What was once Raymond, is now Everybody Loves Wink!

This statement has been an almost unanimous response to my cherished and comedic character Winifred Pallas. But you can call her Wink.

Her existence came about as I realized that one of my favourite characters, Myrtle the Turtle, needed an origin story of her own. Like Wink she is fabulously fearless and funny.

So, I built her a tree on which I could place her relatives.

It became apparent to me early on, that Aunt Wink was going to sit high on the upper branches as a scene stealer, not unlike her grand-niece has been in my previously written (yet to be published) books.

Wink’s character began to grow, and a certain persona started to form.

Her voice spoke to me with a good-humoured, honest, self-confidence, with a love for alliteration. Her visual appearance began taking on a similar look to that of Helena Bonham Carter.  She is a gifted British actress who has starred in many of Tim Burton’s movies.

My husband was fortunate enough to have his own real life Aunt Wink, though she was a Wilhamien. We often found ourselves in each other’s company at family gatherings.

She was always in the mix of the celebration, and her laughter could be heard contagiously reflecting among the festivities.

When it came time for the party to come to end, and for us to depart, there was always a hug and a ‘love you’ that she sent home with us.

The original Wink certainly added to the spirited and sometimes misbehaving personality of her storied namesake.

It is safe to say, that there are little sprinklings dusted among my characters, from those who I am blessed to have circulating around me in my orbit.

I thank you all for your inspiration!