Edwina’s strange world began in a rather mundane way. I heard about a divorce and its aftermath from a friend.
Although I do base many of my novels on true tales or people I’ve known over the years, I don’t write about them. So this divorce tale was a base to build on and embellish.
Creating Aleta
The plot began revolving around Aleta. Her parents were divorcing. She, as an only child, is lost. Trite.
Then the father remarries. Now Aleta is even more lost as the new wife comes with children and raises foster children. Aleta needs a friend.
Enter Edwina
About that time we watched an old movie called “Harvey” starring Jimmy Stewart. The idea of this invisible being was intriguing. I did some research and Edwina’s strange world emerged.
Suddenly there were lots of possibilities. One was that Edwina could influence things around her without being seen. A second was that Aleta would be seen as strange talking to an invisible being.
Was Aleta reverting to being a child? Was she having mental problems?
Siblings and Bullying
Bullying at school is nothing new. Even with all the modern interventions and training for teachers, bullies still flourish. They just become more devious or, now, move online.
Now Edwina and Aleta had enemies to thwart. Of course, they did become a bit unrealistic. However, the premise is sound.
Sibling rivalry is nothing new. Aleta and Megan are set at odds as each was the first in their former lives. Both want to maintain that status.
Somehow these two girls must find a way to co-exist. If they succeed in dragging their parents into it, the new family may be doomed.
Fantasy Fun
Edwina’s strange world is fantasy. In my own world, big, black, red-eyed dogs invisible to all but one don’t exist. That world was fun to visit for a time.