We’ve had a major move at our house this week, and I didn’t have to pack a single box. It is all my husband’s fault, of course. We were chatting last week and I mentioned (again) that we needed to go to the East Coast this summer. “I need to do some research on police procedures in small towns in New England,” I told him. “For my book.”
Wendell is such a supporter. If I throw out the “my book” card, he will buy me a computer, send me to a conference, or even let me go AWOL from my day job for hours at a time. (That is a big deal since he is my boss.) He is my biggest fan and my best encourager.
But, he is not a fan of either coast. He prefers life here in the fly-over states of the Midwest. (Or the Rocky Mountains. He’d love for me to write a book with that setting.)
He had already told me months ago I should get my characters to move to the Midwest. And I had explained that I can’t actually tell my characters what to do.
But, in this conversation, he challenged me again to consider the setting. He pointed out I was working really hard to research a place when what I should probably be doing was telling a story.
So, I had a little talk with my main character. We discussed the options. And, suddenly, she agreed to move! I spent two days revising the first several chapters, and the story became so much better. Now, when I send her into the convenience store to buy milk, I know what the clerk is wearing! I can hear what the Pepsi man says about the local ball team. I can see the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
I love it when my greatest fan becomes my best critic. (And when he gives me a day off to write. Such perks.)
Note to Readers of Thirty Days to Glory: Expect to see a few Glory Circle Sisters show up in this story. Especially Bess.
Ah, what a great little post!
I love that you had to explain that you can’t really boss your characters around. I’ve had to explain that to my dear husband as well, and it always makes me feel a little schizophrenic, you know?
I always thinking a new setting can be very fun, but it’s also a lot of work if it’s not a familiar setting. Sounds like it was the reverse for you!
Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Katie! It is weird to have a fictional life going on in your mind all the time. But fun! I’m guessing the setting for Miss Mabel’s school was something of a challenge.
Kathy: I always love reading books that are in settings that I am familar with..i.e. deep south and Florida (it is not the deep south)….but I will enjoy the midwest too. It has been a challenge but a blessing to get reacquainted with the “flyover states”. I look forward to your next book….
PS: I’m reading 30 Days to Glory and am enjoying very much!
Lisa Lene
Thanks, Lisa! I’m sure coming back “home” to the cold Midwest was a challenge this winter!
Ha ha! Behold the power of first readers! And a critique group! : ) Bravo.
Indeed 🙂
I love stories that take place in settings I can relate to, and can’t wait to meet up with some of the Glory Circle Sisters again.
Thank you, Sarah Beth. That means a great deal.