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LIVING WITH MY CHARACTER
AUGUSTA GOODNIGHT, GUARDIAN ANGEL
"Pretty is as pretty does," advises Augusta Goodnight as she admires herself in the mirror. Of course she
won't admit it, but she really is quite vain. Who wouldn't be with that nutmeg colored hair and heavenly
complexion?
Most of us wish for a guardian angel. I created my own. It's never boring living with someone who has been
around as long as Augusta - although she never mentions her age. But I know she learned horticulture from
Luther Burbank and first aid from Florence Nightingale. And since she's a "temp," my character sometimes
gets confused about the decade. At the beginning of Angel at Troublesome Creek, the first book in the
series, Augusta's last assignment was during the 40's and it takes a while to convince her that sugar
isn't rationed and she doesn't have to stand in line at the butcher's.
It came as a surprise to me that someone who loves music as much as Augusta sometimes sings off key. (She
isn't aware of this, of course, and I don't dare tell her!) But she makes up for it in other ways. When
Augusta's in the kitchen, I can almost smell the yeast bread baking, along with her ever-present pot of
coffee, and I must've gained at least five pounds just writing about her culinary skills.
After serving as a "temp" in the first four books in the series, Augusta has found a home, as well as a number of intriguing mysteries, with Lucy Nan Pilgrim in Stone's Throw, S.C., and during the
course of the seven Augusta novels, her personality has grown along with this author's waistline.
She's naturally bossy, cold-natured (from that time at Valley
Forge), and has yet to decline dessert. She loves colorful (well, okay, sometimes they're just plain
gaudy) clothing, and is usually an astute judge of character. Although Augusta doesn't actually solve the
mystery, her practical guidance is always helpful in leading the protagonist in the right direction. And
she never seems to tire. ("Angels don't wilt," she says.)
In creating this warm and sensitive, but tart-tongued angel, I'd like to think I've found a best friend,
favorite aunt, and next-door neighbor for my readers as well as for myself. I do have to watch my language.
Profanity "makes you sound so coarse," Augusta says, so I try not to ruffle her feathers.
If Augusta isn't whirling to music, her foot is keeping time. Sometimes, though, I do wish she'd quit
humming those old songs. I get awfully tired of "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer."
"I sent you an email last Sept. about how I love your books. At that time I
was vacationing in S. Carolina from my home in NH & you were vacationing in New England. I loved SC. It's a beautiful state & the
people are very friendly (even tho they have an accent - ha!) When is the next Augusta mystery coming out? I can't wait! I feel as
though she is so real. I wish she could pop in for a cup of coffee! Thanks for the wonderful hours I have spent with Augusta. Keep on
writing!!!".... Reader...CD
"Please don't ever stop writing about Augusta Goodnight. I love her stories and can't seem to get enough of them. I want to read all of them.
Thank you..." Reader...AS
"Thank you, I have enjoyed your books and hope you continue to write more. You are an "Angel" of a writer and the mysteries are interesting
and spellbinding. Keep up the good work..." Reader...LM
Click on the Augusta Goodnight Mysteries link on left menu to see the list of the mysteries.
You can order any of the Augusta Goodnight mysteries through
www.Amazon.com or www.Booksense.com.
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