It’s important to get stories straight, even in fiction. A writer can’t just make up stuff and expect readers to follow everything they say. Some readers will know a story’s plausibility, so the writer needs to get the details right to allay any doubts.
My sister turned 50, and her surprise birthday was planned in Brisbane. I thought I’d take an opportunity to do some research while crossing the country to visit her in her wonderful city.
How could I not make the trip? I hadn’t seen her in five years!
A plan was made.
Whistle-stop touring to your home city isn’t ideal. There’s never enough time to do everything or see everyone. What does one do when arriving from an incredibly long distance for the briefest of stays? You’ll want to see a lot, but don’t offend those you cannot visit at the time you are available.
I decided on two things: 1. Don’t tell anyone about the trip until it ends. 2. Play some of it by ear when there.
My visit would be broken down into five elements, and pursued with vigour once I got there:
- Birthday party
- Visit family
- Research material for novels
- Memory lane
- Visit friends
The birthday party was a no-brainer. That’s why I made plans to travel; the rest was simply to fall behind.
My family includes my sister, mother, cousin, my brother and his wife, an uncle and two aunts, and any other family member who happened to be within striking distance of Brisbane.
My novels include Brisbane. With my trusty phone camera at hand, I took pictures of the scenes described inside the manuscripts so I could research them later at home, get their facts right, measure them if needed, and look for new material for future stories along the way.
Memory lane is simply that – crossing old ground to visit the past, where I once lived. I’m nuts about revisiting history and observing the changes made to my past worlds.
Friends. There are so many, past and present. My plan was to include those I could see based on geographical and time constraints.
A brainstorm hit me a week before leaving: ‘I’ll hire a camper van!’
Motel stays are fine, but I didn’t know where or when I’d be at any one time. Flexibility was paramount. I’d be visiting family, and it was possible (though not always likely) that I’d be able to stay with them overnight—and I’d have to rent a vehicle anyway. The camper gave me both options.
It’d offer the necessary transport to get from place to place, but it’d be my escape route. I’d be able to hit the road sooner rather than later the following morning. I’d be like a turtle carrying its home on its back. What a great decision that turned out to be!
My first stop was Nudgee Beach. It’s a place I know well – there’s a new book coming out shortly, and Nudgee is where some interesting crime fiction takes place. A couple meet there one night, but only one person leaves. A body is found right on this structure!
The boardwalk in question hovers over a sandy beach near a creek that runs east and west; at least that’s the way it appears in the book right now. In life, it’s a bit different to that. There’s mud and vegetation to include, too. I’m going to have to rewrite that section to describe it better.
And then I needed to rest.
I never sleep well on planes. Five hours in the air on a flight that began at midnight hit me hard. I found a quiet place in Sandgate, parked between some trees and then shut my eyes. Three hours later, I was ready to continue.
Redcliffe!
They sure are bright red (more like orange), aren’t they? Another site described in novel three, where a redhead meets her untimely end, is set right at the foot of these orange cliffs! In all the years I visited, sailed, and lived in Redcliffe, I never got a photo of the cliffs that give the area its name. Now I have!
Of course, they’re not red at all, but neither are many redheads I’ve met. 🙂
And then I looked at the rocky beach to the left, right, where the murder takes place, and realised that some more rewriting is needed to get it just right before it goes to print, too!
After thanking myself for double-checking that detail, I made camp in the area. Thanks to Louis and Wilma for dinner and a bed for that night.
To speed up reading this post, I’ll pick things up: The next day was spent in Dayboro. I checked out our old home, met friends, saw the sights, and got ready for Helen’s inaugural coming-of-old-age party.
When we’re together, we’re a kooky lot!
She was surprised! I had to limit social media postings and be careful what I sent, especially what showed in the background. Silly photos made the cut.
Mother’s Day followed her birthday, so I had lunch and watched a movie with her on the south side of Brisbane. (Mother likes going to the movies).
Logan City was an ever-so-brief stop. I refuelled there and returned to Brisbane to be a tourist and researcher. Many photos were taken. Many thanks also go to Dennis and Lucea for hosting me that night.
Bobbie called and had some fantastic news to tell me, so I diverted my touring to include a stop to see her in Strathpine. I can’t tell you what it was—it’s a secret!
The trip to her place was ironic, though. I’d found my way back to where I started. Tea and Tiramisu with Liana in Northlakes rounded off my time in the greater Brisbane area. What time was left was spent recording a new podcast and packing up to get ready for the flight back to Perth.
New content will be added here and on the home site in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for both. On that note, tune in for the two new dark fiction novels designed to frighten and creep. You’ll never look at online dating the same way again. You’ll never keep your e-device or laptop in the same room where you sleep ever again.
Was that a spoiler?
–Michael (Dark Fiction. Author of SEETHINGS (the first book), free for a limited time)
SEETHINGS promises a gripping psychological thriller that blends murder, passion, and secrets of a sexless marriage. Forman’s vivid prose draws readers into a world where lightning illuminates the skies and hidden truths. As the storm clouds gather, Mitchell’s journey promises to unravel more than just the mystery of the murders.
Download eBook Here Now (Free, Limited Time)
Discover more from Michael Forman – Author of Dark Fiction & Drama
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