A few years ago my husband organized a golf trip to the Gold Coast of Australia for members of the local New Zealand RSA (Returned Services’ Association). I’m not a golfer, but the lure of sunshine, half naked lifeguards on the surf beach, great shopping, and the chance to relax and do a little writing was all the incentive I needed. I packed my bags, ready to tag along.
Most of the group was a lot older than us, although I hasten to add, very fit and lively and definitely switched on. Our group consisted of couples plus three elderly bachelors. We called them “the boys”.
On the first day we arrived late morning and checked into our holiday apartments. We lazed around, deciding to meet up in the bar later that evening before going out to dinner in a group. The three boys were in the bar when we arrived for drinks. We purchased beer and wine and sat down outside to enjoy them while waiting for everyone else. The boys had already been out exploring.
“We’re going to the Burleigh Bowls Club for dinner,” one of the boys said.
“Yes,” another agreed. “Cheap meals. The beer is a good price as well.”
We nodded.
“And,” said the third boy, “There’s a dance at the Bowls Club tonight.” He paused to waggle his eyebrows. “We’re gonna grab us a granny!”
We roared with laughter. Not terribly P.C., I know, but I still grin each time I think of the three elderly men going off to the dance.
The next day, while the others were out playing golf, I pulled out my laptop and started pondering about what to write. The phrase “grab a granny” popped into my head and refused to leave. I decided to blend fact with fiction and write about a woman on a golf trip meeting with a younger man. Of course, the phrase “grab a granny” was in the story, although it wasn’t in relation to my heroine. I called my story, Grab a Granny.
Of course, the title Grab a Granny isn’t terribly romantic, so after consideration, my story became Summer Encounter.
Believe me, ideas are everywhere!
Shelley
Here’s the blurb for Summer Encounter:
Sophie Walker is on holiday in Australia when a hot and handsome cutey kisses her right in the middle of the Burleigh Bowls Club. The man fires slumbering sensual fantasies and sends her hormones swooping. Sophie wants to take a bite before she realizes it’s Isaac Shepherd—one of her daughter’s ex-boyfriends. Chastened, Sophie tells herself to forget the younger man, but it seems the attraction is mutual.
Sunshine. A hot, young stud. Steamy sex. The perfect recipe for total relaxation until the end of the vacation looms and Sophie doesn’t want to let Isaac go.
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Taking in some sun on the Golf Course
I love reading how you get inspiration for a book. That’s really funny though.
That’s so strange to me to see a kangaroo on the golf course! In my neck of the woods we have Canada geese on the greens!
Mary – I’ve never forgotten it. The three oldies made me laugh so hard!
Nancy – It’s not normal in New Zealand either. It’s quite funny seeing them lounging about. I’ve seen snakes on Australian golf courses too. I almost stepped on one because I thought it was a stick.