"I'm at the mercy of whatever character comes into my head"

This quote by Kate DiCamillo talks to the imaginative process of writing. It suggests that the characters in her stories concern her, rather than her actively producing them. She is at the grace of these characters, enabling them to take the lead and guide the story. This is a typical experience for authors, as the characters typically appear to take on a life of their own. It is a reminder that the writer is not in complete control of the story, but rather is a vessel for the characters to come alive. It is a tip to rely on the innovative procedure and to permit the characters to lead the way.