I admit–I’ve been stuck on Book Three, trying to figure out what’s wrong with it, and why I
Yeah-not really that inspiring . . .
couldn’t move forward with the darn thing and I was at the Magnolia Cafe, wracking my brain (never a pretty sight) when it came to me…
I was having main character Cauley meet a confidential informant at an Austin area park. I wanted the park to be ultra-Austin, ie, wild, weird and completely unconventional, but, most of Austin’s parks could be described that way. Originally, I set the scene in historically significant and slightly wacky Waterloo Park, but as I nibbled on Magnolia’s extra yummy Voodoo Chicken, it hit me.
Hippie Hollow. What’s more Austin than the only county-run nude beach in Texas?
And while the park was originally named Hippie Hollow in the 60s because co-eds from the University of Texas, it is now largely a hangout (literally) for gay guys and old hippie, redneck bikers. Having covered events there for the paper back in the day (not naked btw) I discovered fairly quickly that the people who want to let it all hang out are expressly the people you wish would put it all back in.
I called my critique partner, an FBI agent who up and moved away because of a bunch of stupid terrorists, and floated the idea past him.
Turns out he was sitting in a courthouse during a break in proceedings, so he was limited on what he could say, and he listened as I explained how I thought the scene would go.
After a long silence, he finally said, “Sounds like you need to do some research.”
I snorted in a delicate southern manner, but still managed to get iced tea on my monitor.
“I’m still traumatized from the time I had to interview a hairy naked guy, who, I’m not kidding, was grilling wienies for an event called ‘Splash Day,’ which has people coming to Lake Travis in general and Hippie Hollow in particular, from all over the world,” I said. “I’m looking for inspiration not traumatization.”
“You sure? I’m due for some time in Dallas,” he said.
Visions of Chap having to be peeled off the ceiling rumbled through my brain.
“No thanks,” I said. “I think I got this one covered.”
So to speak.
Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
First, thank you for reading, second, knock-on-cyber-wood I haven’t been hacked, but I have had my fair share of spam. I wish you the best of luck
I really this blog. Thanks for publishing it.
You made me smile–thank you
That first sentence really caught my attenton. dang
Scary stuff
I wrote the scene yesterday, and it’s pretty cute . . .
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally discuss with my web site =). We could have a link change agreement between us!
thank you–and just let me know
Hi, Wonderful work! This is my first time i visit here. I discovered so numerous fascinating stuff in your website.
Well thank you–and have a Merry Christmas!
not sure how to put this but i am out of money and need to fidn a job
good luck to you–I’m in the same boat right now . . .
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and use something from other sites.
Well thank you, glad to help–that’s my goal–I’ve learned so much from so many brilliant folks, my hope is to pass it on . . .