It was September and I wanted a story line to write in November when the idea came. The plot would revolve around a dairy goat moving between several different owners. Then I began creating the Dora’s Story characters.
Who Are They?
From the time my first goat, Jennifer, was born, I’ve met many people with goats. Others I’ve heard of. These were the beginnings of my Dora’s Story characters.
The goat would come from a small time breeder. Her first owner would be Emily. Why would this young girl get a goat? Why would she give up her goat?
This brought in her mother and sister. For the girls, the goats were 4-H projects and pets. The mother wanted the prestige of purebred goats and Dora was a grade goat.
Once sold, Dora went through several owners. Each was a composite of people. One was a bad owner. Another was ill. Finally Dora ends up with a young boy.
Going In Circles
Emily was devastated when Dora was sold. Her dream was to find Dora again. In the original draft, she does.
As years pass, people change. Emily grew up. So did Dora.
Emily wanted to get Dora back as though this would make everything like it was. Long ago I learned you can’t go back except in memories. Such an ending would not be at all realistic.
Yet, Emily did need to find Dora again. But she needed to find her beloved goat in a new time, under the new conditions.
Dora’s Story Characters
Each step of the way, Dora is a possible way to the future for each owner. Some take advantage of this. Some don’t.
We are often blind to or afraid of opportunities that come our way. They pass us by. When it is too late, we realize we went past them, now regretting it.
Carpe Diem.