Milwaukee and romance: you may not automatically put them together, but I’m trying. I’ve been writing my first novel (off and on) for over a year; jotting down notes and scribbling brilliant ideas in between buying the groceries and picking the kids up at school. I’ve eked out eight chapters so far, and they aren’t awful. But I need you, dear reader, to make them great.
Here’s the run down – my heroine is a female chef and restaurant owner; a local lady who has worked hard to create a little restaurant. She’s engaged to an ass, but that quickly ends. Our hero is a young restaurant critic, newly arrived from England with a huge chip on his shoulder and an ego to match. You see where this is going, right?
But this isn’t just a love story about two people who happen to live in any old city; it’s also a love story to Milwaukee. Remember Sex and the City? New York was just as important to the show as the four leading ladies. It wouldn’t have had the same punch if they lived in Miami, LA, or anywhere else. New York had a personality all its own that was crucial to the chemistry of the entire show. Things happened in New York that don’t happen anywhere else, like Fashion Week, lunches in Central Park, or even getting mugged. In any other city, it wouldn’t have been as funny.
Anyone who has ever lived in Milwaukee (or even visited) can attest there is something unique about this city on the lake. It may be the roots deep in German traditions, the “just right” distance from our neighbor to the South, or even the weather. We can go from a balmy spring day to a raging blizzard in less than 24 hours (not often, but it’s happened). Milwaukee teams with unique buildings boasting storied pasts. And the people here are just as special. The weather never stops us from going where we need to go, attending opening day (though the roof certainly makes it more pleasant), or rocking all night at Summerfest.
An integral part of my story is not just two characters falling in love, but a falling in love with the place. Milwaukee needs to be just as alive as they are. I want the readers to fall in love with her too. While I’ve lived here most of my adult life, I know there are quintessential Milwaukee experiences I’ve missed. I’ve rocked at Summerfest, dined at Webbs during the wee hours of the morning, and closed Wolski’s. I’ve giggled at the more unconventional displays at the Art Museum. I’ve played more bingo at Potawatomi than I care to admit and I’ve looked for a Safehouse. I remember how magical Grand Avenue became at Christmas when it was THE place to shop.
Since this is my first attempt at a novel, there will be much to learn along the way. I’d like to share these foibles with you, what I think works, what definitely didn’t, my research adventures, when I find time to write, how I find time to write (currently, I’ve plopped the kids in front of the TV with m&ms. The sound of snow clothes knocking around in the dryer provides an effective buffer from their arguments), and whatever else seems worth sharing. In return, I hope you can share some of your thoughts and experiences too.
So, dear readers, let’s begin with a big question to get our conversation started? What do you consider the quintessential Milwaukee experience? And what makes it a “Milwaukee” experience?
