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March 2008
Have You Been New Town-ized?
By: Laura Bradford
Creative Writer
It’s official. I’ve been New Town-ized.
And, in about six weeks, I’ll be New Town-izing a few of my friends when they come out to Missouri to participate in the Walk for M.S. with me on April 13th.
Gone are the old instincts to drag out-of-town visitors to the various landmarks throughout St. Louis—the Arch, Laclede’s Landing, Grant’s Farm, and the like. In their place are visions of lunch at T. Alderson’s, hanging out on the docks on the lake, checking out Glass Canvas Beads Company on Rue Royale, and dinner/drinks at Ruskin O’Brien’s.
Sure, I’ll still offer the traditional sight-seeing options one equates with St. Louis, but I’m just as excited to share the quaint touches and relaxed setting of New Town. The fact that all of them are writers (and constantly on the lookout for new settings for their novels) makes it all the more fun.
For my mystery writing counterparts, there are lots of possibilities for things to go awry here in New Town—fictionally speaking, of course. The combination of homes and alleyways alone, are ripe for hand-clenching moments (sorry, Greg ).
For my romance writing friend, there is simply no getting around the fact that the stone bridges, quiet canal, and picturesque fountains conjure up images of walking hand-in-hand and unexpected marriage proposals.
For my women’s fiction writing friend there’s material galore if she just looks around. In virtually every corner of this community you can see life happening. Families bonding, single moms indulging their kids in a milk shake at Bonnidell’s, small business owners taking a chance on their dream…
It’s all there. Waiting. To be experienced as a destination, shown off as a great place to live, savored for the peaceful atmosphere it offers, and/or written into a novel in one way or the other.
I have little doubt these writers are going to fall in love with New Town the minute they arrive. Really, how can they not? The setting alone has character in spades, sending the five senses into overdrive.
And the best part? We’re gonna save a ton of money on gas and parking…
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