A Brief Peek Into How I Choose Book Locations!

Happy Wednesday!

I’m taking a little break today as I have a few things I want and need to do before tomorrow. I’m preparing the items I will be taking for the family’s Thanksgiving get-together as I’m sure some of you are as well.

I will briefly touch on how I like to research the locations for my books. First, of course, is deciding where you want your story to take place. In my children’s books, I create their worlds for the most part. In a few of my upcoming children’s books, the location is where I was living at the time or within the neighborhood. My adult books are different at the moment. I think of the storyline and where a likely place for this scenario might be. Now, I am writing paranormal romance and mystery, and I know that those scenarios are not likely to happen anywhere, but I think about where I could see them happening.

Then, I look up strange locations throughout the world. I might visit the library and check out various books on a state I find interesting, but for the most part, Google and YouTube are my friends. Eventually, I would like to be able to afford to travel to the locations to get a real feel for the people and the place. Until that day, once I’ve decided on a location, I spend hours looking up whatever I can find about the area. For example, my first novel will be located in the Dismal Swamp area in Virginia. I noticed that a lot of things around that area have Scottish names, so I created a town with a Scottish name. I’ve spoken to people in Virginia to get some ideas, and I’ve looked at houses that are for sale in an area close to where I am setting my story.

If you choose an area rich in history like the Dismal Swamp, you might want to work that into your story somehow. I’ve got a few of the swamp critters making an appearance here and there in the story and possibly a few other things I’ll share at another time.

Otherwise, with the internet being full of information, it tends to be one of the best ways to research. I do caution you to make sure the information you are getting is accurate. Unfortunately, the internet is also full of inaccuracies. Check with several sources, not just one.

Now, I will leave you to have a wonderful rest of your week. As always, if you have suggestions, questions, or just want to chat (I’m getting better at checking my emails), send me a message and I’ll do my best to answer, hopefully within 48 hours.🤞

Till next week, may your days be filled with gratitude, love, laughter, hugs, and blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!