Character or Providence?

​Often, when I’m enjoying myself—swimming, boat riding, basking in the sunlight, watching a sunset or a snow fall—I catch myself smiling to express my enjoyment. I’m reminded of my childhood. One of my parents or grandparents would ask, “Are you happy, Debbie? Are you enjoying this?” and I’d smile to let them know I was.

Now, even when I’m alone, I smile as if to an invisible audience.
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I’ve been reading a novel called The Fury by Alex Michaelides. He poses the question of whether the person we become is more determined by character or by fate. Then he quotes the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who argues they are one and the same. Michaelides’ protagonist, Elliot, says, “Character is fate. Remember that, for later. Remember the kid, too. And I don’t just mean the kid in me, but the kid in you.”

If character is largely determined by childhood experiences,  I’m thankful for having had adults around me during those formative years who cared if I was enjoying myself. And, perhaps as a result, I find much in life to enjoy.

In fiction, I appreciate characters who also enjoy life, and I often long for happy outcomes.

Nonetheless, too much happiness in a novel becomes boring before long. Conflict lies at the heart of fiction, and we all know that happy-ever-afters don’t always materialize in real life, or in good literature.

As many of you know, I have not published a new book since 2019. I have, however, been writing assiduously. Last year I sent out a series of synopses, asking for input as I decided which to publish first.

Many of you were kind enough to respond. Thank you for that. After analyzing the responses, I’ve decided to launch a series of four semi-autobiographical novels beginning with my maternal grandmother, who was born in 1900.

Although I’m tentatively thinking of the series as “A Hundred Years of Happy,” you can imagine it was not all sunshine and roses. But don’t get me wrong. There’s plenty of joy along the way… and sometimes even in the end.

The characters in my first novel, The Ticket, were also loosely rooted in some members of my family. My son Clay made this brief trailer to introduce the characters. Trailer for The Ticket: https://vimeo.com/50187275

https://www.amazon.com/Ticket-Debra-Coleman-Jeter-ebook/dp/B0BZB6F11J
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I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your patience.