MONDAY MUSINGS: HOW DOES THE MUSE WORK?

I’m fascinated by when and how I get inspirations for new romance story plots. The mere fact that they continue to come to me is amazing in itself. With well over fifty story ideas on my list already, I figure eventually the well will dry up. Not so, at least not yet. Here’s my latest experience.

Last week, my wife was talking about the terrible fires in California. Having grown up in southern California, I know about those fires. They seem to happen each summer and have for as long as I can remember. My wife mentioned that it might be an interesting setting for a romance. The light bulb went on in my head, and the wheels started cranking away.

I’m a fan of so-called second chance romances, which seem to be popular now, probably because of us baby-boomers reliving the good old days (or whatever). It seemed to make sense to formulate a story where a firefighter rescues someone out in the boonies (boondocks=remote from civilization, the middle of nowhere), only to discover it’s a long-lost love. Sounds promising.

So—what’s the plot going to be? Typical of how my methodical mind abandons all logic in this part of the process, I immediately looked for photos to put on the cover. Bear with me, this really is about the story inspiration.

I wanted a photo of a firefighter, preferably one who was working, and, having learned my lesson before, without the face showing (so I won’t need to worry about model releases). I looked at my favorite free photo site, www.pexels.com. One photo caught my eye. It showed a firefighter with the hat and turnout coat piled on some concrete steps next to the firefighter who is reclining on the steps next to the gear and a well-used fireaxe. One tired arm is draped over the top step. The head is above the top of the frame (no worries about model identification).

Then I looked closer and noticed—wait for it—the firefighter’s resting hand had bright red nail polish on the fingers. As I examined the body, it was clear the firefighter was female. Another huge light bulb went off. Who says the heroic firefighter has to be a guy? Even better if she is a Captain, having worked her way up to be in charge of her own engine company. Yes!

I knew it was my muse who was whispering in my ear. It sounds like a great story idea—magic. It will have to wait its turn on the long list of existing story ideas, but I’m thinking it will worm its way higher on the list as time goes by. We will see.

Thanks to my wife for planting the seed, and for my mystical muse for helping me to make it into a real plot idea. And the journey continues . . .