THE Sunraysia environment is where author Ruth Morgan prefers to send her characters to learn how they respond to life’s challenges.
Morgan is the author of The Whitworth Mysteries, a collection of rural crime stories set in Whitworth, a fictional town near the Murray River.
The 62-year-old author, who grew up near Pooncarie and now lives in northern NSW, will discuss crime fiction and the writing process at Swan Hill Regional Library on Tuesday.
Morgan said the river landscape near Mildura brought out “sharper reactions and deeper responses” in people.
“People react to a harsh, tough desert landscape differently than if there was somewhere much gentler and greener.
“I’ve known people who’ve drowned in this river in the Murray River. This is the only town that has a lifeguard (on the Murray) for the summer season. It’s a dangerous place, even if it doesn’t look like it.”
The Whitworth Mysteries was published in 2021 and deals with themes of retribution and revenge, love and redemption.
Morgan said she drew inspiration from growing up in the 1970s and 80s, when life was “never dull” and has since been fascinated with exploring the decision-making process of people.
“I’ve always wondered why we act in certain ways,” Morgan said. “Is it subconscious? Is it programmed? Is it something we can change? If we are aware of what pushes us in a particular direction?
“I want to know what goes on in someone’s head before they make a particular decision. And whether given more time, or less pressure, or different circumstances, they’d make a different choice.”
The author conversation is free and starts at 2.30pm at Swan Hill Library. For details, call 5036 2480.
