In the upcoming novel, The Penny, there is a wonderful rhythm in writing about people from different generations while combining them in a story that spans most of a century and into the next. The difference in this novel, for me, is how to place people and events from everyday life around me – since that has become a trademark of all my novels, stories, and poetry. Therefore, I am on a mission over the next two months to find characters that can be added and recognized even if by some subtle tidbit – actions, clothing, remarks, etc.  In researching writing and writers, this is not new to the literary world, but it does offer an interesting side to the crafting of phrase, sentence, paragraph and chapter, and it also makes my community come alive. As I wander around our amazing burg, especially in the winter, I can see and find the true characters within our space. The crowds are gone, except on weekends, the walking cell-phone people are walking their cell phones in Birmingham or Chicago, and best of all, coffee shops chairs and bar stools are always a plenty. So beware all. You’ve been warned. I shall write you well if it fits, and if you don’t believe me, read the other works. Many of you lurk within the pages and make for fine fodder, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.