Rule Bending
When I first began writing seriously about fifteen years ago, I went all in and began attending writer’s conferences. At those conferences, I learned a good deal about the craft of writing. At that time, publishing houses adhered to very strict rules. One rule I recall: “When you write, never kill off a pet.” So, like a good soldier, I resisted doing that.
Fast forward years later—this year—to be precise.
As a back story to what I’m about to tell you, we’ve had the same veterinarian for our dog since 1988. Dr. Gillard is his name, and I adore because he’s from Minnesota and we share that strange Minnesota humor! Naturally, over the years, we’ve had many dogs and unfortunately, they don’t live forever.
When we had to say goodbye to our sheltie, Heather, three decades ago, we were heartbroken. I think that’s when I began realizing how difficult being a vet could be. But Dr. Gillard consoled and comforted us, reminding Jim and I that the reason this was so gut-wrenching was that saying goodbye to a pet requires you to let go of a very special time in your life. In other words, sure, you’ll get more animals over time, but this animal was special to you in ways no other pet was. You’re saying goodbye to an era—an era filled with memories about that particular pet.
I’ve never forgotten his words, and although we grieved for nearly a year, (Jim and I are softies) I found comfort in Dr. Gillard’s words. His advice kept me from trying to replicate what we had with Heather and transfer that expectation to another animal. Each pet, in their very own way, is unique. So, for the first time in my writing career, I broke the rule about not killing off a pet.
In the book My Dearest Sarah, when a couple enters the animal clinic because their dog needs to be put down, Sarah, who happens to work there, sees a side of the vet that she’s never seen before. The vet, Ben McMahon, uses nearly the same words my own vet used when we had to let go of Heather. When Ben comforts and consoles the family, it gives Sarah real insight into the kind person Ben McMahon truly is and how capable he is at his job. Sadly, putting down an animal is part of a veterinarian’s job. That scene, although a bit sad, really served a purpose and, I believe, enriched my writing. On some level, it felt pretty darn good bending that rule because it enhanced Ben’s character.
Research
Now that I’m writing cozy mysteries, I’m constantly learning new things. I try not to be predictable and like to mix things up a bit. In book two of my Serenity Hills Choir mysteries, the new choir director, Fiona Farrington, is a bit of an oddball. As the singers get to know her, they discover that Fiona is a rather complex thirty-year-old woman. The fact that she practices voodooism leaves the choir members in a tailspin! I did a good bit of research while writing this book; mainly, about voodooism, and discovered people have some preconceived notions about it. This book will be up for preorder in April, so that will definitely be in my April newsletter. Carole Helm Pickett, a good friend and editor, enjoyed this book, RHYTHM OF REVENGE more than the first one!
Retirement Romance
When I first began writing this Serenity Hills Choir mystery series, the only romance I anticipated was between heroine, Hannah Larsen, and police detective, Liam Kincaid. But, as some of you know, books sometimes almost write themselves. Before I knew it, Hannah’s mother, Bonnie, and truck driver, Tom Gunderson became a ‘thing.’ Half the ladies in town have the hots for Tom, but he picks Bonnie.
Dating when you’re in your sixties is probably awkward, and I love the part in book one when they’re out having dinner and all Bonnie can think about is heading home, taking off her bra, and, as she puts it, ‘letting the girls drop down a few inches.’ I plan to keep this romance going in books 2 & 3. And as I write book 3, a new store owner is drawn to crotchety Grace Lindstrom. Who knew! Publishing houses always caution authors to “write what they know.” And who knows more about the art of aging than I do! That must be why this series is so much fun to write.
I’ve been battling with Amazon because they left out the last book in my ‘Letters from the Heart’ series and appear baffled as to how the 4th book in a series can be added! I can honestly say that the fourth book in that Valentine’s Day series, My Dearest Chloe, is my very favorite. Even if you don’t see it in the series with the other three books, please consider grabbing a copy. Even though these books are part of a series, each one can be a stand-alone book. You don’t have to purchase all of them to enjoy one or two.
Have a wonderful month with this crazy March weather we generally get. By the time we meet again, that eclipse on April 8th will only be a few days away! Summer is only a few months away. Here's a peaceful, serene picture of the beach! This woman could actually be the character in My Dearest Clare!
Gay Ann Kiser
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