Monday, August 8, 2016

Mignon F. Ballard's "Miss Dimple and the Slightly Bewildered Angel"

Mignon Franklin Ballard, an accomplished mystery writer, lives in Calhoun, Georgia.

She is the author of several acclaimed mysteries, including her series featuring revered first grade teacher, Miss Dimple Kilpatrick, set during the years of World War II. Here Ballard dreamcasts an adaptation of the newest novel in the series, Miss Dimple and the Slightly Bewildered Angel:
I’ve put some thought into this and believe Kate Hudson would make a fun and believable Augusta. She has the face and the coloring, but even more than that, she seems to have a wry sense of humor, and there’s something sprite-like about her, something a little fey, and I think she’s kind. Augusta is all those things. Although she is efficient and intelligent, she does become a bit confused (or bewildered) at times about what’s going on around her. And who wouldn’t if they were moved about in time and place as Augusta is? Don’t know Kate’s current hairstyle, but additional thickness and length might be needed.

I think Blythe Danner could play Miss Dimple, but actress-writer Beth Grant would probably be even better. She might have to be “aged” a bit, but I believe she looks the part, and, too, she’s Southern. Miss Dimple is no-nonsense and a lady to the core, but she has a good sense of humor. How could one teach first-graders all those years and not? (Well…I take that back. I had one who didn’t have one iota, but she was a rare specimen!) Both of these actresses are talented, professional, and, I would think, highly intelligent to hold such esteem in their field. Miss Dimple deserves the best.
Learn more about the author and her work at Mignon Ballard's website.

Writers Read: Mignon F. Ballard.

--Marshal Zeringue