It starts with an idea.

Writing starts with an idea.

And, if you have them written down, the idea tends to stick around. Like this one, that I blogged about:

Why am I rambling on about this? Because I often find myself on the road, driving through various towns. Two year ago, after I departed from Atchison, KS - which as an adorable downtown area that is a true throwback in time - I started seeing signs for Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa? The name caught my attention. How did they decide on this as the town name? What was it? and...how country does that sound???

As I approached the northern Kansas town , I admired how the fields rolled and how that must make for a gorgeous sunset. I wondered if the amber color of the wheat glowed more marigold in the dark orange sunsets that must appear every evening.

I wondered what type of festivals the small town must have? What rich heritage did they celebrate annually on cool summer nights? How romantic would thunderstorms be and did the moon appear to be larger in that evening landscape?

Then an old quote ran through my mind from a timeless classic? "What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."

George Bailey says it in "It's a Wonderful Life".

As all these things coursed through my mind, a story developed. The title first: "The Oskaloosa Girl". I envisioned picture perfect festivals, a Gilmore Girl atmosphere of local color, soldiers returning from war, and that one girl that dreamed big - and for that reason was also a bit of a black sheep. Sure, she was beloved by the town, but she was also something... a bit more.

Recently, in a dream, the rest of the story finally came to me. As I embark on my newest writing journey, I would like for this to be a project we do together. I'll have a cast of characters, places, events and ideas that I'll be asking for your input on!

I the mean time, I mocked up a cover for inspiration. What do you think?

Let me know, Liz.

#regencygirl #oskaloosa #oskaloosagirl #kansas #romance #hallmark #lovestory