Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Real Locations

from the McDonald Observatory Facebook Page
The Davis Mountains

As a writer, a real location in a book is a must for me. It inspires scenes for me to visit the location, but more than that, it anchors me in reality.

The Observatory and Fog
For instance, the Davis Mountains in West Texas are close to the Mexican border and a perfect location for "intrigue" stories. But cell phones don't work well unless you climb to the highest point. The "mountains" (which are high) seem more like hills while you're there. But if you aren't used to the altitude, it can take it's toll on hikers. A part of West Texas, is the sheer unpredictability of the weather. It changes in an instant. Most of us think we can relate to varying weather patterns, but when we began a hike up a small hill, it was sunny and clear with very little cloud cover. By the time we reached the top (of this small hill) it was sprinkling rain. 



So for me, experiencing a location inspires me to write the story like my May release, PROTECTING THEIR CHILD. Until I experienced the terrain, I didn't know what the possibilities were for this story. The gully that Kate slides down is really there. The cactus that pricks her thumb was inspired when our pup, Dallas, got too curious on a hike. 

We took a drive to experience the vastness of the stars...and believe me, you've never experienced "vastness" until you're driving miles from nowhere on your last gallon of gas.

I hope that you get a taste of real Texas and real Texans when you read one of my books. Thanks for joining me today.

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"just a little hill"
Angi Morgan writes “Intrigues where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi was a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best Award, Romantic Times Best First Series, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the Daphne du Maurier.
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FIND ANGI
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LEAVE A BLOG COMMENT. Angi will draw from blog commenters for an advanced copy of PROTECTING THEIR CHILD (she'll need your email addy--which you can always send to her directly).  AND ENTER ANGI'S March contest for a book from Angi.  Register at Rafflecopter through March 31st, winner announced April 2nd. 
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Join me tomorrow at Chicklets In The Kitchen and discover how to make your Easter Eggs deep, beautiful colors. QUESTION FOR TODAY:  HAS VISITING SOME PLACE EVER INSPIRED YOU TO DO SOMETHING?

11 comments:

  1. Love the pictures! Looking forward to reading this one.

    My visits to Red Elephant Mountain area in the Colorado Rockies often inspire me to sing! Fortunately the is usually no people around so I am singing only to the Lord and since he gave me this voice I figure he loves it! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ABSOLUTELY !!
      Good for you, LilSis. You just keep on singing!
      ~Angi

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  2. Oh wow, those pics are wonderful!
    In the past, a few places or sights I have seen have inspired me to draw or paint... :)
    greenshamrock AT cox DOT net

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    1. I wish I could paint...there isn't even a stickman that looks real in my repertoire. Envious, Colleen!!
      ~Angi

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  3. visiting different places inspires me to travel more

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. I see pictures and want to see them in person. Too many places, so little time. ~Angi

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  4. When I travel to a place that is inspiring, I stop what I'm doing and really soak in the view as I think...I want to remember this moment. A couple of examples are when I stood at the top of a mountain looking down at Hot Springs, Arkansas for the first time on Christmas day, and when I stood on a hotel balcony on Paradise Island, Bahamas looking out over the ocean on my 15th wedding anniversary.
    I love being swept away to another place and time while reading a good book. You do a great job of making that happen. Looking forward to your next book.
    grandmabkr at yahoo dot com

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    1. Woot Woot Woot
      That's exactly what you're supposed to do, Brenda...
      even reading my books. LOL So glad you enjoy them.
      ~Angi

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  5. yes, going to some places inspire me to write a story :)

    eli_y83@yahoo.com

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  6. Hi Angi,

    Visiting Tombstone, Arizona inspired me to learn more about the Old West. It's a very interesting place. We had our 11 month old Sheltie, Dallas with us on her leash. Every museuam and tourist spot let us bring the dog on the tour. Tombstone is a great town. yenastone at aol dot com

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  7. I am a big fan of scene settings that are actual places. It makes the story all more real. I especially like Texas scenes, since I have recently returned to my home state.

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