Don’t you love this photo? Who doesn’t want to be a fairy princess?
I grew up on a sheep ranch in southern Idaho. Often, my busy mother would shoo my sister and me outside to play. A heavy list of chores needed done without us around her feet complaining, “I’m bored.”
Didn’t take us long to come up with ways to entertain ourselves, especially through the summer months.
We pretended.
Some days, we imagined ourselves doctors in a busy hospital filled with patients (i.e. the lambing sheds and chicken coop). Or, we played farmer and used our dad’s garden hose to irrigate our tiny dirt fields lined with rocks.
Occasionally, we donned our suits and sunglasses and swam in the cattle trough letting visions of palm trees dance in our minds. (PS – don’t use Jergen’s hand creme for tanning lotion unless you want a sunburn you’ll not soon forget!)
My favorite game was Academy Awards. Glammed up in our mother’s nightgowns and high heels, we’d march forward and accept Prell Shampoo bottles (our version of the coveted Oscar statue) and blow kisses to our adoring fans (the fence posts).
I’m often asked how I come up with stories for my novels. The easy answer is this: I go inside my head and pretend. I imagine being someone else and what I’d do, and how I’d feel if this or that happened.
I think most novelists would say the same. We’re inspired by our imagination.
WHAT DID YOU PRETEND AS A CHILD?
As a debut novelist, I admit to closing my eyes and pretending I’m a New York Times bestselling author. What would THAT be like?
Want to help me find out? Pre-order your copy of MOTHER OF PEARL today!
Comments 6
You just listed some of my best childhood memories….Glad I got to share such a wonderful time pretending with you Sissy!
Ditto, Jeannie. I love our childhood memories. Thank you for all you do to support my move to a new career. I love you!
Indeed! What would THAT be like? Praying for you and Mother of Pearl.
And P.S. I was a bossy little girl who directed lots of plays. Everybody had to do what I said. I also headed up lots of fashion shows. Picnic tables and benches make great runways. Love you, Kel.
Your support means so much, Julie. And I’m loving the image of you being bossy and having picnic table fashion shows! Ahhh….childhood.
I pretended I was traveling. Sitting in my brother’s old car (up on blocks), with my mom’s alligator travel case next to me, I drove from state to state. Now, I drive cars part-time; and, I’ve been to all fifty states.
Hmmm… I also pretended to accept Academy Awards, so maybe someday….
Yes, I believe an OSCAR is in your future!