InsaneJournal

MODERN WESTERN. ROMANCE.

She fell in love, got married and became a widow in a span of five years. Her life before that — and (insert western town name) — was set in New York City. She's no longer a city girl or an interior designer and her whole world revolves around her late husband's ranch, The Circle-S.

Bethany's story was perfect — and in developing this character, I got pretty damn attached. I'll fill you in on the details of her background and original story if you'd like - or we can uncover all of it in writing. My goal is to see Bethany through this next phase in life. She's still young - she's thirty-four; so she ain't dead. Moving on and picking up the pieces isn't really on her agenda - but it's totally on mine.

So for this story, if you're eager to take on something in-depth and complicated and fun, you've got me! Bethany is my very favorite character and she comes already well-rounded and hashed out. For her, I like to focus on how she gets through challenges and around bends and so on and so forth. I don't have an opposite character in mind - that's where you come in.

The setting is western - originally it took place in Wyoming. Bethany grew up in that same town, moved at age eighteen and was back ten years later. Someone from her past? Somebody sparkly and new? Whatever the case - I don't force relationships. I let B take the reins on her own love life.

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I've been toying with this idea as a historical western..!

MODERN. ROMANCE.

She needs something fresh and new.

I'm inspired for some kind of summer romance. Bring on the beach - water sports - barbecues and carnival rides. The very temporary idea of one season is appealing to me. What happens when summer's over? Maybe this story can be spread over a number of summers - or if not summers specifically, just broken up into many fleeting encounters over a number of years. I'd like to explore a real and timeless connection between two people who just can't — or maybe don't want to — make it work. Maybe it's their careers. Maybe one is just self-sabotaging.

I think I have a character in mind for this. Sidney means well in life, but she can't seem to make everything work. Staying too long in one place has never appealed to her and for the life of her, she can't seem to stop the circle — start anew, immerse into a wonderful new life, make one mistake - ignore it, stumble in a series of other mistakes, fuck everything up, run away.

In the end, I'd like Sidney to find a reason to stop running. *This idea does not have to include Sidney. This idea could be two very different ideas; my original thought about a summer romance OR something for Sidney. Just roll with it - it's only the beginning of a brainstorm.

HISTORICAL WESTERN. FORBIDDEN ROMANCE.

Wild west, old west, something along those lines. I'm not a history buff - let's find a certain year-ish or so that we can both enjoy. Essentially, the idea will involve a white woman and a native.

I have two general scenarios. The first - a city woman travels west for her own reasons and takes up a teaching post. The post comes with a house, though it's slightly in shambles in hasn't been lived in for some time. It's out of the way - right on a river. I'd like to see her strike up a friendship or an arrangement with an indian - he'll help her to establish independence and taking care of her home without need of finding a husband.

The second idea would immerse the white woman into his culture. She'll be married with a young child - wildly in love with her husband. They leave a bustling city to become frontiersmen together, they work on building a new life together. Unfortunately, their child becomes ill and he must leave to find proper help or medication. Only - he never does come back. When winter sets in, things are worse. They are rescued by a native american tribe - and we fast forward another year.

She has lived among them quite peacefully in those twelve months, but now it's time she takes a new husband. They won't force her - she is welcome to return back to her own people if she so chooses. Except? Now she feels safe. Now she sees how her child has grown so well where they are. Her husband - though never declared officially dead - is not coming back. Without much time to make her decision, she finally agrees to stay and remarry. It will be a complicated, interesting relationship.

Maybe, after a time, her husband does return. Who knows? Possibilities are endless! Please do suggest your own ideas and thoughts.

MODERN. MYSTERY. SUSPENSE. ROMANCE

Tessa's mother died when she was ten. Her body was never found, and everyone said it was an accident. But didn't anyone remember how sad she'd always been? Only Tess knew the truth. And growing up with the guilt? Nobody could come away from that without a few deep scars.

The fishing town never made the news. Nobody ever asked about it. It was just a dot on a map next to the ocean - as unremarkable as any port town without tourist-ridden beaches. But then a body was found - or rather, a skeleton - and the past was drudged back up.

This woman knew her mother. How could Tess not meet her? Her mother was an enigma. Her dad never spoke about her - but he always thought about her. And even before the accident, the woman was like a ghost. She always walked along the ocean, always stared over the water - never made a friend. Never missed a quiet meal. But Tess remembered being loved by her once - only, she never seemed to be enough to keep her happy.

Who was this woman, though? It didn't matter. It felt so good to have a connection to her mother again.

With the skeleton came a new investigation. The letter... Shouldn't she say something? What was there to say? The letter. ...The letter, the letter. That small, plain white envelope was haunting her dreams again. When had it stopped? Tess couldn't remember. Eventually, she was numb. But the feeling was rushing back. Who could blame her? She'd been so young... Hell, would she even change what she'd done?

Clearly, I don't want to give all the details away. I think it takes away from the thrill or suspense. In any case - Tess is the focal point of this story. But she needs more in her life! You're welcome to suggest away, an opposite character. A romance? I'd love it - possibly the investigator? Maybe just a person who'd always been there? Media? She leaves town and into a bigger city to meet with her mother's old "friend." Perhaps someone she meets there? I will let you in on more of the story if you're interested. Be interested!