Even as I was writing it, events overtook this story.  A real-life event eerily paralleled my plot. The inspiration, however, came from two classical myths (I won't spoil the plot by telling you which) and an observation: the vast majority of abuse victims are women.

 

Young women are especially victimized, and I'm not just referring to physical violence. They are victimized by society's expectations, men's demands, and their own desire to fit the model of appearance and behavior with which the media constantly bombards them. From this idea, as oversimplified as it may be, came this: What if a woman was cherished for her "potential" and forced to realize that potential? What would a strong and self-reliant woman do when confronted with such a situation? This is the genesis of Charlie Fouts and her plight.

 

I hope the reader will enjoy this tale of dogged persistence and courage in the face of unknown terror and menace.

 

As I settled in to write, I conceptualized the plot in outline form. I knew where to begin and knew where I wanted to end. A story, however, is a journey, not a destination. I never worry about how I get to the ending I want. I just develop characters and then follow where they lead. I have no idea it that's the way it's supposed to work, but it's the way it works for me.

 

Call Her Sabine takes place in the contemporary Ozark town of Blue Creek. Eccentric characters abound in this story, not all of them indigenous. The Carter family (not eccentric) is further developed in this story. Ron Guidry reappears after his absence in King Snake. He along with Shane and Raven are part of Jill's informal extended family. Mirabelle is a miniature of her mother and a delight to her doting father. The precocious little girl is three.