Because You Never Know…

So, the other day I was rooting about in my handy junk drawer in the kitchen and what do I come across by a golden gem! Yes! And no, they weren’t batteries for a flashlight–those have their own special bin in the linen closet. A little back story: Right now I am working on a story where I need to do up a few bylaw infractions committed by my main character. Naturally, it is important to get the wording right. And surprisingly, there aren’t that many examples of bylaw tickets online to use as an example. Well, maybe they are but I am an impatient Googler. Anyway, did I happen to find a ticket for breaking a fire bylaw in my junk drawer?

No.

But I did find that pesky parking ticket I got in Vancouver last July for parking under the sign with the big black ‘P’ circled in green. (Don’t worry, I paid the ticket–after trying to argue my way out of it, unsuccessfully I might add.) So, I find this little gem and hold it up to the Heavens. Yes! Intimidating, impersonal, and official bureaucracy speak! Bare bones, but exactly what I need to give my own made-up bylaw infractions that final polish and touch.

Where I got that little gem.

So, the next time you get a ticket (unfairly) and it pisses you off (to no end) just remember this post and realize that everything happens for a reason in a writer’s life and maybe one day you’ll find that ticket in your junk drawer and use it to play a practical joke on someone, or hopefully flesh out a little something in a story you are working on.

Life is one big bowl of opportunities! So go park wherever you want! (Okay, maybe not.)