Behind the Story: West Virginia

When you think of fairy tales, do you think of West Virginia. I'll be honest. Until I went there, I probably wouldn't have either.
My family visited some friends a couple years ago over Spring Break. As you can see in the picture, the trees hadn't even leafed out yet because it was so early in the year. But ... there was still this absolute beauty all around us everywhere we went and looked. West Virginia took my breath away. And inspired my Cinderella retelling.
​How?
Well, not only was the scenery breathtaking, which made me think a lot about God as our master Artist. But see that train track in the valley in the picture below? We saw a coal train go past on it while we were at the vista. And coal is a very West Virginia commodity.
Then, we visited Tamarack, which is a place full of arts made by locals. We watched a glass blower and checked out handmade items from pottery to woodwork to paintings. Even books! 
And as we drove home from our fun trip, my mind started connecting some dots.
What if Cinderella's fingers weren't dirty because of sleeping next to the fire. What if they were dirty because she was an artist? And what if she liked to use charcoal because it reminded her of her daddy who worked in coal? And what if she's inspired by the beauty around her in West Virginia.
And the story was born.
Are there other parts of West Virginia in my book? You betcha! Pepperoni rolls (a state staple leftover from the days when the men would take them as lunches in the coal mines) and Tudor's Biscuits, which is a yummy restaurant that sells breakfast all day both make it in the story. Along with other fun things. My friend who lives there said it was wonderful to have a book set in her state.
I definitely hope to go back one day. And until then, I can revisit it in my story.
Have you ever read a book set in West Virginia? Does it sound a bit more fairytale-ish to you? Today is the last day to pre-order Rendersella and save a $1 on the ebook. Paperbacks will be available 7/22. But if you want a sneak peek to see if you're interested ... or just because you don't want to have to wait until tomorrow to start it, my publisher is sharing the first three chapters for free! Rendersella​

Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance.
Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist.
At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up?