I love newspapers. I began reading Ann Landers’ column in the long-defunct Newark (N.J.) Evening News before I understood some of the problems her readers described. The New York Daily News’ headlines hooked me early, and the New York Times showed me newspapers didn’t need comics to pull in readers. I’d turn the pages of its magazine section and picture myself in the glossy ads. Human-interest stories were and still are my favorite read.
These days, I live in Texas, where a subscription to the daily New York Times qualifies as a luxury item, but subscribe I do. In this mean economy, newspapers have cut the number and depth of the feature stories they run, but the Times’ budget still allows for longer, thoughtful pieces.
The heroine of A PLACE AT THE TABLE, my Golden Heart-winning manuscript, was inspired by a Times series on people in unusual medical/hospital jobs. One of the people featured was a social worker/hospital-discharge planner. As I read her story, I remember wondering what kind of person writes detailed instructions about a to-be-discharged patient’s on-going therapy, prescriptions, and care? What kind of person chooses to run interference between patients and insurers and between patients and their frightened or exasperated loved ones? As I was reading fact, I spun fiction and decided, with apologies to the real-life planner in the article, that such a person had control issues. I even decided such a person was the adult child of an alcoholic and had been the type of kid to keep track of her mom’s AA meetings. Later in the article, when the real-life planner alluded to a relative with an addictive personality, I wasn’t surprised and felt free to go deeper into make-believe.
On September 1, the Times did an article about a candidate for public office who makes a point of hugging people to win their approval. His advisors refer to these hugs as “mind melds,” and a photo shows the candidate cheek-to-cheek with a supporter. By the time I finished reading, I pictured a boss who manipulates those who rely on her for a paycheck. I don’t think my fictional boss uses hugs, but her father might have. Or did he withhold them?
Newspaper stories jumpstart my imagination, and I’m detached enough from the events and people described to go where it takes me. A friend recently confided a secret, and my primitive brain screamed, I’m using that. But I can’t. My mind won’t travel to worst-case scenarios when a friend’s involved, and it refuses to see humor in her dilemma.
The Times’ Sunday wedding feature, “Vows,” is an auto-read for me and so is “The Boss” feature in Sunday’s business section. I read about athletes whose sports I don’t understand and devour travel articles about places I’ll never visit. It’s all fodder.
Pat O'Dea Rosen writes family stories that mix drama and humor--a blend that duplicates dinner conversations at her house. Between two long teaching stints, she spent a decade in the newspaper business, seven of them as a reporter. A newpaper editor once told her: "You know your problem? You think everybody's interesting." She doesn't consider that a flaw. Pat lives in Houston with her husband and two cats. Her grown children live nearby and keep mealtimes lively.
8 comments:
Pat, you sound fascinating, and I look forward to reading your book! I love people who find other people interesting, so I'm a fan already! Not to mention that your storyline sounds intriguing. I like how you think! Best of luck to you~
Kieran :>)
Every day I learn something new about you, Pat. It's not surprising, though, to know it's the human interest stories that interest you the most. I feel the same way. After all, we're writers! Can't wait to see your book in print. It's going to happen soon; I feel it in my bones.
Aww, Kieran. Thanks. I'm interested in what drives tuned-into-popular-culture Funny Girls like you and Vicky to write Regencies? Is it the chance to write witty repartee? The clothing? The history? I'm fascinated by the choices we make as writers. Pat
Hi, Pat Kay!
Maybe what you feel in your bones is the chance of rain. I've hand-watered my potted plants EVERY DAY for the past two weeks. It's gotten old. Seriously, Pat, thanks for the kind words--and for being my critique partner. The Other Pat
I'd love to know how Kieran got interested in Regency romances. For me, it was ... accidental. Story of my life, LOL. Seriously, I bought my first romance by accident at the supermarket. I saw the label NYT Bestseller on the front of a paperback, picked it up, and that's when my then preschool daughter escaped down the aisle. I threw the book in the basket & took off after Amber. Later, I got home, turned the book over, and wrinkled my nose. A ROMANCE??? Then I started reading & couldn't put it down. It was Judith McNaught's ALMOST HEAVEN. I recently found out she is considered the inventor of the historical romance genre. I've loved historical romances, especially those set in the Regency, ever since.
Some of the best things happen by accident, Vicky. What a great story. Pat
I really enjoyed this, Pat. Thanks! And I'm impressed--I never know where my ideas come from! But I do read the TIMES every day on line.
Hi, Jane,
Did you see today's feature about the Amish man who's admitted sexual assaults to his community elders but is pleading not guilty in secular court? What would it be like to be a fictional elder and the father of a twelve-year-old girl in that community? OMG. You, Jane, have always come up with good ideas on your own. Thanks for reading my post.
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