Earlier this month I travelled to
the Amana Colonies in Iowa and the Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin. When I started
on my vacation my plans were pure relaxation. No thoughts of writing
whatsoever.
Still somehow when I stopped in
Amana and toured the area I couldn’t help but think how perfect a small town
setting it would make. So I walked down the streets, visited the shops, took
way too many pictures, and tucked the idea away in my mind.
A few days later I took a boat
ride on the Wisconsin River. There was a gorgeous island that had over 200
acres and provided home to every tree native to Wisconsin. The land belonged to
the university and was in a protected status. A beautiful river, a protected island,
eagles flying overhead, a type of sandstone found in only four places
worldwide. Hmm, a perfect setting for the second book in a suspense series I’m
working on. So I took a boatload of pictures (pun intended) and even had my
poor sister quizzing the captain of the boat and the guide. We spent the rest
the day sightseeing and I picked up all the free literature I could find.
Did the story ideas ruin my
vacation? Not at all, if anything it made me have more fun. Do I expect to get
a story idea from every vacation? No, forcing the issue would take all joy and
relaxation out of my trips. All I’m suggesting is that you keep an open mind,
an open eye, and if the story muse whispers in your ear – spend a little time
seeing where it leads you.
What about you? Have you ever
used a vacation spot in one of your books? Leave a comment and let me know.
Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She
enjoys gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite
pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop
for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of
introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in Oklahoma.
Terri has two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of
ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published
novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from
White Rose Publishing.
You know, I've used vacation spots to work on my book, but I don't think I've ever featured one in it. But I live in one of those quaint small towns, so I've got my own little Mayberry, right in my back yard.
ReplyDeleteLoved your ideas, Terri! We can actually use those vacation photos for something other than a photo album no one ever looks at! Great idea!
Thanks Angie, and I'm glad I'm not the only one with tons of photos that don't get looked at. You're fortunate to live in that quaint town.
DeleteEvery time I go somewhere, I think I should be taking notes...just in case. :) Once, I did take a side trip (on the way somewhere else) to a location where I'd already set a book.
ReplyDeleteI bet that was fun! Was the place like you had envisioned it?
DeleteI do the same thing--I can't help myself. There's always a story brewing. I look forward to reading what you come up with after that trip!
ReplyDeleteSeems like I remember a Paris setting after your visit there. :-) I hope my stories do the settings justice.
DeleteI think those would be lovely locations for a story. Amana is a beautiful little town. What a good idea to take advantage of a vacation adventure!
ReplyDeleteAmana is gorgeous! I'm glad you like the idea of using it for a book. A readers opinion is always great to have.
Deletei just got back from vacation two days ago, didn't even read half the time, let alone write!!! (yes i know, what?!?!?) i did, however, get a nugget of an idea while sitting enjoying the breeze one afternoon. made a note of it and continued basking!
ReplyDeleteThat's the perfect thing to do. Take advantage of those nuggets and still enjoy your vacation.
DeleteSince the series I'm working on was inspired by my home town, the last time I was there, I was very intentional about taking some pics - just in case I wanted to use them for blog posts, promos, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut when I've traveled elsewhere, I've thought about stories, but haven't taken the time to jot down notes.I'll definitely think more about it next time I'm on vacation!
Dawn, I still live in my hometown so I have no excuse to visit. LOL however it is larger and small towns seem to be popular with readers.
ReplyDeleteTake s few notes but still enjoy your trip!