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I didn't intend to write a 'road trip' story- that's just how it's coming out. Are there any cliches or overused situations I should steer clear of, like too many flashbacks or hermits spewing wisdom along the way? Here's the context of my story:
My MC, Mary, accidentally kills her boyfriend Paul. She eats a peanut filled granola bar before kissing him, and he has a severe allergic reaction. Heartsick, overcome with guilt and sick of her religiously overbearing parents, she sets out from New Mexico to live with her aunt and uncle in British Columbia (about 30 hours of driving). Obsessed with the idea of a clean start, she vows to give away all her material possessions along the way, wanting to arrive in BC with nothing but the clothes on her back, her passport, and her memories. Not long after setting out, Mary realizes Paul's protective older brother is following her, and he knows something about her and Paul she doesn't want anyone to find out.
Most of the action happens on the road, and the novel is named after Mary's car Donna, who is a major character herself. What sort of road trip cliches are out there? What situations would you want to see in a road trip story? Any book recommendations or helpful links? Thank you!
My MC, Mary, accidentally kills her boyfriend Paul. She eats a peanut filled granola bar before kissing him, and he has a severe allergic reaction. Heartsick, overcome with guilt and sick of her religiously overbearing parents, she sets out from New Mexico to live with her aunt and uncle in British Columbia (about 30 hours of driving). Obsessed with the idea of a clean start, she vows to give away all her material possessions along the way, wanting to arrive in BC with nothing but the clothes on her back, her passport, and her memories. Not long after setting out, Mary realizes Paul's protective older brother is following her, and he knows something about her and Paul she doesn't want anyone to find out.
Most of the action happens on the road, and the novel is named after Mary's car Donna, who is a major character herself. What sort of road trip cliches are out there? What situations would you want to see in a road trip story? Any book recommendations or helpful links? Thank you!
Where in BC is she headed in particular? I recommend clearly researching the route the character is taking and stuff she could encounter along the way. My current WIP has a portion that's a road trip in BC, and I included real landmarks and some real stuff that's happened to me along the same route, for added real life awesomeness.
), so making sure that you really push your voice and attitude and character's POV is key to doing this successfully.
