It is almost noon,
and it is all of 3° outside. Tomorrow will be more of the same for us; the high
is predicted to be 5 above. Other locations within the 'lower 48' states are
even worse off, but this is cold enough for me. This is the kind of weather
where I would like to curl up in a blanket in front of a little heater with a
good book.
What do you suppose a
character in a book would do on a day like today? It would depend on who they
are as a character and the plot of the book, of course. Are they warriors, out
to battle an evil overlord's minions or a rampaging dragon? They may have no
choice but to bundle up as best they can and keep moving forward. Farmers would
have to tend their animals, repair any tools they'll need for the new growing
season, possibly even chop more firewood for the fireplace.
Authors frequently
think nothing of hampering their characters by throwing inclement weather at
them. Some of them do a good job of describing cold rain seeping under a collar
and running down the spine, or a runny nose and numb fingers and toes that will
make it almost impossible to defend themselves if our intrepid travelers are
set upon by wolves.
Occasionally, a kind
author will allow a character to wait out bad weather by wrapping themselves in
a blanket, sitting near the fireplace and reading a good book. Even warriors
deserve a calm break from time to time, don't you think?
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