So, when Nan and Liz talk about their writer's getaways, I'm a little jealous. When they talk about pounding out their plot problems with other writers I'm downright green.
Honestly, until recently, I'd never thought about taking my plot problems elsewhere. But, I get it. Creativity inspires creativity.
When I was into scrapbooking, I loved the midnight parties where we all got together--sans children--and cut up pictures and worked to create the perfect page. Sometimes I'd see someone do something clever, and I'd think, "If I did this and added that---" Because Creativity Inspires Creativity.
So, why didn't it ever occur to me to seek out help?
Today I'm asking for your help.
I have a Sunday Story that I know a few characters and have my opening, but I don't really have a plot.
Twenty-six year old Analise Kennedy has spent her entire adult life taking care of her mother--who has a sickness that even doctors can't diagnose but ties her daughter to her. Analise's only respite is on Wednesday when a caregiver comes to relieve her. On those days, Analise goes to the flea market where she searches out suitcases.
The opening is:
Anelise Kennedy collected suitcases like other girls
collected purses. She had a tapestry one for visiting relatives in New England,
a coral-colored one for jetting off to the Caribbean, and a slate blue one for
business trips. At least, that’s what she told herself when she purchased them.
The truth was that Anelise never went anywhere. She only dreamed of leaving.
A guy is looking for a suitcase. It had been his father's before him and it was the one the kid carried back and forth on custody weekends. He may not need it back, but he NEEDS it back, because memories are few and precious... Anelise already has it in her hand. It's her weekend away case, one she thinks she might actually get to use...
ReplyDeleteOhhh--I like that. I never thought about one of the suitcases holding a secret. Mmmmmmm
DeleteThank you, Liz, for staring the brainstorming. I love that most everyone worked off your suggestion.
DeleteWhat if the guy is a doctor who takes an interest in her mother's case after coming to her house to ask about purchasing the suitcase?
ReplyDeleteWhile she's always dreamed of traveling away from the home that's been her virtual prison, he was shuffled around so much as a kid, he never felt like he had a home.
ReplyDeleteI love these suggestions, Sandra! Thank you.
DeleteI think I told you already, but i loved that opening! Okay - building on what Liz suggested what if this case if for a *real* trip? What if her mother, although very ill, is seeing that Anelise is giving up too much of her life...so she insists on cutting the apron strings just a little? And/or they've actually come up with a diagnosis/time is short and she wants to 'see' Anelise stretching her wings/actually going somewhere...kind of to ease her mind? So the case is needed by the hero, but it's also needed by her - to fulfill her mother's wish that she take one of the trips they've always talked about?
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration! Thanks, Kristi.
DeleteWhat if she finds a personal item or note in one and feels the need to return it to the rightful owner?
ReplyDeleteTia Catalina
I was thinking the same thing on my way to work this morning, Tia. Thank you for stopping by and helping out.
Delete