I know I’m not a new soul, but I’m not sure I’m an old soul either. Too much pressure with wisdom and all that jazz.
But, a vintage soul. That I am.
Vintage dress addiction. Guilty.
Half of my Pandora stations pre-1970. Yep, guilty.
Exclaiming “jeepers” in my kitchen last week. Guilty again.
Pretending to live in another time via fiction. So guilty.
My unhealthy obsession with World War II prompted me to write my first book Beneath the Satin Gloves. I didn’t have a clue how to write a book. I had a dream that shook me to my core. The ideas started filtering onto some crappy notebook I scribbled on during my lunch break. After telling Mr. H about it, he dared me to write a book.
After three years of off and on, and one cross-country move, I finished my first book. Since none of the agents I solicited gave two shits, I self-published, happily joining the indie author movement.
I’ve sold a few books. Not a ton, but some.
I haven’t thought much about the 1940s, except during backstory parts of my current WIP, The Bra Game, which mainly takes place in the 1950s.
Once I released my first baby into the world, I just moved on.
Until one night recently when I looked out my window and stared at my imagination come to life right across the damn street. I blinked, I blinked some more.
But, it was still there. A freaking 1940s limousine.
Now I’m not going to say that my book is historically accurate to perfection. Writing about a time when neither you nor your parents existed doesn’t offer much insight.
By golly, I did my research as best as I could!
The one scene that stumped me involved a limousine. I wrote everything, then stared blankly and pondered for weeks. I knew limousines then looked nothing like they do today. In fact, without researching their appearance at all, I envisioned it.
Turns out, creepy as it is, I pictured the 1940s limousine exactly the way it looked.
Yes, I gave myself a big pat on the back and squealed like the nerd I truly I am. Yes, I dragged Mr. H across the street, even though we were tipsy and wearing our pajamas, just so we could look at it and take way too many pictures.
This gem belonged to a swanky (actually, they were just really cute) old couple, who were visiting Milwaukee for a car show. Don’t worry, we weren’t the only creepers ogling the limo.
In fact, almost every person that walked by stopped and stared.
It was cool to see so many pedestrians appreciate such an artistic piece of history parked on the street. How can you not be captivated by such a sleek machine? Original paint. Original interior. All preserved by a man who couldn’t help but love it endlessly.
After we went back upstairs to our teensy, vintage apartment, the owner came out to grab something out of his kick-ass car. Some college guys stopped and soon enough, the old dude and the young dudes were hanging out talking shop.
I’m not a car enthusiast, personally. But when I saw this 1940s limo, its old beauty warmed my silly, vintage soul.
What about you guys? Ever seen a historical wonder that made your heart go pitter-patter?
Britt Skrabanek 
That’s so cool – it looks like you traveled back in time there. I love historical fiction just for that chance to travel back in time. For some strange reason, I also love big band music and swing. Whenever I hear it, my heart does that pitter-patter thing.
It felt like traveling back in time! Of course, Milwaukee feels that way a lot of the time. : )
I love historical fiction for the very same reason. It’s amazing to be whisked away to another era, isn’t it?
Ditto on the big band and swing. Just makes me so damn happy.
Vintage is an interesting word. Literally, I think, the age of the wine.
In this case: Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal. That Packard certainly holds those traits, as evidenced by the way it draws gawkers so easily.
And yep, you are definitely vintage, Britt.
Agreed on the Packard fitting that definition. Perfection!
Why thank you, Mr. Dittmer. : )
As long as a see-through kind of guy–and I mean that literally–doesn’t come knocking on your door and ask if you want a ride, you should be okay…
Glad to know I’m not the only one who says, “Jeepers!” But I usually add “Creepers” to the end, to, you know, sound especially cool.
Haha! Yeah, that wouldn’t be good.
Jeepers Creepers, eh? Think I need to step up my “cool” factor over here.
That would be swell. And groovy…
LOL! You’re swell and groovy!
You were born too late Britt – there’s no call for gangsters’ molls these days. You have a great touch for historical fiction – your night club scene in wartime Berlin still floats back to me at unexpected times.
Totally agreed. Thank you so much for the BtSG compliment. That was my favorite scene, so I’m glad it worked. ; )
Cars don’t move me, but I love old typewriters.
More than that, though, I love to hear where authors get their ideas, or inspiration so loved that you shared a little of that here.
Ooh, typewriters are awesome! I often say I wish I still had a typewriter to work on, so I can have the speed of typing without the uninspiring computer screen in my face.
I love this old car – so beautiful! My town has a vintage car fair every year and I’m in awe of the details. How so much was made of wood. How there were no mirrors.
You definitely have a vintage soul! It made me think of that song “New Soul”. I think that’s the name of it. I can’t remember who sings it (can I be more vague here??). (It goes something like, “I’m a new soul….”. Hmmm, hopefully it rings a bell with you!)
Right?! The wooden detail on cars is so incredible.
I don’t think I’ve heard of that song before. Send me a link if you ever find it. : )
Here it is!
That song!!!! Yes, I’m familiar. Really like it, actually. Always puts me in a chipper mood. Thanks, doll!
So cool. I love vintage stuff, too. I listen to big band music when I write and some of my favorite movies star Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart.
I need to bring ‘jeepers’ back into my daily language. That’s a good one.
That’s awesome! Every time I listen to jazzy music, especially with sultry vocals, I get so inspired to write. It’s crazy.
And any movie with Grant and Hepburn have my vote! Cary Grant and Mr. H have a lot of similarities. Sometimes my hubby does something so Grant-esque, it stuns me.
Yes, please bring ‘jeepers’ back in. It’ll throw people off…big time!
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