Traveling
Settings are the easiest for me to describe in my books because I try to weave in places I have actually visited and studied. Using them in my writing allows me to mentally visit them again and again and relive my experiences. Hopefully, you are traveling with me in both Keeping Faith and Promises Kept.
The most difficult part is deciding which places to incorporate into the chapters of my novels and how the characters will relate to going there or living in a particular setting. East Texas and New England were naturals because I lived in the former for all my formative years and have traveled many times to the latter.
The places in between cause me the most deliberation. Of course, who could argue with Italy? It is a gorgeous place with boundless history and intrigue. It was so easy to write about which, of course, made Carmella and Stefano easy as well. But so was Austria and Switzerland… and the list goes on.
I am so fortunate to be able to travel to so many wonderfully interesting and beautiful places. I admit to a bit of wanderlust. I have the book, 1,000 Places to See Before I Die sitting on my desk as inspiration, but I promise not to make you pack your bags for all those. I will, however, introduce a few new destinations in book three.
So, where is your favorite vacation spot, your dream trip or the best place you have ever visited? Take a minute to describe it in the comment section. After all, the readers like to hear from others besides just me. Maybe you can suggest a scene for my next book!!
Paragraphs on Padre 
Traveling is one of my favorite things too. As I look back, my best trips have been more related to nature. Diving the Great Barrier Reef, visiting many of the islands in the Galapagos to see the diverse animal life, Alaska, South America around the Cape to see the penguins & glaciers, and I could go on and on. I loved Italy too and was in awe of the cathedrals and history in all of Europe that I saw. Keep up the travel logs for us. I love hearing all about your travel! Maybe you should be a travel writer in your spare time.
You are so good to comment. Thanks!!! At least I know one person is reading. You forgot our trip to Peru and Machu Picchu!!!!Too cool!
I haven’t visited any exciting places, but I’m sure you could add the dusty fields of West Texas to your next book. I know a few folks who would fit right in.
As a matter of fact…nope–can’t tell you any more!!!
I love to travel but I have not had the chance to do much of it. About three years ago I had the opportunity to visit a friend who lives in a small town in Sweden. She took me to Gothenberg and a few other places. I was in awe of the beauty and cleanliness—no litter anywhere! We also made a day trip to Denmark where we went to the beach. I hope to go back sometime soon.
I have stood atop Pike’s Peak in Colorado and what a spectacular view! I am in awe of God’s splendor and artistry!
I haven’t had the chance to read “Promises Kept” but plan to do so once school is out. Take care and keep writing!
I am amazed at God’s splendor in all of the places I visit. Machu Picchu is a perfect example, but there are so many others. The mountains and streams, and simple fields are places of beauty all over the world. I hope you have a wonderful summer. And thank you so much for following my blogs. Tell Marin he needs to get with the program!!!
You know I love to travel too, and have been fortunate to experience many of my dream trips. I have always had a wanderlust, but my youth, I never thought I would have the opportunity to see all the places I have been. Of course, the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn about their culture is one of the best parts of travel.
I have loved visiting Asia, Europe and South America, but I always am happy that I am an American and am glad to get back to the USA.
It would be difficult to pick out one particular trip, spot or place as the best, and I always anticipate that the next trip may be the “best”. That makes all the hard work that goes into planning worthwhile.
Happy traveling!
You and Duke have been to some amazing places, and you aren’t finished yet. Wish I were going on your cruise in August. Sweden,Denmark, etc., are on my yet to do list, as you know. Take lots of photos and plan to come to SPI soon after to show them. I loved seeing your China pictures and remember you cooked a great pasta dish and your famous salad–hint, hint. That would be fun again!
Well I remember one great tour of England, Scotland and Ireland with Cindy and Rachel too sharing a glass of “White Wine” with the rest of us Canadians and Aussies in our hotel room! We had a lot of fun.
My wife and I are just back from a 3 week trip to Holland and France which we enjoyed immensely. We must say that I love Apeldoorn and Amsterdam as well and made a lot of new friends during our stay there. I agree with Rachel, it is hard to pick a spot that is the ‘best’ but getting back home is pretty good too!
Next trip… Portugal and Spain
Take Care!
Hey there, It is so good to hear from y’all! What a great trip that was, not only for the sites and fun, but for the lasting friendships that were made. Bet you can’t wait to try a few bottles of Spanish wine and some Port in Portugal!! Try to leave a little for the other folks. Remember, little Rachel that I called “ditto?” She is finally marrying the guy she was going with at the time of the trip. Just heard from her via email. Another friend hopefully for life although many miles separate us all.
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