Who knew that a travel documentary could spark the idea for my work in progress?
Some time ago, I found myself caught up in an unexpected double feature – a documentary on soldier traumas on YouTube followed by a show exploring the rugged landscapes of Montana on GoUSA TV, a travel channel that highlights some lesser-known yet stunning corners of the country. Montana isn’t usually top of mind when people think of iconic American destinations, but something about its raw beauty struck a chord with me. That’s when an idea began to take shape: what if I set my next story in this often-overlooked state, with a soldier as the central character?
As a writer, you learn to take inspiration from the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a passing conversation, a fleeting news article, or, in this case, a travel documentary, ideas can spring to life when you least expect them. And this brings me to my current work in progress (WIP), a term used in the writing world to describe a book that an author is actively working on but hasn’t yet completed. Basically, it’s the phase where ideas take shape, characters come to life, and the plot starts to unfold.
That’s said, my WIP is a standalone crime mystery that I’m eager to share a bit about with you. The story centers around a soldier in the US Army who returns to his hometown in Montana, hoping to escape the haunting memories of a traumatic event. However, his homecoming is far from peaceful. Instead of finding solace, he’s met with, let’s say, unresolved issues from his past.
The backdrop for this story is a fictional small town that once flourished thanks to a booming smelter economy. Back in the day, the town was vibrant and prosperous, but as the smelter industry faded, so did the town’s fortunes. Now, it’s a place burdened by economic hardship and shadowed by mysterious, unsettling events that have left a mark on the community.
One particularly intriguing aspect of the story involves an abandoned amusement park that holds crucial importance. While I can’t divulge more details about this element just yet, it’s safe to say that it plays a significant role in the unfolding mystery.
For now, that’s all I can reveal. I know it’s just a small peek, but I really wanted to share how ideas often come from the most unusual places. Besides, I’m genuinely excited about the direction this story is taking. Of course, there’s still a lot of work to be done before the manuscript is ready for my publisher, but I felt I should give you this early glimpse into my creative process.
Stay tuned for more updates – there’s plenty more to come!
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