On Writing Divine Vintage

The book of my heart, Divine Vintage, evolved from an homage to the beauty of vintage fashion to encompass gratitude to the Indiana county I call home. 

I set my debut novel in a semi-fictionalized version of our largest town, Michigan City, which borders majestic Lake Michigan. Write what you know, to the purest degree. Yet on reflection, I recognize I located the plot here because I found my own niche after moving to the area nearly three decades ago. My gratitude stems partly from wonderful experiences in community theater, where I was introduced to vintage costumes. I then had the enriching opportunity to collaborate with dedicated people and organizations to improve the quality of life, as a volunteer and in my work in nonprofit management. 

Michigan City’s growing Uptown Artist District, including several sculpture installations, enhanced a creative vibe to my book setting. But I also drew from a more serious issue, having chaired a coalition to support our most at-risk citizens. As I added depth and stakes to Divine Vintage, I included a homeless character who is pivotal to the plot arc. As authors, we can choose to enlighten and educate people positively about such issues, and I take that privilege seriously. 

Now for the fun part. The rich performance world in Northwest Indiana really awakened my passion for vintage clothing, the book’s initial inspiration. I delighted in the unique costume designs and fabrics while acting and singing in more than 75 shows. Some costumes were authentic pieces, while others were sewn or repurposed to look the part. I began to gather my own collection, first to costume myself, and then for the pure joy of it. The “little hobby” came to fill a small bedroom. 

That growing enthusiasm eventually lured me to write about a clothing empath drawn into psychic visions to untangle a century-old mystery. When Tess Burton risks her inheritance to open a vintage boutique in Michigan City, the most appealing items evoke visceral images of the initial wearers. But she doesn’t realize the depth of her abilities until she models a trousseau gown worn by a persistent murdered Edwardian bride. 

I don’t share Tess’s abilities, but I could envision the clothing in my mind as I wrote the book. I described some pieces, especially the “aubergine” satin trousseau gown, but I didn’t dwell on them so as to maintain the pace of the tale. I regarded the descriptions like a lace frill to enhance but not overwhelm a garment.  

Some of these featured fashions are from my collection. In my vintage / writing office, sturdier pieces hang on three industrial clothing racks, beside chests and boxes full of smaller items, hats, and jewelry. Dig into a rack and you’ll find the grass-green brocade ‘50s cocktail gown worn by a supporting character in Chapter 3. Nearby is the mod, 1960s floral print Tess’s assistant, Marcy, rocks with her artsy-chic style. I share photos of these examples on my vintage-themed author website at SandraYoungAuthor.com. 

Despite the visual bounty, I haven’t spent a lot of money on the hobby. Many items are gifted from friends and acquaintances who know I’ll cherish family pieces. I actually built the bulk of my collection years ago, when I could dig through a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or estate sale and waltz away with bargains. I was the queen of $1 “box lots” no one else wanted. That isn’t the case anymore, as vintage clothing is rightly recognized as unique, beautiful, and valuable. 

For myself, I consider it an art form making a strong historical statement. Besides wearing the clothing onstage and for special events, I show samples during my community presentations. I’ve shared several programs – and am open to Zooming – on the history of fashion from the Civil War through the 1980s. Yes, the ‘80s. “Vintage” is defined as at least 20 years old, though some prefer 25. You might want to hold on to some of your special pieces as a future investment. I wish I’d kept more of mine! 

My love of vintage fashion definitely has taken center stage lately, as I’ve focused on building marketing and social media buzz for my February 21 release. Three months ago, I launched a Vintage Reviews Instagram series to brand my book persona with my love of reading. I post them weekly, with most of the books having a vintage timeline. I match clothing to a book by considering setting and characters, then search my collection for a piece embracing the feel of the tale. The graphics feature photos of myself wearing the items, and the book covers. Of course, I love when a book has a fashion angle, but I enjoy multiple genres. Some of my favorite books mix genres, like Divine Vintage does with romance wrapped around historical mystery and a ghostly sizzle.   

I also write non-vintage reviews, and I’m especially trying to support my fellow 2022 debuts. So many great new talents are launching this year, and one of the best parts of the publishing journey is building supportive connections with them and other writers and readers. For anyone who’d like to connect, please link up at the addresses below. I’d love to hear your vintage fashion stories. 

Overall, my hope as a newbie writer is to continue growing and improving in my work – including pubbing book two in the series – and making more bookish friends throughout the world. Eventually I’ll sell off my collection. But I’m not ready to part with these old friends yet.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/slyoungauthor/

https://twitter.com/1DivineVintage

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/116212228-sandra-l-young—author

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Though she doesn’t have a favorite vintage garment, Sandra L. Young is partial to two long, 1920s beauties: a sky-blue silk with an Egyptian bead motif, and a red dress / bolero jacket combo with layers of long, swingy fringe. When she isn’t writing, Sandra loves performing, and she’s even written two short plays. One of her most memorable roles was as Mrs. Kendall in The Elephant Man, when the troupe won the Indiana state competition. To round out her love of the arts, she sings with a trio, a praise band, and at karaoke nights. Another of her books-in-progress stars a woman aspiring to win a national karaoke contest as her life crumbles around her. 

DIVINE VINTAGE

Tess Burton is always up for an adventure, and she’s risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage clothing boutique. While modeling an elegant gown from an Edwardian trousseau, her mind is opened to a century-old murder. Visions—seen through the eyes of the murdered bride—dispute local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime. 

Trey Dunmore doesn’t share her enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compels him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trey discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as modern day. As the list of murder suspects grows, the couple fears past emotions are influencing, and may ultimately derail, their own blossoming intimacy.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/divine-vintage-sandra-l-young/1140776337?ean=9781509238231

https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Vintage-Sandra-L-Young-ebook/dp/B09NGP2W9R/ref

https://bookshop.org/books/divine-vintage-9781509238231/9781509238231

 

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: How To and Tips