Amelia Cates

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My name is Amelia Cates and I write because I hear voices in my head. These voices tell me their stories and I write them down. Sometimes I am as surprised as anybody at what they share with me — all these characters. Some are shy and confide deep secrets. Some are lost, looking for redemption they may or may not find. Others can be so funny I get to laughing so hard, I have to stop a while and catch my breath. I have no control over this. To change their stories would be unethical in a literary kind of way.

I have no idea why I have been chosen to receive this gift. I simply heed its call. I tried to think of when the phenomenon of hearing voices first began and I believe it must have been from the time I had memory. Of course, I did not know how to write but the voices were already clear in my mind. They became my imaginary playmates and I suppose they still are. Eventually, I did begin to write the stories down because I reached a point where I could no longer ignore or carry them in my head. They and I are relieved because it is far more liberating to set them free. I come to know my characters so well. I often can’t wait to hear what will happen next but I have found that, if I just keep going, all will be revealed in time. I read at the same time as I write. That may be the best part of all this. It is like reading a fresh new book. The only difference is that is pages are appearing right before my very own eyes on my very own computer screen. If you are not a writer, I wish you could know the sheer terror and anticipation of this experience.

I admit that becoming a writer has made me a bit of a loner but, even in the midst of a crowd, the voices come. I assure them I will not forget, then politely excuse myself so I can pull out my trusty note pad. Most uncomfortable perhaps is when I am engaged in an intense conversation with someone who has no idea that I am mentally making notes even as I speak. I have learned to do both, but it is not always easy. Imagine standing at a cocktail party, chatting with an interesting stranger when, right in the middle of the conversation, you get struck by lightning!

Anyway, as soon as I get home, I touch a match to the white jasmine candle, whisper a prayer of gratitude and place my fingers over the Ouija board that is my keyboard. It will not take long. I find there is almost an urgency for my characters to get their stories told. I sometimes have to slow them down because I can only type so fast. In a way I believe we may all be “mystery” writers, those of us who write intuitively with no safety nets of well thought out endings or carefully constructed outline road maps to follow. Though I confess that the fear of rejection is strong, I find the process dangerous and delicious! All at the same time – so I will keep excusing myself from parties, allow the answering machine to take my calls and let my little light shine. My foray into other people’s lives will consume me, overtake me completely. Oh! The result is nothing short of pure magic!

I hope my imaginary friends will forgive me for sharing their secrets. I hope we can continue to commune with one another in the candlelight of my imagination. Most of all, I hope you will read these stories with the quiet anticipation of a child, hiding under a blanket with their flashlight. For now, I will simply keep my fingers wavering over my keyboard waiting for lightning to strike.

The Writer In Me                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Amelia Cates