The Inspiration Behind Dottie Bell: A Journey of Imagination and Growth

Some characters arrive fully formed, as if they’ve always existed, waiting to be written. Others take shape over time, blending pieces of memory, experience, and imagination. Dottie Bell was both, a character who appeared from within, inspired by the echoes of my own childhood and the presence of my younger sister.  She is a reflection of curiosity, resilience, and the journey from innocence to wisdom. But more than that, Dottie is a piece of me, woven together with the threads of my past.

A Spirited Young Girl with a Story to Tell

Dottie Bell is full of life, with striking, spirally red hair that cascades down her back, bright blue eyes brimming with wonder, and a face dusted with freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her playful, adventurous spirit makes her a natural explorer of Fingley World, where she embarks on magical adventures with Dodl Bear and her kitten, Magick.

But where did she come from?

The truth is, Dottie is a fusion of two people, myself and my younger sister, who was born when I was 15 years old. She had the most amazing bright red curly hair, and from the moment she arrived, she fascinated me. I saw a new kind of wonder in her eyes, a sense of adventure waiting to unfold. It was a new experience for me, and so, from this, Dottie arrived, a mix of childhood memories, a love for adventure, and the innocence of discovering the magic in everyday life.

Daisa and her Mum, 1955

The Yellow Hat and the Need for Comfort

Every child has something they cling to for comfort, a favourite toy, a beloved blanket, or a special piece of clothing that makes them feel safe. For me, it was a bright yellow hat I had made myself at school. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I would pull it tightly over my ears, blocking out the world and creating a small, safe space just for me. It became my armour, my little piece of security in a sometimes chaotic world. That memory became a part of Dottie, shaping her need for comfort, her attachment to certain items, and her way of coping with the unknown.

A Love for Animals and Nature

From the beginning, Dottie has always had a deep connection with animals, a love that mirrors my own. I have always been surrounded by animals, especially dogs and cats, and even now, my home is shared with two beautiful Ragdoll cats, Jasper and Moonstone, and a dog named Tilly. Dottie’s kindness toward creatures is woven into her character, making her attuned to the whispers of nature and the hidden magic within Fingley World.

Just like I found peace in gardens, trees, and the quiet companionship of animals, Dottie finds joy in nature, forming friendships with the creatures of Fingley and learning from them as she grows.

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Dottie at Every Age: A Reflection of Growth

Dottie doesn’t stay the same, she grows, learns, and transforms, just like I did.

Dottie (Age 7–8) The Curious Explorer

At this stage, Dottie is full of wonder. She is imaginative, playful, and always eager to explore new places and solve little mysteries. This reflects the part of my childhood when imagination ruled everything, a time of storytelling, dressing up, and seeing the world through a lens of endless possibilities.

Dottie (Age 10–11) The Caring Problem Solver

As Dottie gets older, she becomes more thoughtful, responsible, and aware of the world around her. She starts to help others, protect Fingley World, and take on new challenges. This stage mirrors my own preteen years, when I started understanding my role within my family. Being the eldest sibling, I took on responsibilities, helping my dad in his shop, running errands on my bike, and gradually stepping into the world of responsibility.

This is when Dottie’s leadership qualities begin to emerge, showing her deep love for family, friends, and the world she’s meant to protect.

Dottie (Age 15–16) – The Courageous Guardian

By the time Dottie reaches her teenage years, she has grown into a fierce, determined young woman. She understands the depth of her magical abilities, her responsibility to Fingley World, and the challenges she must face.

At 15, my own life changed dramatically, my mum became seriously ill with Tuberculosis, and had to spend a long time recovering in a Sanatorium. Soon after her recovery, my younger sister was born, adding both joy and responsibility to my life. It was a time of learning, coping, and growing up faster than expected.

This phase of Dottie’s journey reflects a similar transformation, from a wide-eyed dreamer to a strong and resilient leader. She is no longer just a child exploring Fingley World. She is now its protector.

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Dottie Bell: A Symbol of Strength and Wonder

Through every stage of her story, Dottie embodies curiosity, courage, and compassion.

She is:

• The child who sees magic in everything.

• The girl who learns to take responsibility.

• The young woman who stands strong in the face of challenges.

• She is a reflection of my journey, a reminder that we all grow, evolve, and find our own kind of magic along the way.

What Characters Reflect Your Own Journey?

Every character we create has a piece of ourselves woven into them, whether it’s childhood memories, emotions, or the experiences that shape us. Have you ever connected with a character on a deeply personal level?  What stories from your own life have influenced the way you see the world?

Because sometimes, the best characters aren’t just imagined. They are the ones who have been with us all along, waiting to be shared.