“After all, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves.” ~ Neil Strauss
All writers draw on their own life experiences to create their stories. They recall people in their history that left a mark, however good or bad, to weave the heroes and villains into the books they write. But mostly, it’s about the writer.
I think all books are memoirs to one degree or another. And while many are similar in plot and sequence, there are the nuances of the writer’s observations that make every one unique.
I discussed in my previous blog that I loved the Nancy Drew books growing up and as one of the reasons I decided to write Cozy Mysteries. Another reason is that, in general, the sleuth is what we all call a “regular Joe”. My books will center around surprise! a housecleaner named Patsy Taylor.
I chose the name “Patsy” after one of my all-time favorite clients. She is a southern belle from North Carolina. As nice as anyone could ever be, she could slice, dice, and julienne someone she disliked with the skill and dexterity of a Samurai and a “Bless Your Heart” cherry on top.
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I’ve always considered myself “regular” because I’ve always worked what most consider regular jobs. To name a few, I’ve waitressed, bartended, worked in retail at a drugstore, and, of course… housecleaning. Not the kind of work that a lot of people would consider doing, but I happen to be quite good at it– it took me a long time to embrace that and be proud of it.
Originally, in the ambition of my youth, I studied to be a psychologist. I got as far as finishing my AA degree when I took a year off to save for the next phase of my education at a university in San Francisco.
It was not to be. I could not secure the funding for school and there just wasn’t enough hours in the day to work to support myself and school in that city. Then my mother died and that was that.
I moved back to Colorado and became… regular.
In a world where half-caf, double pump, venti, soy, no-whip caramel macchiato is the norm, a “regular” coffee seems boring. But it’s not… it’s the foundation on which all the fanciness is built. I’ve tried to be fancy, but, I’m not that either.
I’m okay with being regular.
The reason I chose a housecleaner for the main character, aside from the obvious, is that good housecleaners are very observant. They see things that most people don’t even think about. For example, go to your bathroom and look at the wall and baseboard under the towel holders that you use. See the dried drip marks?
Now you can’t unsee that. 😆
I will continue to share, as a bonus, some of my old housecleaning and organizing blogs and tips! Feel free to ask me questions about cleaning! Happy to help!
AWill Writing 