Settings have always been one of the most important aspects of a story to me.
I frequently—almost always, even—choose the films I watch or the books I read based on where they are set. I regularly shape my plots around places I want to go for research.
Past Travels Come to Life
For my current writing project, however, the travel generated the entire project. My trip in 2021 to the Riviera and other sites in France and Switzerland (yes, in the middle of the Covid pandemic) was to be purely a family event—to chaperone my granddaughter to her summer program in Monaco and then to school in Basel. Well, somebody had to do it.
The more I saw of the intriguing locales our itinerary took me to, however, the more the idea grew that I had to write about this. Not a novel, this time, but a collection of short stories with each one featuring characters from my various mystery series.
I began to fill pages in my little red notebook as places and events we visited stirred ideas.
Mysterious Ideas Take Shape
I saw my aristocratic sleuthing pair Lord and Lady Danvers strolling on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
The behavior of a group on the boat we took to St. Tropez would certainly arouse curiosity in Elizabeth and Richard, my retired literature professors spending their summer researching the lives of writers living on the Riviera.
A tour of the wine caves in the Loire valley suggested a concealed body to test the investigative skills of Felicity and Antony from my Monastery Murders.
Of course, Father Antony wouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit the historic monastery of St. Gall. Perhaps a body in one of the many confessionals lining the walls of abbey?
Or in the pool at the base of the tramway taking visitors up the mountain above St. Gallen?
Truths Emerge Once Again
I’ve barely begun on the writing, but already I’m experiencing what I always do: the truth of the axiom that writers never waste an experience, and the enormous joy of revisiting the scenes of my travels as I endeavor to share the experiences with my readers.
And yet again, I can answer that most-often-asked question “Where do your ideas come from?” with the simple truth, “Everywhere!”
I would love to hear from my readers: What places have you visited that have inspired you?
What a delightful explanation U have posted, Donna! The photos are wonderful, & a great asset 2 what U have shared in words. The photo of U & Jane is simply gorgeous: so much love & respect embodied in that environment. Thank U 4 this joy U have shared!
Thank you, Carolyn! It was such a privilege to share this experience which such a lovely young lady! And, I must say that doing it all in the middle of the Covid pandemic gave it all a frisson that lends itself well to mystery stories
Hi Donna, What a fun idea! Your short story collection set in Europe and around the Riviera sounds wonderful. Enjoy journeying back to those lovely places with your characters in your writing. 🙂
thank you for the encouragement, Narelle! Totally “outside the box” for me–but I’m having fun with it.
Love reading about where authors get story ideas thanks for sharing. (sorry I am so late)
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jenny! And, as always, thank you for your editing support.