Thursday, June 30, 2016

Vacations and Story Ideas by Terri Weldon


Earlier this month I travelled to the Amana Colonies in Iowa and the Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin. When I started on my vacation my plans were pure relaxation. No thoughts of writing whatsoever. 
 
Still somehow when I stopped in Amana and toured the area I couldn’t help but think how perfect a small town setting it would make. So I walked down the streets, visited the shops, took way too many pictures, and tucked the idea away in my mind. 
 
A few days later I took a boat ride on the Wisconsin River. There was a gorgeous island that had over 200 acres and provided home to every tree native to Wisconsin. The land belonged to the university and was in a protected status. A beautiful river, a protected island, eagles flying overhead, a type of sandstone found in only four places worldwide. Hmm, a perfect setting for the second book in a suspense series I’m working on. So I took a boatload of pictures (pun intended) and even had my poor sister quizzing the captain of the boat and the guide. We spent the rest the day sightseeing and I picked up all the free literature I could find. 
 
Did the story ideas ruin my vacation? Not at all, if anything it made me have more fun. Do I expect to get a story idea from every vacation? No, forcing the issue would take all joy and relaxation out of my trips. All I’m suggesting is that you keep an open mind, an open eye, and if the story muse whispers in your ear – spend a little time seeing where it leads you. 
 
What about you? Have you ever used a vacation spot in one of your books? Leave a comment and let me know. 
 
Terri Weldon is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing.
Readers can connect with Terri: Website: www.TerriWeldon.com or Blog: Seriously Write