Inspiration on a Septic System Afternoon

 

Jeff–Saturday

 

We returned from Greece with one (or two) cracked ribs (all mine)—courtesy of an utterly horrid Athens airport lounge design, dead batteries in all vehicles, a septic system that gave up the ghost (among other things) after 35 years of noble service (with plumbing problems to match),  no internet or satellite TV, a scramble to finalize a film deal, a rush to complete Kaldis #13, and a major happy family event to escape to in Texas for five days less than a week away.

 

And yet, what popped into my mind as the topic for today’s post was a question every author is asked more times than we can count: “Where do you get your ideas?”

 

Many authors have a standard—often comical—reply. In fact, I’m certain my MIE colleagues would love to share their secret sources with you, so don’t hesitate to ask them that question the next time you see them. 

 

During my time as an adjunct professor of English, teaching mystery writing, I’d often say that inspiration springs from the most unexpected sources, leaving it up to you, the writer, to recognize it for what it is and build your work upon it.  I’d then give a line or phrase and say run with it. Create your story around this line. Precisely how, when, and where you choose to use it in crafting your tale is up to you.

 

Earlier this afternoon, I was chewing the fat with my buddy, Mike, while we worked on my septic tanks (actually, he worked and I chewed), he gave me the best example I ever heard of the random sort of line capable of driving every sort of mystery-thriller from comic to hard core noir. 

 

 

Mike is a true professional when it comes to many things, but his vast experience with septic systems gives him a special perspective on what lies buried beneath the surface of so many families’ true day-to-day existence.

 

Curiosity had me asking him for his most memorable experience in the septic system trade.

 

Without hesitation he said, “That’s easy. I’ve had the same experience several times. Every time unforgettable.”

 

He’d piqued my interest. “So, tell me already.”

 

“Sometimes curious homeowners like to hang around when I’m dragging the concrete cover off the top of their tank.  Often, they’re surprised at what’s floating on top.” 

 

Mike paused for effect.  “Several times curious husbands have stared into the tank and said —coronets please – ‘They’re not my condoms.’”

 

Any story lines come to mind?

 

–Jeff