Sunday, June 25, 2017

Looking Good On Paper

Most writers have experienced this at one time or another–you get an idea, do your research, plot the major points that make this a sound book idea and get to work, only to realize that what looked really good on paper won't fly when the nuts and bolts of the story start coming together and something's not right.

That's what happened to me last week. The house contract looked sound so I made a quick trip to North Carolina in search of my next adventure. I'd done my homework and had narrowed my choices to two potential cities, one of which I'd been to numerous times, the other a new to me city. I had decided renting was the best option, giving me time to settle in, and to fit in. However, two things were getting in my way–rents were more expensive than I thought they'd be, and the town I'd picked as my first choice didn't feel right. No warm fuzzy. I even asked total strangers what they liked about this particular town and they seemed puzzled, couldn't come up with an answer. I liked how they decorated the sides of the downtown building with images from the past. The historian in me appreciated the nod to the way things used to be. But it was not a good enough reason to consider relocating there.

So I moved on, a bit further south, to the town I'd visited many times over the years. Sliding into this little town felt like I was coming home. However, since it's close to a military base, rents are really high, even more so than the first town I was in. And housing prices are up there too, since it's a desirable location. I spent a couple of hours with a realtor, inspecting various houses, but my pickings were slim.


When I returned home, I got the news that the potential buyers backed out of the contract, since the home inspection turned up too many things that needed fixing. Even though I'd disclosed all the problems beforehand, it didn't seem to sink in until the home inspector laid it out to them. Back to square one.

So, what to do?

I threw away the paper on which I'd laid out my plans, realizing what looked good on paper wouldn't work in reality. But it's still a good idea. So, I'll rework the plan, come up with some different plot points, do some more research, and put my nose to the grindstone to get it done. After having seventeen books published, I know how to do this.

22 comments:

  1. I undersrand...good points. I hope you find that perfect place to live one day....and write the perfect book.

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    1. Thanks, Celia. While I reboot my search, I'll fill up my time writing. Maybe that perfect book you mention will be the result of my delay in moving.

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  2. It's discouraging when that happens, but I usually find that something better turns up in the end--whether it's a different story idea or a new house. Good luck!

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    1. I agree, Jennifer. The delay has given me time to really think about what I'm willing to take on when I move. And it's given me an idea for a new story.

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  3. I have never had the freedom to try new cities, new areas of the country - what an adventure. How serendipity though that your buyer fell through as you found the new cities were not quite right. Can't wait to see what the future holds in store, something's coming.

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    1. You're right, Kathleen. Something's coming. Can't wait.

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  4. I'm sorry to hear about the crumbling plans. My dad lives in North Carolina. Have you looked into Cary?

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    1. Thanks for the heads up on Cary. I'll check into it.

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  5. I think changing plans is all part of the fun. What is around the next corner and where will you end up? I can't wait to hear. And 17 books! WOW!

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    1. That's what makes what's over the next hill so much fun--the not knowing. When the time is right, it will all come together.

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  6. You never know what's around the next corner. Your house will sell and when it does, you'll find a new home. Makes life exciting.

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    1. Thanks, CB, for your words of encouragement. I'm looking forward to a new place to land.

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  7. I tell my kids that all the time, "That's what makes what's over the next hill so much fun--the not knowing. When the time is right, it will all come together." Often, the best things in life start with a disappointment. Wishing you the best. Enjoyed the blog.

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    1. Thanks, Amity. (Love your name, BTW). The move will happen when it's supposed to, not necessarily when I want it. Can't wait to crest the hill though.

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  8. I'm sorry Becky. Wish it had gone better. The good part is you didn't fall in love with the new area and then not being able to move. Hopefully it will sell soon.

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    1. Fingers crossed on the sale. I'll do what I can to help it along, since I'm ready to go.

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  9. The good news is that you got yourself ready for a move. The clutter is gone. Since you will be downsizing from a 4-bedroom house to a smaller place, this was an important step. When the sale happens, relocation will be a simpler transaction.

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    1. IF the sale happens. Maybe my deep Ohio roots are what's causing the problem in the basement?

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  10. Ahh...I see a story coming out of this "adventure." So sorry about your plans, but I've had this happen to me, too. They always look great on paper and in theory until we see them visually with our own eyes. Wishing you all the best, Becky.

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    1. You're right about the story idea, Mary. I've managed to come up with several story lines, which I'll get going on as soon as I wrap up this "real life" one.

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  11. Hi Becky, Sorry to hear about the change of plans. But keep the faith...the "right" house is just around the corner. :)

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    1. Thanks, Joanne, for visiting and commenting. When I get an idea, I like to act on it, but the sale of this house isn't letting me do so. I need patience, something I don't usually carry with me.

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