I fall in love with places much easier than I fall in love with people. I can say that with complete

confidence since I’ve only fallen in love with one person (my husband will be relieved to read

that I’m referring to him), but I fall in love with most places that I visit. When I fall in love with

something, I want to write about it.

Though I’m still working hard to get Book #1 published (any editors out there interested?) and

I’m currently writing Book #2, I’m always on the lookout for ideas for books 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. I

don’t have to look far. I just have to travel far.

Writers get ideas from all different sources. As a historical fiction writer, many of my earlier

ideas are from books. Book #2 was inspired by a quick mention of a real character in a non

fiction book I was reading. The character piqued my attention and thus a story idea was born.

Lately, though, I’m finding myself more and more inspired by places than anything else.

Thank goodness for family vacations, because exposure to all these different places are filling

up my coffer of story ideas. Just a few places that I’m currently researching, looking for the right

story idea:

1. Hawaii – Who doesn’t fall in love with Hawaii? It’s literally the perfect setting – perfect

weather, perfect sandy beaches, perfect blue clear water, and my personal favorite – no

poisonous bugs or snakes. As I’m researching the islands, though, I’m finding it has a less

than perfect history, which makes it perfect for a historical fiction writer.

2. Charleston, North Carolina – This city is steeped in history from founding fathers to

murderous pirates. On top of that, it’s the home of uncountable hauntings and ghost

sightings. I’m not usually a thriller/mystery/horror writer, but I may make an exception

for Charleston.

3. Istanbul, Turkey (specifically Topkapi Palace) – I’m just starting my research into this

gorgeous place, but I’m confident there are more historical fiction treasures hiding in

this 500+ year old palace than there are real treasures in its display cases. (That’s saying

something too, since Topkapi Palace is home of the Spoonmaker’s Diamond – an 86

carat diamond considered to be the world’s fourth largest diamond.) Take into account

this palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire and main residence of its sultans,

there should be plenty to inspire any writer. Oh, and there was a 400-room harem.

I better start writing before our next vacation since I’m sure that will inspire a whole new list of

ideas!