Current Project: Between Projects
Status: Tidying up Doctor in Petticoats, Researching, stewing and brewing For a Sister's Love (next WIP)
While in Kalispell Montana over the weekend, Cory and I were driving the main road through town on our way to see if the flowers for the wedding arrived. (Cory was the florist for the wedding) We stopped at a light beside a white Dodge pickup. We'd just been discussing maybe Cory could find a handsome rich Montana cowboy. Well, we both looked over at the pickup at the same time and our chins hit our chests and drool slid out the corner of our mouths. I looked forward and said, "Grab your phone and take a picture of him. He's inspiration." I looked back over. Cory was still drooling, and he shot her a devastating smile as the light changed. He drove off, and I finally found the gas pedal and moved forward. Alas, Cory didn't take his picture, but between the two of us we conjured him up pretty darn well on the trip back from Montana.
"He was gorgeous!" Cory said. "Sandy blond, curly hair, crinkles by his eyes, and his smile... It wasn't a yeah, you're looking at me cuz I'm hot, it was a genuine smile." ~Sigh~ "Now, I wish I'd taken his picture. There weren't any guys as good looking at the wedding."
Why is it the one that got away is always more dashing, more genuine, more exciting? Is it because we can make up stories of how the ending will be different? Like romance stories?
Have you ever had a chance meeting, had the person male or female strike a chord with the writer in you and you used their looks for a character and gave them the background and story you felt they deserved?
5 comments:
Great topic, Paty! Sounds like you had a fun trip :) I have that happen from time to time. But honestly, I can't determine whether it's 100% that they would make a good character in the looks department, or if it's partly my excuse to have to visit them again at their place of business. As it's usually people I see in cafe's, stores, classes, etc. :) I think I get more inspired by behavior in strangers, than looks, as a writer.
It's not usually a pretty face that does it for me, but sometimes a characteristic will, like vivid blue eyes, or a walk, male or female. I guess I would have to say I'm like Lisa -- it's the behavior that intrigues me and more so with unattractive people (and all that image conjures up) than an attractive one.
For instance: The other day I noticed the way a man I don't like much moved, the way he seemed to lead with his nose, kind of stooped shouldered, emulating, for me, the weasel he reminds me of. Stuff like that.
Whoo hoo, though, Paty and Cory loose in Montana -- look out!
Oh, yes the one that got away will always be the one you regret. Because you didn't know them long enough to learn their annoying habits and character flaws. Like wiping up milk from the floor with a dry towel. Just an example that popped in my head...
I've used real women as inspiration for my heroines' looks and character, but I haven't for men. I guess they just don't exist. lol!
I think it's interesting that we(writers) tend to zero in on details like mannerisms/behaviors.
The man was gorgeous but it was the way he carried himself (he was talking on the cell phone) You could see he was having a lighthearted conversation and the way he looked over and the smile he gave Cory, he carried the good-humored mood into his smile.
The second romance I wrote, the heroine came from a girl I saw at a volleyball tournament. Her high forehead, widows peak, and heart shaped face were what caught my attention but then watching her, she was confident and something to be reckoned with on the court, but when off, she was meek and tended to try to not be noticed. I used those traits in my heroine who was a force while on stage as a traveling actress and the complete opposite when off stage.
It was the look that caught me but her behavior that stuck.
Lisa, I agree about us always looking for things to use as behaviors for characters.
Alice, Do I know this guy? LOL He sounds like a character in one of my books.
Kendra, LOL.
I like Alice's comment, "Whoo hoo, though, Paty and Cory loose in Montana -- look out!"
I think you're right, Paty, about how we can make up stories about "the one that got away." And Kendra's comment that we don't have time to learn their annoying habits...and Lisa's comment that behavior--
Sheesh, why am I commenting at all? You ladies have already used all the great responses. LOL!
Sounds like you had a good trip, Paty! And the gorgeous guy at the stoplight was a bonus!
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