Finding the Location

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start working on the planning and researching aspects of my third book while The Green Ticket is with my editor. I have slowly but surely been putting some pieces together, and I’m getting more and more excited to get to the actual writing part! My fingers are itching to just start, but I’m basing this novel in a fictional town in Maine – a state I have never visited nor know that much about. I was able to order some great brochures from the Maine visitor’s website, and they also sent me a full-scale map of the state, which has become my best friend. Being from the Midwest, I have no clue how people from New England talk, act, their mannerisms, etc, etc, so I’m reading books where characters are based there, doing a lot of online research, and also getting the help from some wonderful people who are familiar with Maine. Big thanks to fellow author Erik Atwell who already has been a huge help to me!
So not only am I figuring out my setting, I also have to meet my characters. This story will have two female leads, and right now I am building up the first. I’ve already changed her name – twice – and now I’m working on her family life. Another big thanks to Josie Ann with eBook Addict, as she sent me some fabulous character interview questions that I am using. These are so great to get to know the characters. Not only am I finding out their family information, job, and goals, but also what kind of car they drive, their worst memory from childhood, and their favorite weather and food. I am going into as much detail as I can on the questions, and I just know it will make my writing process much easier when I get to that point.
So for now, I’ll keep interviewing, keep researching, and maybe even plan a trip to Maine ;) I’ve always wanted to visit, so these seems like a good excuse for a vacation!