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 worked together to develop the characters Nector, Marie, and Lulu, with "Scales" being a significant example of their collaborative process. The short story was inspired by Erdrich's experience as a truck weigher, which she discussed in interviews alongside her creative partnership with Dorris.