August 4, 2017
I finished editing Persistent Intruder last night and woke up this morning with another story in mind. The heroine does one good deed every day.
There is nothing more refreshing or rewarding than to pay it forward. When I first retired, I heard about a grandmother that put the names of her family and friends in a box. Each week, she drew a name and made a cake, cookies, brownies or pie for that person. She talked about how much fun it was. Sometimes the grandchildren would help her deliver the sweets. One even asked, “when will you draw my name?”
I decided to try this and for almost six months I baked cookies, pies or brownies for family, friends or former co-workers. Whenever I delivered my “sweet for the week” I was usually rewarded with surprised, happy smiles of thanks. As my writing consumed my time, I stopped the weekly treats but occasionally, I will reach into my box and draw a name.
Another time, I was in the store behind a child who was apparently buying a gift for someone. The clerk took his money then politely explained he was one-dollar short. The child was visibly confused and embarrassed and didn’t know what to do. I reached in my wallet and handed him the dollar. His smile was worth the investment. Even the clerk thanked me when she processed my purchase.
Obviously, I don’t plan to write a three-hundred-sixty-five-page novel of my heroine’s good deeds. I have a hero and problems I need to factor in the story too. But I do want to show her warm heart with her unique acts of kindness and am looking for ideas.
Have you ever paid it forward? Been the recipient? Would you be willing to share it? I’d love to include your anonymous act of kindness in my new book.