What do you make of this?

We have a mystery to solve!



Hi, Eva here.

I’ve written before about people watching, and I have another incident that just begs for a story to be written about it. So, after you read this, please let me know your thoughts.


Not too long ago, I was waiting in my doctor’s office when a woman and a little boy came out of an exam room. The woman sat without a smile. She avoided eye contact. The boy went to play with a toy on the floor. He seemed about five or six years old and happy enough. He had a coughing fit, and so let’s assume the appointment was for him. The woman sat with her back straight, her eyes fixed on the boy. Her short hair was dyed blonde. She could have been an older mother, who’d had a hard life, which added years to her appearance, but I believe she was old enough to be his grandmother. Her build was plump, in a stocky, beefy way. Her whole aura screamed, “Don’t mess with me.” Even though her nails were femininely manicured with clear polish and red tips. And yes, I’m certain it was nail polish and not blood. Lol

The boy said, “Grandma.”

She said, “Excuse me?”

He froze, except for his innocent face that turned up to look at her. “Gloria,” he corrected himself.

“That’s better,” she told him.


So, what do you make of this?

Why would she not want him to call her Grandma?

Was she actually even his grandma?

Please, tell me what you think and let's solve this mystery!


Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her short story, Disinherited Love, can be read in the anthology, A Kiss is Still A Kiss. Eva Maria Hamilton is also the owner of Lilac Lane Publishing, which has currently published, Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1895, and Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility Colouring & Activity Book featuring Illustrations from 1896.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com

PEOPLE WATCHING

I’ve heard lots of writers talk about people watching for research purposes. Examining the nuances that they see and wondering about the bits of conversations they overhear. So I thought I’d take a short drive (sometime in the afternoon and then share a little of my experience.

Man #1

He’s seen walking toward his car in freezing cold weather. He’s holding a mug that must be filled right up to the top, because despite the frigid temperature, he’s walking slowly, and his eyes are glued to his drink.

So what if this man was a hero? Well there has to be a good reason why this man would be carrying something so precious and putting himself in such discomfort. Maybe it’s a baby he’s rescuing or an explosive. Something he must be careful with or else why wouldn’t he just run to his car and crank up the heat?

Man #2

He’s seen walking down a busy road. He’s impeccably dressed in a nice coat and a suit underneath. He’s carrying a briefcase, which alludes to the fact that he probably has a good job. His hair is neat, he’s tall, and although I can’t see his face, let’s assume he possesses good looks. However, he turns his head and spits long and hard onto the ground beside him.

So could this man be a hero? Not in my novels! I’m sorry but I find spitting gross, so this man to me is a villain. Yes, a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. What is he hiding under his façade? If he looks so successful, why is he walking? It’s ridiculously cold outside. Doesn’t he have a car, or at least enough money to take a cab or the bus? And where is he going? Shouldn’t he be at work?

The possibilities are endless. And that what’s fun about people watching, writers could watch the same people and probably come up with all different kinds of theories and ideas.

So, what were you thinking when you read about these men? Heroes or villains? What are they up to?

Or please share a people watching story you have.
I’d love to hear from you!

Eva Maria Hamilton is the author of Highland Hearts, a Love Inspired Historical novel published by Harlequin. Her novel, Highland Hearts, won 2^nd Place in the Historical Romance, as well as the Traditional/Inspirational Romance Categories in the Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Awards, and was an Inspirational Series Finalist in the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

Highland Hearts

Scotland 1748
The Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander’s fight has just begun…
Logan McAllister survived years of indentured servitude in the Americas to reach this moment. Now he’s returned to Scotland, ready to redeem the secret promise from Sheena Montgomery’s father – that his years as an indentured servant would earn him Sheena’s hand in marriage. But when he arrives home, he learns that Sheena’s father has died, his contract has been lost… and Sheena is engaged to another man.

To connect with Eva Maria Hamilton online, please visit her at www.evamariahamilton.com