Why did I say ‘no shapeshifters’?

So, a thing happened today. I was clearing some old writing files off a hard drive, and found 2500 words starting a contemporary shapeshifter romance/dark fantasy set in Arizona. From 1993. There’s even a rough outline for the rest of the story. It could be fun, weird, and reasonably original.

I don’t need more story ideas right now.

I barely remember this one from when I first tapped out the words. At that time, I knew I needed more skill to do it justice.

Between the time I started it and now, the glittering resort that inspired it has gone into receivership twice, and changed from a society destination to a watering hole for old Republicans. It’s actually more interesting now, if sadder.

Since then, several publishing genres have erupted around paranormal romances and shapeshifters. I admit to rolling my eyes at many examples. I have even gone so far as to shudder at the thought of joining the trend.

Sure, I have a shifter character in a big secondary-world fantasy novel. And I was already planning a sly, ironic M/M hipster werewolf romance.

But now that I’ve rediscovered this particular story, it won’t let go.

I just have to do a few things to make it work:

Turn it from a contemporary paranormal romance, into a near-future science fiction romance. Turn the female main character into a guy. And listen to more ‘Night Vale’ podcasts and Eagles albums for flavor.

What can I say? I guess ‘Hotel California’ left its mark.