temperance fugit

“Temperance Flees”  Notes

August 25, 2006  Most of the writing instruction books that I have say to "write what you know".  Well, I know nothing about running a bar or pub.  I do not know British culture as well as I think would be necessary in order to write this story.  I do not think it is good that I try and finish this one.  If I can learn more about this subject, then maybe I will pick it up again some day. If you think this is a good idea and you think I should continue, let me know.

There is a guy who opened a "British" pub in Detroit near the "RenCen" (Renaissance Center).  It is more a restaurant than a "pub" and it is called "Currents".  You can read a review of it at http://www.metrotimes.com/guide/restaurants/review.asp?id=9824. 

My story was going to be about a "neighborhood bar" rather than something "fancy" like the one in Detroit.  I know of a few bars that could pass as "neighborhood" bars. 

The thing is, I don't go to bars very often.  They tend to be "loud".  I don't drink much either.  I am not against drinking.  I am not "for" drunkenness.  I do have a beer once in a while. My husband drinks wine.  I do collect "old" alcoholic beverage bottles of all types. (Actually, I collect all kinds of bottles.) The contents of the alcohol bottles is just not my thing really. 

Original Notes:

December 10, 2005

 I am working on something to put on the web site. I like to try and write radio drama. I want to practice with the radio drama writing program eventually.  I am just taking notes right now.  (jotting things down as I think of them) I put one as a test on the web site now.  I would like to do another one that is a series.  I am just trying to find out how good I am.  The one on there now, is not the best but it works.  (It is easy to paint yourself into a corner---as in make "continuity" mistakes and have no way out.  i.e. "That would not happen in reality".)

 I am not really "working" on this now, but just keeping it in mind.  (taking notes) 

 I am thinking of writing this drama about a fictional guy (a believer) who owns a "British" pub in our local area here.  The thing is, I might not know enough "British-isms".  The only "real" pub I know, is "The Rover's Return" on Coronation Street.  I don't go to bars much.  They always say to write what you know.  I was hoping to "litter" this bar with all sorts of interesting characters telling stories and discussing things.  Then I wouldn't have to have too much "bar stuff" to it.  I don't know if I can pull it off. 

Sitcom.... or comedy of a sort.... half hour (or less).... (a mildly funny thing---not "ha ha funny"---I want to avoid "toilet" humor.)

 Douglas and I once went to this "English pub" sort of bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I think the couple that ran it are from Bristol maybe-- I forget now.  There's wasn't anything like the pubs I have seen on television, "Rover's Return" of “Coronation Street”, and the ones in the murder mystery, "Morse". I once met these believers. She was from the U.S., he was from the U.K.  They were living in the U.K. somewhere.  They moved back to the U.S. because of how “non Biblically correct” things had gotten over there.

 Imagine more of a real pub (like The Rover's Return) in the Detroit area. That sort of place is a "traditional" [usually Irish] bar in working class places like New York City, and Boston. The people running the one in my story are from England or the British Isles somewhere. The couple running this "pub" could encounter a wide variety of characters from all over the world.

 I picked the name “Temperance Fugit” (temperance flees) for a number of reasons.  First off, it sounded “interesting”, because the story takes place in a bar.  But it was also interesting in light of the Biblical meaning of “temperance”.  I’m not saying that “temperance” is fleeing for our guy.  I am saying that it flees if you are not careful.

 The bar owner, could get into all sorts of situations where he could be tempted in life.  One great rule of “drama” is “conflict”.  There has to be some sort of conflict to make a story.  Everybody has things they work on.  My bar owner isn’t a former alcoholic which is a typical stereo type in sitcoms.  He doesn’t struggle with drinking alcohol.  But working in a bar it could become a problem if he didn’t watch himself.  And then there are the customers who come in.  The bar patrons could try his patience.  They could start talking about things, or be espousing opinions that could cause him to want to argue back.  Then there’s the aspect of being a “listener”.  To some people, the bar tender is also the therapist.  There would be lots of opportunities for this guy to “believe God”.  I see a lot of “potential” in this “drama” (story). 

 I needed the fictional name of the pub.  I was thinking something automotive. I was asking my husband about it... he works making auto parts. I settled on “The Gear and Piston”.

I was thinking that the pub owner's wife could be "Cordelia".  I just don't have a last name.  I don't have a first name for the guy either.  Do you have any suggestions that sound "typically British"? (besides "Smith", "Jones" etc.)

 I was also thinking that the pub owner could have become something of an ice hockey fan---by default--- because of having games on in the bar (for the customers) and then having to know something about hockey so he could converse with customers. (being a sports fan and finding that hockey was the main sport in town---thus being the sport he found on television and radio most often) So, I also need the name of a fictional professional hockey (like NHL) team based in Detroit.  Would it be legal to use the name the Redwings were before they were the Redwings?  I don't really want to use that name.  But a good fictional name would be good.

The last thing I needed, was the name of a fictional suburb.  I don’t know if I am familiar enough with Detroit (other than stereo types) to set the story there.

How does this sound so far?  Is it too far fetched?

Any help will be appreciated.   

Robyn