The Kalmiopsis melded in my mind with stories I’d read about the survivalists in southern Oregon. These are people who live in remote areas, off the grid, stocked up and armed for the bad times they think are coming. I pictured a family living in the Kalmiopsis, and eventually Judith took hold of my imagination and I had to write her story. I hope she is an unforgettable character and an inspiration to those who meet her.