Featured Post

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Setting ~ the first character I create & Win the latest book from Mary Ellis


What first comes to mind if someone mentions the television show, Hawaii 5-0? The muscular actor who plays Commander Steve McGarrett, or perhaps a clever plot twist in an episode involving identity theft? More likely it’s a visual of tanned young surfers riding the perfect wave to the shores of Waikiki, or perhaps a volcanic peak rising from the mist above the rainforest. How about NCIS – New Orleans? Those who’ve seen the show might picture Scott Bakula chasing a murderer through the crowd of perennial spring-breakers on Bourbon Street, or maybe tracking a psychopath by airboat through the gator-infested bayous of Cajun country. Most TV shows and movies rely on setting for more than just backdrop. The setting becomes as integral to the story as protagonists and villains.
Yes, movie and television rely primarily on visuals, but books paint pictures in the minds of readers. Consider the imagery created by Michener’s South Pacific, John Grisham’s The Testament, or Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations. Could you imagine moving Oliver Twist from the slums of London to the heath-covered Scottish highlands? I don’t think so. Setting can be either protagonistic as in Jane Eyre or Under a Tuscan Sun or antagonistic as in Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath or Jack London’s Call of the Wild. Whether creating a romantic spot to rekindle the flame of lost love, or a dangerous snake pit from which characters must escape, an author must choose carefully to create a memorable world that readers can see, hear, taste and smell.
When an author contemplates a new series, location becomes even more crucial. Consider Jan Karon’s marvelous series set in Mitford, or Debbie Macomber’s lively romances in Cedar Cove. One of my favorite series by Nevada Barr involves Anna Pigeon, a federal park ranger engaged to an Episcopal priest. Mystery series particularly benefit by a change in locale as characters adapt to new challenges, both natural and man-made. Personally, I love to travel. I often set stories far from home, making several trips for research and to tweak final details. As my husband and I travel around the South, I find plenty of settings for my books.
For book one of my brand new series, Marked for Retribution Mysteries, I decided Charleston would be the perfect setting. In Hiding in Plain Sight, Kate Weller rents a room above an Italian restaurant owned by a handsome chef, where she lands in the middle of a family feud with robbery, arson and murder for the daily specials. Available in hardcover or in e-book, including B&N and Amazon.

Please tell me about your favorite setting for a book you've read for a chance to win a hardcover copy of Hiding in Plain Sight. US readers only. Drawing closes in one week.  Mary Ellis ~ Suspense Sisters

84 comments:

  1. I love Charleston as a setting! And I can't wait to read Hiding in Plain Sight!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are music to a gal's ears, Pat. I truly hope I've done justice to that Grande Dame, Charleston!

      Delete
  2. Mine so far is the visually effective misty and lovely but haunting Yorkshire moors where Bronte lived and set Wuthering Heights--especially since I was privileged to visit and enjoy that exact area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have been to pitifully few places abroad, but the the moors of Yorkshire has been one of them. Nobody can capture the area like Bronte!!

      Delete
  3. How can one choose just one favorite setting? I travel vicariously through my books so vivid descriptions are appreciated. I do also love reading about places familiar to me so Mary & Patricia's Memphis books have been fun. Can't wait to read this one,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So like you enjoyed my Memphis story. And Memphis is just a hop and a skip away for Patricia! I adore that city and the Peabody will always be one of my favorite hotels.!!

      Delete
  4. That's a hard question to answer - whether it be in the middle of Amish country or a large town, even at the ocean, I feel as if I am right there hearing the clippity clops of the horses pulling the buggies, cars blowing the horns, or the waves along the beach! I love your books and can't wait to read this new one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blessings on you, dear reader, Tammy Courts. If only the world were populated by more sweet people like you. Good luck in the drawing.

      Delete
  5. How can one choose just one favorite setting? on a ranch, in the city, in the woods or in the middle of Amish country or on a boat. Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a wonderful week too, Emma. On a ranch...hmmmm..that's one of the few setttings I've never tried. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Delete
  6. I have visited Charleston, and it's a beautiful place. Looking forward to reading this book! I always love southern settings in books, because I lived in Alabama for several years. The south will always be 'home' to me. 🙂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alabama is one gorgeous state. I'll never forget visiting Eufala many years ago with my mother in law. By the way, the south feels like home to me too, even though I live in Ohio. lol.

      Delete
  7. Hard to decide a favorite setting, It depends on my mood for that day. I like the surreal type settings. I like the Amish Farms and other type of Amish places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have found such serenity during my many trips to Amish farms. Nothing like it. Thanks for leaving a comment.

      Delete
  8. A favorite place for our whole family is Williamsburg, VA. I would enjoy a book written about life there during the formative years of our country. Thank you for this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't Williamsburg VA outstanding? My parents took me as a child and I've been back several times since. We even took our English friends there. However, they were not impressed with Yorktown since we won, and England lost. lol.

      Delete
  9. I’ve loved Alaska during the summer in Summer of the Burning Sky trilogy by Susan May Warren.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have never been to Alaska, so I'll have to look for that series myself. Thanks.

      Delete
  10. It's hard to choose! I like smaller towns though because, it's easier for me to visualize, I don't know why lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Small towns are easier to visualize, I think because they're more universal than big cities. For instance, NYC is nothing like Charleston, SC, but many small NY state towns could be mistaken for SC small towns.

      Delete
  11. I have no favorite setting...but love experiencing all the different possibilities. I read sooo many books and can relate to many different places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Reading is like arm-chair travel, no? Good luck in the drawing.

      Delete
  12. I agree with Pam. It's impossible to choose just one setting, or one book. To me, books are like music...music that reaches deep into my imagination and soul to evoke a flood of different emotions. The characters and dialogue are notes harmonizing, or not, that can make a beautiful symphony, a fun toe tapping tune, or pull me into a maze, while I try to find my out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said, Mary Gessner. My guess is you're either a poet or a novelist too. You expressed yourself beautifully. Thank you.

      Delete
  13. I like the old historical fiction set in the Kentucky mountains.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too. Have you read Ann Gabhardt's books about the Shakers??

      Delete
  14. I read a book that was set in the San Juan Islands. I loved the vivid images that the writer was able to put to paper..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, my email is somesmartcookle @ aol dotcom. cookle is with an L, not an i

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the comment. I didn't know where the San Juan Islands were until I Google them just now. (they sure are a long way from Puerto Rico! lol) Thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  15. It is hard to choose one setting. I enjoy the variety and learning about the setting. I love to picture the small towns or cities or countryside in which the novel is set.
    betsylu2@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's why I travel around looking for the perfect spot to set my story. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  16. Thank you for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Since I haven't read this book yet, would love to win a print copy! Sounds like a great setting and good plot. Thanks, again! My email is: krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for being a Suspense Sister reader! And good luck in the drawing.

      Delete
    2. My husband picked a number out of a hat and YOU are the lucky winner of Hiding in Plain Sight. I'll contact you for your mailing address. Congratulations.

      Delete
  17. I love reading about places that are familiar to me, but I also love being swept away to places that I will only be able to visit through the written word.
    lhanberry1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Swept away is what I feel anytime I read a book set in England or Scotland, the moors in particular. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  18. I really enjoy books set in the antebellum South! Thanks so much! RW620 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I love writing stories set in the South. Good luck in the drawing and thanks for being a Suspense Sister reader.

      Delete
  19. Haines, Alaska would be a great setting for a book. Small town, weekly market days, rivers filled with fish and visiting bear, mountains and trees with circling eagles...need I say more!!! mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WoW! I want to go to Alaska...NOW. I would love to see everything that you mentioned.

      Delete
  20. I love reading books set in the Appalachian mountains, but honestly I love most all settings as I feel like I can see the world.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the Appalachian Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge, Smokeys, Alleghenies, and Shenandoahs. Thanks for posting a comment.

      Delete
  21. I actually adore the rugged hills of Scotland in my books because I have been there and have seen the beauty! lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to see that. Thanks for posting a comment.

      Delete
  22. I prefer water (ocean or lake); however, the thing that grabs me most is the characters and their interactions. Therefore, if they are well written, I can even take the desert. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dawn, I must agree with you about settings near water. Those are my favorites too.

      Delete
  23. Several years ago I discovered a series by Jennifer Chiaverini that was set at a quilting retreat in Elm Creek Valley. Sylvia Bergstrom Compson and her young friend Sarah McClure open a quilters' retreat at Sylvia's family estate, Elm Creek Manor. There are other characters who appear regularly and the quilters even travel to Hawaii but Elm Creek Valley is the primary setting. I fell in love with these books and hated to see the series end!
    Blessings,
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a wonderful series of books. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  24. I guess I would have to say that books set in Rural New York state have been some of my favorites. I have read many books set in Ohio and PA as well. Rural settings and the lifestyle are my favorite but I have also read some set in cities.
    Both including suspense! Most Amish or Mennonite in content.
    Blessings
    Linda Marie Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacresbooks (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Linda, for dropping by and leaving me a comment. I love rural settings and small towns the best.

      Delete
  25. San Diego, Sally John The Beach House and Castles in the Sand!

    Blessings,
    Mj Christopher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a book by Sally John in my "to read" pile. I can't wait to get to it. I've never read a story set in San Diego.

      Delete
  26. I travel through the books I read so I enjoy lots of different settings. I live in the south so I enjoy especially reading books set there. But my happy place is the beach so those draw my attention right away. Thank you for the gracious giveaway.
    tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhh, the beach in the South. Wait till you see what's coming in February. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  27. Oh, I just finished Hiding in Plain Sight a few days ago! Loved it!
    I guess any setting centered around the Revolutionary War is one of my favorites.
    duellonlusis(at)aol(dot)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed Hiding in Plain Sight! You made my day. Did you ever see the movie The Patriot? So very good!!

      Delete
  28. I enjoy reading books set in a national park, near water, or wilderness area like Alaska. Although settings in just about anywhere can be fun when it is well written.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, so many readers like an Alaska setting! I must see what I'm missing. thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  29. I like the old south for a setting or a small town such as is in Annie’s Attic series or Ann Gabhart’s cozy mysteries. I’m anxious to read your book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Ann's books, but will have to look for Annie's Attic. Sounds like my cup of tea. Thanks for posting.

      Delete
  30. The Night the Lights went out" was set just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.I could also hear her soft southern voice telling her tale.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH, my, yes! I can hear that in my head too. And what about that old song "Black Velvet"? Doesn't that just paint a mind-picture?? Or the "Ode to Billy Joe".

      Delete
  31. Hawaii

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't read a book set in Hawaii since Michenor's Hawaii. That book was wonderful. Thanks for leaving a comment.

      Delete
  32. I love stories set in the mountains or in small towns. I also love ones set in Scotland.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You just named 3 of my personal favorites. Thanks for being a Suspense Sisters reader.

      Delete
  33. I love stories set in New Orleans, in the mountainous area of ky, tn, va,
    johnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Johnna, did you read my story, Midnight on the Mississippi? First southern mystery I wrote. Thanks for leaving me a comment.

      Delete
  34. Have you read the series by Nevada Barr?? Each one is set in a different National Park. My favorite is Deep South, set on the Natchez Trace.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks to everyone who took the time to post a comment. The drawing will be Wednesday, 8-22.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dee Henderson's Book, "FULL DISCLOSURE" I enjoy the description of Ann Silver's farm, (her retreat!) and when she's flying her plane!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Barb, I'll have to put that book on my to read list!

      Delete
  37. I live in SC so i loved the setting of the Charleston area (the lowcountry)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I enjoy a variety of settings. Books are the best way to travel.

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so true, Caryl. Books are also the cheapest way to travel.

      Delete
  39. Thanks to everyone who left me a comment. Lual Krautter, you are my lucky winner of Hiding in Plain Sight. I will contact you separately for your mailing address. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  40. It is really lovely feelings when you win your first time while you placed your work. This page http://www.bestparaphrasingservice.com/ will give you the best paragraph writing services we have.

    ReplyDelete
  41. sometimes you are really related tot his character and you will be there for it. In this site https://www.cheapwritingservices.net/ you will get our service for any kind or writings at any time.

    ReplyDelete
  42. first character is created with the help of the individuals. The manner of the success and
    look at here now the production of the content. The first look is diverse for the challenges of the fluctuation for the future offers.

    ReplyDelete
  43. First character is set forth for the___14 movement of the ideal paths for the individuals. The use of the option of more content is implied for the individuals. The same identity is ensured for the clipping of the story for the strangers.

    ReplyDelete