My Newest Inspiration . . .

Looking north toward the lighthouse and pier.

Whenever I used to ask what to write about, people have always responded to write what you know. I think I ignored that advice thinking who would ever want to read anything about either a) horses b) music or theater or c) my boring town. Well, little did I realize that my boring little town was actually a pretty happening summer hangout. I live on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. I literally live 5 blocks from the lake and the beautiful beaches (Did you know that the beach sand of Lake Michigan is actually known because it "sings" when you walk on it?). As a kid, I never realized how lucky I really am to live here. The town is jumping with tourists during the summer, and quiet in the winter.

The other thing my town has is a really cool history. That is the inspiration for my next WIP. Apparently, this town was the sight of bank robbery by Baby Face Nelson, At the time, Baby Face Nelson was working with John Dillinger, who I recently found out is my grandmother's cousin! So, my story is being born. I am not going to give too much away. It is a ghost story and takes place in my hometown. I am not quite ready to work too much on it and I need to do some more research. I thought I would share some pictures of the setting which is my inspiration!

This site of the new ghost story. This house is one of the original lighthouses.

A closer view of the "lighthouse." It sits on a hill overlooking the beach.

White sands, and crystal blue water.

Writing outside the box

Recently we discovered Figment, an awesome website for writers. Part of the fun at Figment is the contests and in the last few weeks I've tried 3 genres that I never would have tried on my own. First up was Dystopia and this week there was a double whammy- a Scifi about a Utopian Society and a Steampunk Romance. None of those really fit in my comfort zone, but I decided to go for it anyways, and I have to admit, it was a lot of fun! None of these pieces are the best writing I've done, but writing outside the box has really helped me to look at my writing a different way, as well how I can fit in my personal likes into different genres.

So, you want to read the short stories right? Here are links to the Utopia Scifi and Steampunk Romance.

Princess of St. Louis
Steampunk Romance Entry
Blurb:
The Defenders of Man have been around for centuries, persecuting the wicked for their offenses against… mankind. 17 and beautiful, Alessandra is the Princess of St. Louis and just one more soldier in a long line of Defenders. Now she must bring one man to justice while honoring her duty and following her heart


Perfect Peace
Utopian/Scifi Contest Entry
Blurb:
Everone is happy here. Everyone has their personal environment that changes with their every whim, their… every desire. Everyone's days are perfect, so long as no one gets to close, so long as no one breaks that perfect peace.