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.
