Character development

In my current story in progress, I am doing research for a new character. I'm looking into historical websites to form the details surrounding the character's life. I want the character's entrance into the story to be timely and as accurate as possible. In contrast, during my third book I had characters who just appeared into the text of my story without any thought at all. While writing a scene where my characters are caught in a blizzard, my hero began ringing a school bell as a dim light appeared in the storm. I became caught up in my own story as a missionary and his very pregnant wife came out of the storm, seeking refuge. The arrival of the missionaries brought another dimension to the story that I would not have otherwise thought of. They also became significant characters in the series. I don't know why sometimes I labor in my writing, and at other times it is seemingly inspired. I think of my writing as a journey, with the route being carefully planned. Sometimes there are detours which lead down interesting paths. That's what makes the process of writing so exciting.