Does Life Imitate Writing or Does Writing Imitate Life?
Welcome to another journey with me as I navigate through writing and life. I always pop in (like an annoying relative) during this time of each month to share my insights, magical moments, and disasters.
Today, let's talk disasters...
We’ve seen the jokes about not ticking off an author because
you’d end up in their novel…I will admit to doing it. In my first book, the
evil ex-husband was based in part on my real evil ex-husband. Of course, I took
some license with the character. I didn’t use his real name. *grin*
But as a student of life, I enjoy watching people, seeing how they interact and listen to what they say. I’m the shy person who is in the corner of the party, watching everyone else. I know who said that your dress was ugly or who has the hots for the new arrival. I saw the waiter spit into your food because you called him a worthless jerk when he brought you what you ordered but didn’t like. All of these encounters are food for my writing.
Some make it into a story, while others are simply reminders
on how to behave in public. Or maybe a gentle warning to someone else. As I
always share whenever I see a child run, “Be careful. Head injuries bleed a
lot.” Which is entirely true because I’ve seen it and frankly tried to stop one
child’s head wound.
But I digress….
I recently finished my novella- One Night in Laguna and it
was already uploaded and waiting to go live when one scene in the story came
true for me.
Here’s the scene:
The breeze blew off the ocean. She looked out
toward the waves, too caught up in her worry for Rose to enjoy the smells and
sounds, now. Then, she remembered Jim, the minister, they’d met earlier. Hadn’t
he mentioned Master Draikoh San arranging the wedding? Could Master Draikoh San
help find Rose? Maybe Jim could get in touch with him. Lord knows she didn’t
have his number. After all, Master Draikoh San has been known to work miracles.
And at this point, Mel was losing hope.
She prayed, running down the steps of the
Mondrian’s pool area to the beach below. Darkness greeted her. Mel took three
steps then her heels sank, and she crashed to the ground, spilling her purse
contents along the sand. A tube of lipstick rolled under the steps. “Damn it.
Stupid girl. Why didn’t I take the shoes off?” She stretched and reached to
grab everything then stuffed it back into her purse. Yet the one tube had been
swallowed up by the darkness. “Crap. That was my favorite shade. But I’m not sticking
my hand under there. I’m sure some lovely she-crab will look great in that
color.” She raised her gaze toward the sky as if to demand God return it.
“Excuse me. Daddy says you aren’t supposed to
swear,” a high-pitched voice called out.
And here’s what happened to me…
My husband was working. Alone in the house, I wanted to get
to the grocery to pick up a few things to surprise him with for dinner when he
came home. After putting the dogs in their cages, I sat down and zippered up my
anklet cowboy boots. I grabbed my purse, the grocery list and locked the door.
As I ran for the yard, my foot stepped on a loose slab stone sending me off
balance. My ankle twisted and I tried to catch myself. I put my next foot down
and it wobbled. Next thing, I’m on my hands and knees in the yard, straddling
the walkway. My left hand is in a pile of dog poop.
Luckily, no swear words and only a few bruises on my knees. And
good news, I did find the mess before it ended up on the carpet. Now did I
write the story and it set about the events in my life? Probably not but life
does have a way of coming around. I’m sure I’ve seen people fall and laughed.
The old banana peel slip and fall was a common gag on old black and white
movies. Maybe you’ll have to watch and see if this event shows up in one of my
future books. *grin*
Here’s another look at One Night in Laguna…
Schoolteacher, Melanie Whitman’s dating life is in shambles when
her boyfriend and former boss dumps her. Her best friend arranges for Master
Draikoh San, matchmaker extraordinaire, to provide her with a night to
remember.
Breakout star of the third season of the reality TV show Laguna Nights Cole Hayes was burned by
the limelight and started a family. After a messy divorce and looking to move
back into the dating scene, he agrees to a one-night stand.
Can Cole and Melanie create a relationship that will last a
lifetime, or will their one-night stand crash in the waves of Laguna Beach?
(cover)
Excerpt:
“Do you recall who changed my life?” A large grin played
across Lauren’s face. It was the look she gave when she knew something and
couldn’t wait to tell. Mel had seen it a million times, but it’d never made her
stomach jump.
“Yeah….” Melanie nodded. “Your husband.” She pointed
to Mac. “He gave you the happily ever after.”
“Nope.” Lauren’s smirk encompassed her whole face.
“Master Draikoh San.”
Melanie stood abruptly, knocking the chair to the
floor. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish searching for her meal. “What
did you do?” Scrunching up her brow, she advanced on Lauren, who began to inch
backwards.
“I…we….” Lauren stumbled with her words. “You’ve
been so upset.” She kept backing away. But Melanie advanced like a bull toward
a flapping red cape.
“Lauren…tell me you didn’t.” She stopped and put
her hand over her stomach then over her mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick.
You’re going to tell me that he couldn’t find a date for me. No man would agree
to date me. I’d be the one woman who’d ruin his perfect record. No Date For
You.” The last part she mimicked the voice of the Soup Nazi from her favorite
sitcom.
Lauren grabbed hold of Melanie’s arms. “Mel, snap
out of it. We’re not going to lie to you…. You do have a match, and you leave
in three days for California.”
Cherri screamed and grabbed Melanie out of
Lauren’s arms. “Sunshine, beaches, bikinis. We have to do some shopping, girl!
And maybe a little styling and waxing, if there’s time.” She twirled her
around. “After school. My store. Be there.” With her declaration, Cherri
released Melanie and headed toward the door. “See you later.” She studied
Melanie from toe to head. “I’ll even give you the employee discount!”
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| www.melissakeir.com |
Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you again next month! Be sure to leave a comment for a chance at a free ebook copy of One Night in Laguna.
What real life events would you put into a story? Would you
use a book to kill off someone you didn’t like?
