Erdrich and Dorris subsequently discussed expanding upon the characters of Nector, Marie, and Lulu. The short story "Scales", in particular, was inspired by her experience working as a weigher of commercial trucks. In several interviews, Erdrich and her then-husband described their creative relationship as one of primary writer (Erdrich) and editor/contributing writer (Dorris).
Erdrich and Dorris collaborated on expanding the characters of Nector, Marie, and Lulu, with "Scales" being a key example of this collaboration. The short story was inspired by Erdrich's experience as a truck weigher, which she shared in interviews alongside her creative partnership with Dorris.