Friday, October 3, 2008

Let's Debate this: Locations Across America

Everyone was watching the debate between the VP nominees last night and so was I. As I was watching I was thinking how following the presidential campaign for so long has shown me so many corners of our country. Every time the candidates are in a new city, I check my Writer's Guide to Places book to see if I can find out more information about that particular place in case I ever want to set a story there.

I admit, I'm a New Englander who doesn't stray too far from the home ground very often. But I am a mental traveler and I love reading about new locations in books. It would be great to write a book set in Alaska. Of course, if I say this too loud my husband will get his duffel bag packed and have me out the door so fast for a wild adventure into the Alaskan tundra. Tempting, but do they have Wi-fi in the tundra? My husband, being a former Marine, is much more adventurous than I am. Although I must admit he's pulled me out for a bit of adventure a time or two.

I love that Massachusetts is very different from Arizona and that Boston is different from New York City. Although city to city and small town to small town may share similarities, they also have something unique about them. My small town in Massachusetts is much different than some of the small towns I've visited in Vermont. That led me some years ago to want to write about a small fictitious town in Vermont called Stockington Falls with my friend Cathy McDavid, who writes for Harlequin American. Although the 4 novellas that each took a season out of a year in the life of Stockington Falls residents who were dealing with a mysterious tragedy was never published, it was LOADS of fun to write and renewed my love of visiting Vermont and the old covered bridges and ski towns.

I love small towns, the camaraderie and neighborliness of the people and the fact that you can't even go to the post office without running into 3 or 4 people you know. I've written books in different locales. What other locations are YOUR favorites to read about? Tell me about them by leaving a comment. If you do, you'll be entered into the CRAFTIE Ladies of Suspense drawing for all 4 October Love Inspired Suspense books.

Until next time, many blessings, Lisa Mondello


7 comments:

EllenToo said...

I love stories set in Texas but that is because I am a Texas native (I have lived other places but most of my life has been spent here.) I also love stories set in small towns anywhere in the world. I very much want to get back to visit New England as I didn't have enough time to see all I wanted to when I was there about 10 years ago.

Maureen said...

I don't think I have a favorite place but I haven't traveled much so I enjoy books set in areas all over the country.

Lisa Mondello said...

Ellen, I love New England but I have a thing about Texas! I wrote a whole series called Texas Hearts based on a ranch in Texas. They were published by Avalon Books and you should be able to find them in your local library.

Maureen, you sound like a mental traveler like me!

EllenToo said...

Thanks Lisa - I'll see if I can find them. Do they need to be read in order?

Merry said...

I like stories set in my native Pacific Northwest, New England and sunny islands like Hawaii where I got married. New York City is an exciting place to be, so that's good too!

worthy2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

Lisa Mondello said...

Ellen,

If you read the Texas Hearts series you don't HAVE to read them in order but it does help so here is the order.

Her Heart for the Asking
His Heart for the Trusting
The More I See
Gypsy Hearts

Let me know what you think of the series!

Mary,
Living so close to NYC you'd think I'd get there more often, but I'm a Boston girl. I love that Boston has everything but it doesn't feel like it's swallowing me. I've been to the Pacific Northwest once. I loved it and would love to go back. How cool that you got married in Hawaii. Was it one of those beach weddings or something traditional?

EllenToo said...

Lisa - I'll let you know (if I can find them) what I think about them.