…and ever since, I’ve been wondering how to use the experience in a story. We writers are like squirrels in that we store life's little moments for future use.
I’d never had a deep longing to visit Vienna but I’d always wanted to see the famous Lipizzan horses so, as they wouldn’t come to me, I had to go to them. I booked tickets for a performance and, at the end of June, flew out to Vienna.
Worried we’d get lost and be late for the horses’ performance, I was at the Spanish Riding School early. So early in fact that I saw the horses being moved from their stables to be prepared for the big show. I couldn’t believe I was up close to these famous animals. In fact, I’d watched in open-mouthed amazement for a few minutes before I realised that the shiny black thing hanging around my neck ought to be used to record this momentous occasion.
 |
| Lippizan heading straight for me! |
 |
| Inside the Imperial Palace waiting for the horses to strut their stuff |
(No photography was allowed during the performance, sadly.)
The rest of our brief stay in the City was spent exploring and I fell in love. All the while, however, I was wondering how to use the experience in fiction. A murder committed while a spellbound audience watches the beautiful stallions perform beneath the huge chandeliers?
Maybe a body discovered in the Palm House? Decomposing nicely among the rare plants in the hot house?
 |
| The Palm House |
 |
| The Palm House |
Or perhaps the body has been cunningly hidden in a piece of artwork?
 |
| Monumental Break by French artist Julien Berthier |
Weapons disguised as accordions? Killers wearing animal masks?
 |
| Buskers |
A power struggle ends in murder in the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace?
 |
| The Gloriette in the Schönbrunn Palace Garden |
Um, killer hare takes over a city?
As it stands, I'm still trying to finish The Final Echoes (aka The Book that Refuses to be Written), a story in my Jill Kennedy & DCI Max Trentham series, and that is firmly set amid the brooding hills of my hometown, but you can rest assured that Vienna will one day be the setting for some murder and mayhem. Whether that story involves killer hares or horses playing accordions remains to be seen. Watch this space!
21 comments:
Fantastic pictures, Shirley. I'm so jealous of your trip! Clearly there should be a desperate escape atop a Lipizzan stallion!
...and no -- no horses playing accordions. :)
I'll make room in my suitcase the next time I go, Gladys. :) No horses playing accordions? Are you sure? I see possibilities...
I vote for the killer wearing an animal mask. Very creepy! Thanks for the virtual tour, Shirley. I've always wanted to go to Vienna.
Great pics - thanks for sharing! I love that Palm House. So gorgeous and interesting.
(And I have killers wearing animal masks in my upcoming release. LOL)
Loved the photos. Vienna looks as lovely as the old song says. I rather like the decomposing body buried beneath the greenery although the pink rabbit looks promising.
Killers in masks, or anyone in masks, makes for *very* creepy reading, doesn't it, Marcelle? And you must go to Vienna, it's wonderful. I'll nip over to the Yukon and house-sit for you. :)
Can't wait for your upcoming release, Anne Marie! So creepy. (And I promise not to steal your idea, LOL.)
The Palm House is a wonderful construction.
Yes, I like the thought of the body decomposing beneath the greenery, Elise. As we walked round the hothouse, I came pretty close to decomposing. :)
All great ideas - well maybe not the killer hare ;-) Wonderful pictures. I love the palace, and the killer in an animal head mask would be a great disguise!
You don't like the killer hate idea, Wynter? Hmm, perhaps I'll have a rethink, LOL.
'Pretty in pink, killer hare starts in Vienna and takes over the world.' Hmm. Maybe not. LOL. Loved your blog and the photos. I saw the Lipizzan horses in college and was mesmerized then and still am every time I see their photos or videos. Want to take hubby to Vienna someday. Your photos reminded me of how lovely it is.
Pretty in Pink - great title! :) Those horses are amazing, aren't they, Sandy? You should definitely take hubby to Vienna and spend as much time as possible in their company.
Loved your post, Shirley. Yup, you're right, inspiration is everywhere!
Thanks, Jean. Yes, we're lucky that it's everywhere. :)
Renting or buying, be very careful and ask questions and inspect. Look for signs of bed bugs and ask questions about previous living situation. Problems with bed bugs can be resolved by Pest Pounders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfmDwgWvkC4
have read many blogs in the net but have never come across such a well written blog. Good work keep it up
purpose of academic writing
This is really great news. Thank you for sharing it with us!
teacher interview questions and answers
wow that is so interesting and it's a great art. thanks
academic essay writing
This is a brilliant writing and very pleased to find this site. I couldn’t discover to much different information on your blog. I will surely be back again to look at some other important posts that you have in future.
purpose of academic writing
I really like the fresh perpective you did on the issue. I will be back soon to check up on new posts! Thank you!
Robotics Summer Camp
Any organization needs a visual identity these days. It includes a unique logo, colors, wordmark, typeface, and some visual elements like illustrations and iconography that makes a memorable first impression and sets the brand apart from the competitors. branding services logo
Post a Comment