Readers, please join me welcoming Jennie Shortridge , author of When She Flew , who’s guest blogging here today! “Mesmerized” by the true story of a war veteran and his twelve-year-old daughter who, after going undetected for years, were discovered living in a densely wooded Portland park, Shortridge—ever the novelist—empathized strongly with those involved, from the father and child to those who found and then became involved in their lives. Soon a character emerged, one that captured the conflicting emotions and responsibilities of those obligated to carry out specific actions, even when it goes against their instincts. One of my favorite parts the writing process is doing research. My latest novel, When She Flew , is based on a true story, which required extensive research. I first heard about the Vietnam vet raising his daughter outdoors in the Oregon woods when I was living in Portland in 2004. The story captivated me as it unfolded in the media. The thoughts and emotions inspir