When you travel--or even go about your daily
life at home--do you begin to imagine plot twists and twisted characters at
every turn?
A while back, we were at a lovely resort on
Chesapeake Bay, not far from Cambridge, Maryland. My husband’s company
held its annual meeting there, but while the employees were busy in meetings
all day I spent some time exploring the small town and the surrounding area.
My biggest surprise—jellyfish! Having
lived in the Midwest my entire life, I never had a clue that there could be
unbelievable numbers of them that far north—floating like wispy, gelatinous,
menacing little clouds at the surface of the water every evening, and very
visible along the long pier leading out into the water in front of the
resort.
They brought back some very unpleasant
memories of jellyfish encounters in the ocean along Mexico, believe me…but
also, got me thinking. Chesapeake
Bay is not that far from Washington DC. What a twist those jellyfish
could be in a romantic suspense plot involving political intrigue, if someone
planned an escape across those waters!
The language, vernacular, and local culture of
an area always fascinate me wherever we go, and I take hundreds--even
thousands--of photos (Yay for digital cameras!) and copious notes. For instance, during our trips to the
U.K., who knew that every pub and restaurant would serve “mushy peas”
with fish and chips?
Today, with the world at our fingertips via the
Internet, we can research facts in seconds. But there’s nothing quite like being there—talking to the locals, seeing how
friendly a community is, picking up literature on their regional festivities
and other events. The vegetation, the hidden creatures, the different
sounds of the bullfrogs and the birds, all can add such verisimilitude --the
small details that make a story seem real. I've now written e-book Christmas novellas set in Scotland
and Ireland, and will write one set in England for next year. It was such
fun, incorporating details and speech patterns that I couldn't have gleaned
from the Internet and reference books!
I would love to hear about where you
live! Can you imagine a great mystery or suspense novel unfolding in your
community? What are some of the unique and interesting details about life where
you are?
Blessings to you all!
Roxanne Rustand
USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand has written forty traditionally published and indie novels. She is now working on writing books for Love Inspired, and is enjoying every moment! You can find her at:
@roxannerustand
www.roxannerustand.com
www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
https://www.pinterest.com/roxannerustand
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