Small village going commercial

I have an idea for a novel, but as LC pointed out, is there a market for the book one decides to write? Top authors can write most anything and it will sell. Unknown authors must consider if there is a market for the story they write.

On one of the threads, real estate was talked about as well as gardening, and discussion about country living.

When I was a kid, living in a small village, the atmosphere was serene – a peaceful community. That is the kind of village I live in today. There have been a few people from large cities who bought property here. They visited, loved the serenity, and decided to buy. Now they want to bring the city with them. They would like to see more stores, failing to realize that by commercializing the village they will lose what they sought.

I’m reminded of a man I met outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. We went to his horse ranch to do some riding. He told me about his ranch and land that he inherited. He said that his taxes climb every year and he doesn’t know how long he can hold onto the ranch. He said that he gets visits from developers offering him large sums of money to buy his land. He said, “I was born here, and as long as I’m alive and can afford to keep the place, they (the developers) won’t get one acre of his property. He said, “First thing they do is build houses. Then they put in shopping centers to serve the people living there, and then come offices, fast-food stores, movie houses, and before long, the country is gone.”

I thought much about what he said, and it’s true. People want a place to go for vacation or to unwind, but when they see possibilities to make a buck, they are willing to destroy the few remaining places yet untouched by commercialism.

The fictional story I though about was to create a small town, the life in this town, and then how someone comes into town and begins to develop it – one thing at a time, until it becomes just another city with all the noise and crime associated with city life.

I live in a wine village. Each year we have a wine fest. This year it begins on Jun 21st. In the evening there is entertainment. Some years back, local talent performed and local bands were used. Then someone suggested that they should do something for the young people. Bring in a band with music for the young. They did that a couple of years back. The old folks went home – music too loud. The music was loud reverberating through the village. The promotion of the band drew young people from surrounding towns. What a disaster. The kids got drunk, walked through town late at night making lots of noise. On one street that runs along a stream, there is a railing with flower boxes that line the street. The kids dumped the flower boxes into the stream and caused other damage in the town.

Needless-to-say, the music now played is not hard rock, but a softer blend of music that appeals to the clientele – the older folk – the ones who have money to spend.

I’m wondering if a story about a fictional community would have commercial value. My thoughts are that it could help prevent some villages from succumbing to the developers.

My belief is that you might write a few chapters and then start submitting them to agents and publishers. If you get a bite - then continue the story. From what I know, only famous people seem to have popular books about small towns.

However, it's the lives of the people in the town and the story line that will catch the reader. Good luck.

Would you believe NPR was reviewing a book today written about a pretend small town on Lake Superior in Michigan. It was a fictionalized real town, unique in its characters and appearance of time past. The relationships of the townspeople, their suspicious feelings about outsiders and the impact of Lake Superior were themes. The main thing though was the small, provincial town through the eyes of an outsider who arrives from Chicago.

In order to reviewed on NPR, it had to have some following. Ghost Orchid was reviewed by NPR....so I don't know how much following; but the reviewer seemed white enchanted by the book. Maybe, Abe, your idea has a good chance for success.

Thanks for your comments, DK. At the moment, my writing inspiration is nill.
I've been so wrapped-up in the US financial mess that my only writing was in response to that. Once that is settled, I will have a clearer head, provided I don't step in dog shit.

You know, you have to write what you want. If it works for you and you think it's a good idea, then go for it. Look around for agents/publishing houses who are interested in your topic.