As I mentioned recently, I have an idea for a new story. As I thought it through, I realized that I would have to invent a country.
Well, I thought, I can do that. I invented a country before: Bellona.
And then I thought, okay, what if, rather than inventing a new country, I used Bellona? And then I remembered some things that would tie in, both from my published stories and from unpublished drafts. And it would explain why the detective would take an interest in the case…
To paraphrase the great philosopher Hannibal Smith, I love it when a story starts to come together.
Isn’t it awesome when stuff works out like that?
Can’t beat that! (Love the reference, by the way. My dad was a huge A-Team fan. : ) )
Maggie: Of course, things may look rosy now, but I still have to write the darn thing. 🙂
Bryna: My ex and I used to watch The A-Team all the time, but then we got sick of it. There’s actually a storytelling lesson there.
They had a good premise, good characters, and a good cast, but at a certain point my ex and I would look at each other, not sure if the episode we were watching was a new one or a rerun.
A formula can be a great thing, but you have to deliver something besides the formula, some surprises and treats along the way, or even a good formula can get tiresome.