the turmoil of her past consume her?
Katherine slowed down as she closed the final feet between them. Her target was cornered. Marty attempted a final desperate move, grabbing some scaffolding to haul himself up. The cold metal groaned in protest and shook under his weight. Katherine reacted instinctively as the scaffolding began to shudder. She leapt over the scattered debris, snatched Marty by his belt, and pulled with all her strength. She managed to rip Marty away mere moments before the neglected structure top-pled over, sending a billow of dust and debris into the air.
They both covered their faces and waited for the dust to settle. Marty’s chest heaved as he gaped at the place where he had been standing moments before.
He coughed and stammered. “You saved me.”
“Don’t get sentimental on me, Marty, I need information.” Her eyes blazed with intensity. “Why did you run?”
“Are you kidding? The last thing I want is to tangle with you again. I couldn’t believe it when they told me you’d be on the other side of the case.” Marty tried to scramble to his feet.
“What case? And who's they?” Katherine helped Marty up.
“The prosecutors. The stolen pesticide?”
“Marty, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t heard about stolen pesticide. I’m here to ask for your help,” Katherine gritted her teeth, “as one professional to another.”
“Oh.” Marty looked relieved and straightened his coat. “In that case, sure. Anything you want.”
"Great. I'm looking for a young woman who has gone missing. Tell me why you were following Olivia Ames."
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Amethyst loves reading all kinds of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers and enjoys watching classic detective and espionage dramas like "Murder, She Wrote," "Perry Mason," and "Mission: Impossible."
She also loves hearing from readers! Connect by signing up for her newsletter at amethystdrake.com or email amethyst@agswordsmiths.com
Thank you so much for hosting THE SCHEME today.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting today!
ReplyDeleteWhat challenges did face while writing this book?
ReplyDeleteA loved one I was taking care of passed away while I was writing this book. I had to take several months off to grieve.
DeleteSounds like a really great read.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great excerpt
ReplyDeleteLooks intriguing
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