 "I’m going to write a book!" As a librarian, I hear that a lot. Hey, I was once that patron who said it! And a very knowledgeable librarian helped me. I checked out books on writing, and after a few months, I thought I had a really good story and gave it to a few trusted readers and waited for feedback. My new friends told me the story was dry and needed work. Talk about a reality check! After picking up my ego, I realized they were right and was determined to learn how to make it better. One of the things I learned was it takes more than likeable characters to tell a story. In order to grab a reader’s attention, your story has to reach their emotions in ways that make the story memorable. Part of that is done with a great setting. What is a setting? Dictonary.com defines setting as: the local or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc. takes place. In my opinion, the setting is another character in your story. It’s the location of your novel, the background of a scene. It is the catalyst for what motivates your characters. You need to know as much about your setting as you know about your characters’ backstories. After all, most small towns, cities, states, and countries have histories—good and bad. So, how do you use setting in a story? If you’re reading, does the setting stand out? In the Butterfly Memoirs, the setting for the first three novels is Los Angeles, California. Books 4 and 5 are set in Atlanta, Georgia, and book 6 is set in Miami, Florida. Writing the setting for four of those books was a challenge! Why? Because I am from Atlanta and have never been to Los Angeles! I did visit Miami once, though. For settings where I’ve never been, I trust Google a lot! I had a vision, of course, but then Google made it possible for me to research the locations. Searching for images helped me accurately describe a location such as the Santa Monica Pier and the Los Angeles Zoo in A Heart Not Easily Broken. Using places I was more familiar with in Nobody’s Business and Alone were easier because I live in Atlanta. That didn’t stop me from using Google to keep the details accurate even in Atlanta. The last thing you want is to write something that you see in your mind without fact-checking, and then have readers call you out on it. Beta readers help, too! Especially if you know someone from the area you set your story. Happy Reading and Writing! MJ Multicultural Romance with Heart and Soul!
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 Sometimes when I choose my next read, I think about setting more than genre. For example, if I choose a book by Nicholas Sparks, I'm thinking about the Carolinas, about deep-rooted secrets and southern gents. If I'm feeling dark and moody, I'll go for a vampire book set in Washington State or maybe a Stephen King book set in the Colorado Mountains. When I was asked to write a romantic suspense with a diverse family element and search & rescue, there was no question that I was going to set my Midnight Sons series in Alaska. The wild, untamed landscapes not only serve as a stunning backdrop but also mirror the tumultuous, mysterious elements that define romantic suspense. Why Setting Matters In storytelling, setting is not just a backdrop. It's a character in its own right. It influences the story's atmosphere, molds its characters, and can even drive the plot. Take, for instance, the moody moors in Wuthering Heights. Could Heathcliff's brooding and tumultuous romance with Catherine have unfolded anywhere else but on those windy, desolate moors? I think not. Setting as a Reflection of Character In my writing, I use setting to reflect my characters' internal landscapes. For example, in my Creatus series, the old, hidden settings (I chose New England) parallel the secretive lives of the creatures they conceal. This intertwining of place and personality challenges the characters, shaping their paths and choices, much like our environments influence us. She Belongs to Me (the entire Southern Collection, for that matter) could not have been set anywhere other than the Carolinas. There's just something about old Southern families and country boys! I swear if Jordan wasn't so "country," his protective nature wouldn't have worked as well. How to Use Setting Effectively Integrate Setting with Plot: The setting should do more than just serve as a backdrop. It should interact with the plot, influencing outcomes and character decisions. Use Sensory Details: Vivid descriptions that engage the senses can make a setting feel real and tangible, pulling readers deeper into the world you’ve created. Reflect Themes and Moods: The setting can enhance the themes or shift the mood of a scene, adding layers to the narrative. The right setting can transform a story from good to unforgettable. It’s not just about where and when; it’s about making those elements work in harmony with every aspect of your tale. As writers, we wield the power to transport our readers, not just emotionally or intellectually, but spatially, into the heart of our stories' worlds. Kind of like the image I chose... While you might be sitting on a beach or in your backyard, my goal is to transport you to another location! For readers and aspiring writers alike, I encourage you to think about the settings in your favorite books. How do they enhance the storytelling? And for my fellow authors, consider how your next setting might just be the key to unlocking your story's full potential. Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing! Carmen Here are the FIRSTS in the three series I mentioned!
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 Hello, dear readers, It’s Jackie here, coming to you with a heart full of stories and a lifetime of experiences that I've poured into every book I’ve written. As I sit in my writing nook, surrounded by the quiet hum of life and the whispers of characters old and new, I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite stories with you. The Sheriff's Woman is a story that holds a special place in my heart, not just for the tale it tells but for the journey it represents. At eighty-three, I’ve seen the world change in countless ways, yet the essence of human emotion, the complexity of relationships, and the quest for love remain timeless. Set against the backdrop of the serene Ozark Mountains, The Sheriff's Woman is a narrative that unfolds the life of Rachel Cameron, a woman who chooses solitude in the wake of personal loss, striving to shield her children from gossip and shame. But her quiet life is challenged by the determined Sheriff Garrett Stark, a man who has long harbored feelings for Rachel. Garrett, an ex-Marine and a steadfast bachelor, believes it's time for Rachel to step out of the shadows and embrace life again, with him by her side. Their story is one of conflict, passion, and a deep-seated desire for connection. Rachel’s reluctance and Garrett’s persistence weave a tale that speaks to the heart's resilience and the courage required to open up to love again. This novel, dear friends, is for those who have faced adversity, who have sheltered their hearts, yet dare to dream of a love that reignites the soul. The reviews have been wonderfully heartwarming! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Wholesome Hometown Tale to Warm Your Heart!" – A sentiment that echoes the essence of what I hoped to capture. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A beautiful, clean, lovely story of romance and life in a small town." – Indeed, it’s a celebration of life’s simplicity and the beauty of human connection. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lively dialogue. Engaging plot. Endearing characters" – Each element carefully crafted to bring you into the world of Rachel and Garrett, making their journey yours. I believe in the power of stories to heal, to connect, and to uplift. The Sheriff's Woman is my invitation to you – to step into a world where love conquers, where the human spirit prevails, and where a second chance at happiness is just around the corner. Let yourself be carried away to the Ozark Mountains, to a small homestead where life’s complexities are met with courage and love. And when you turn the last page, I hope you carry a piece of Rachel and Garrett’s story with you, a reminder of the enduring power of love. With warmth and affection, Jackie Weger XoXo
Here are a few images I chose to go with the story. I hope they give you a feel for Rachel's life!
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 Dear Friends, I woke up this morning to an astonishing revelation that left me baffled, intrigued, and, I must admit, a little amused. It appears the characters from the Creatus series, The Southern Collection, and the Midnight Sons have chosen today, of all days, to go on strike. Yes, you read that right! My beloved characters have decided they deserve a day off until I give them what they want. As I tried to negotiate with them—a tricky feat, given their adamant stance on enjoying a bit of leisure—they've presented me with a list of demands. They're quite the imaginative bunch, as you well know. Here are a few of their requests: More Plot Twists: They're craving adventures that are even more labyrinthine and mind-bending. They want you, the readers, to be on the edge of your seats, guessing until the very last page. Exotic Locations for Future Stories: Our Southern charmers are looking to mix it up with the mystical beings from the Creatus universe in locations that span from the enchanting Land of the Noonday Sun in North Carolina to the Land of the Midnight Sun in Alaska. Crossover Cameos: In an unprecedented move, characters from The Southern Collection are negotiating cameo appearances alongside Sam and his team in Alaska to Derrick and the New England Creatus family, who will be soon gathering in Maine. Imagine the rich, Southern charm of Jordan and his friends and the tough Alaska rescue team meeting the secretive, supernatural world. The possibilities are endless! Okay, if you haven’t figured this out yet, this is definitely an April Fools' joke, started by Mike from the Creatus series. Only he would think up something like this. I let him go ahead with it because he’s so fun and lovable, but decided I better offer a peace offering and a treat for you, my dear readers. So, on this April Fools' Day, I am placing The Southern Collection in Kindle Unlimited for a Limited Time, which means that not only can you READ the complete series free, you can also listen to the audiobooks! Find the complete collection HERE! If you are unfamiliar with Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, you can read about them on Amazon.com! Until next time, Happy Reading, and, remember, today is a day for laughter, surprises, and, of course, a little bit of mischief. Warmest regards, Carmen DeSousa If you are new to my books, here are the FIRSTS in the three series I mentioned!
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