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Back Roads, Old Buildings & Inspiration

Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Old_Gas_Pump.jpg
Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:Old_Gas_Pump.jpg

Years ago, my husband and I pulled out a map, closed our eyes and randomly placed our fingers on a spot.  That spot was to be our weekend destination.  We loaded up our young son and off we went.  The only stipulations – no interstates and no national food chains.  This became the best weekend getaway ever!

We took time to stop at road side stands.  We visited a small town that time forgot.  If you can imagine old-time gas pumps and 5¢ candies in glass jars… It was wonderful and nostalgic and so small town America.

Freewill Baptist Church, Sneads Ferry, NC
Freewill Baptist Church,
Sneads Ferry, NC

I love small towns.  I love driving back roads, looking at old churches, abandoned barns and finding the occasional surprise.

There is something about old things that speak to me.  I wonder at the stories they would tell, the memories they would share – if they could talk.  I think back to my grandparents – how hard they had to work to support their families – sharecropping, laboring in the tobacco fields, working in the laundry.  Well, three of them anyway. One chose to make a living as a bootlegger – only he seemed to drink more than he sold…

One of those little surprises - a boat in the woods
One of those little surprises – a boat in the woods

Some people will triumph; others will fail.  And they leave behind them the ghosts of what was and what might have been.  I think it’s those ghosts, those wisps of memory, that draw me to by-gone places.

Those aging buildings, those forgotten places, tickle my imagination.  I see the spirit of a young woman pacing the front porch waiting for her lover to come home.  I hear the laughter of children as they splash in the shallows of a near by river.  I smell the perfumed air that announces the arrival of a fairy prince.  And if I’m lucky, a new character might just introduce herself…

So – What inspires you?

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A Little About Me

When I hit my forties, I had one of those “looking in the mirror and wondering where all the time had gone” moments.  I realized my life had become something less than what I had dreamed of.  Somewhere between work, cooking dinner and serving as a taxi for my children, I had lost me.

Writing pulled me back from the edge.

I’ve been blogging for about 3 years. I hope the things I learn from Blogging 101 will help improve my blog.

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I’ve Got Questions. Have You Got The Answers?

“The difference between fiction and reality?  Fiction has to make sense.”  -Tom Clancy

Sometimes in our writing, we come to a point where we need a little outside input. 

raising hand
bing images – http://free-illustrations.gatag.net

I’m at that point. I need to make sure that my character’s actions are not only possible but believable.   

Scenario:

The YA Fiction I write tends to be a little darker.  One of my characters, a high school senior, will be exhibiting disturbing behavior.  Let’s say, he will be a bit stalker-like.  

Question:

Have you had an experience with a stalker or a person with stalker-like tendencies, particularly dealing with a high school aged person?  How did his/her behavior affect you? Was your stalker popular?  Did he/she become violent?  How was your situation resolved?  

If you would be more comfortable answering in private, you can select the Contact Me tab on the menu bar.  

Much appreciation!

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My Review of The Locket by Laurie W-J-N

the locket

Amazon Book Description:

It has been said that every locket has a story to tell. In these stories a very special locket shares the history of a group of women through the generations, stories of love and happiness, stories of struggles and triumphs, memories of the past and hopes for the future. The locket weaves itself through each story as a beautiful and personal memento of love and devotion, from one generation to the next.

What I Thought:

At only 31 pages, The Locket is definitely a short read but don’t let that fool you. This novelette incorporates five vignettes, focusing of five generations of women in the same family. With each episode, Laurie introduces a woman and plunges the reader into that woman’s life.  Each scene evokes strong impressions of the women’s misfortunes as well as their successes.

I enjoy the author’s writing style.

Perfect for a quick afternoon read.

5 stars

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Because Writers Need Support

Does your writing life leave you feelingFor the most part, writing is a solitary endeavor.  It requires us to lock ourselves away from the real world and journey into our imagination. There, we connect with the characters and places that are always bouncing around inside of our heads.  Because of this, writers need relationships with others who enjoy the same pursuits. For some, connecting online is enough.  Others prefer more personal interactions.

As much as our families/friends try to support us, they don’t always understand our struggles.  They don’t get the elation we feel when a scene comes together or grasp the frustration of trying to build an audience.

Other writers do – that’s the beauty of a writers group.

What are you looking for in a writers group?

There are many online groups.  These may appeal to someone whose work schedule makes it difficult to meet up in person.  They are also great for people who prefer communicating via e-mails, Facebook pages, etc.  Another benefit of online writers groups is the ability to connect/network with people from around the world.

Critique groups offer valuable feedback, allowing us to consider assessments/criticisms of our work. These groups are made up of writers with varying degrees of experience.

My writers group is small.  I would describe it as a support group.  We try to meet once a month though sometimes our schedules don’t mesh.  Typically, we will meet at a member’s home or a local restaurant. We may share things we’ve learned, discuss marketing ideas, or ask for advice on current projects. We share our victories as well as our defeats.

Looking for a local group?

Check with your library, coffee shops and bookstores.