A Writer’s View

I was talking with my husband the other day about how children say they are "bored" when they’re at an event that they don’t enjoy. That statement didn’t make much sense to me, and I realized it might be directly related to my profession.

As a writer, I think I view everyday actions differently than most. When I’m walking down the street, I’m thinking about the people, shops, and even the vehicles, from the perspective of how they can be weaved into a storyline. Something as simple as taking out the trash can, in my mind, turn into an abduction.

Take CHASING AMANDA, for instance. Molly Tanner got into her car in a Walmart parking lot and saw a man trying to get (what looked like) his daughter into his vehicle. The child was struggling, trying to avoid the restrictions of the seat belt. Everyday occurrence? Not on that day. In MEGAN’S WAY, when Olivia found herself in the hands of an attacker, she had started out by simply using a social network. Again, common occurrence, but it was twisted and turned into something vastly different.

Perhaps if children (and adults) viewed their surroundings with a tad bit more curiosity, they’d experience a less boredom and a little more excitement.

Article written by Melissa Foster, New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, founder of Fostering Success, World Literary Café, and The Women’s Nest. Melissa writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. Follow Melissa on Twitter @Melissa_Foster.

This article was originally written for Fresh Fiction.