Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us... Specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
The primary setting for my epic fantasy series is a continent-sized island nation called Azgard. The geography varies greatly, depending on the latitude. There are huge, snow-capped mountains; lush forests of redwood trees with a house-sized circumference; sweeping grass plains populated by herds of horses; rich farmlands, meadows, and even vast swamps in the far
south. The island is also well endowed with mineral wealth and other natural resources, including abundant water.
At first glance, Azgard seems little short of paradise. Polarized, however, is the key to understanding the island and its society. Azgard is deeply divided by race, by rank, by gender, by wealth, by level of power, by opportunity for advancement, and by access to technology.
Two groups inhabit Azgard. The dominant race, the Toltecs, are long-lived, exceptionally tall, physically strong, black-haired and black-eyed people with skin that ranges from light copper to deep reddish brown. The subject people, the Turanians, are smaller in stature, with blond, red, and light brown hair, blue or green eyes, and skin so pale it seems like milk.
As the story begins, the Toltecs conquered the Turanians several millennia earlier. Turanians endure limited chances for economic advancement, and work largely as servants, low-paid menial workers in industry, or as farmers. A handful of Turanians have managed to accumulate wealth, but they must hide that fact to keep Toltec bureaucrats from plundering their assets. Turanians also have highly circumscribed access to communications and other technology, and are not allowed to own any form of mechanized transport or even drive one without the permission of a Toltec employer.
Toltecs, on the other hand, control most of the wealth and the means of producing even more. A Toltec oligarchy that uses the name of "the Kindred" owns all land and patents on numerous inventions. The Toltec monarch is known as the Exalted Lord of the Kindred. Females are the property of either their fathers or their husbands and have few legal rights or protections.
Visitors to Azgard find that while the Turianians are hospitable to strangers, the Toltecs are much more aloof and suspicious because they regard anyone who isn't a Toltec as inferior. Their racial and ethnic supremacy belief guides the Toltecs' foreign policy, which is based on
military power and subjugation of other countries. Toltec society is also theocratic, with all people subject to civil laws and the religious laws of the state-sanctioned Temple of Kronos. There is no freedom of speech, and the poor and/or Turanians who cannot afford legal representation feel the heavy hand of Toltec justice, which is punitive and often violent.
Why you choose that particular setting?
I didn't really choose the setting. It is an integral part of the overall multi-generational story.
What does the setting add to the story?
Only everything. The setting makes this story.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
No. One critic took it upon himself to suggest that I set the action in Cyprus, an island torn by centuries-long feuds between Greeks and Turks. That would not make any sense and it would not work for my particular story.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
The storyline of my entire series is bound up in the ultimate fate of Azgard. This is a tale about how religious extremists bent on absolute power instead destroyed an entire country and imperiled the world. Thus the setting cannot exist any longer-it simply cannot be any place or locale that remains intact.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting? Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
I believe I chose real places that once existed as the settings. Others might consider my setting nothing more than a myth at best. It was real to me because I believe I once lived a life as the first-generation heroine of my story.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share.
There is a dark secret gnawing away at the underpinnings of Toltec power that will be exposed as the series progresses due to war, plague, and civil unrest.
Please provide your website link. http://www.greenstoneofhealing.com
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Title: Green Stone of Healing® Series
Paperbacks purchase links:
The Scorpions Strike-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book Three
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053753
Fallout-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book Two
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053746
The Vision-Green Stone of Healing® Series, Book One
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780980053739
eBooks purchase link: http://www.healingstonebooks.com
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Bleach|Blackout – It’s All In The Setting
The setting for Bleach is a house party, the last 60 seconds of New Year’s Eve, in the
For Bleach, the initial setting is used to both set up the story and because it is a very “in the moment” scene to start a story. The smell of smoke and danger permeates a room full of disoriented guests and someone is knocking at the door.
Sandwiched in between the start and finish you will often find a corporate backdrop used as the setting to establish relationships and tell the story of Jeremy’s adventure back home for the holidays.
The end of Bleach circles back to where the book starts, the evening of debauchery where all the men are dressed as prostitutes, all the women look like pimps and decadence and debauchery dictate the rules. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control, and Jeremy realizes there are no guarantees for him or anyone else.
Blackout picks up two years after Bleach in
The settings in both Bleach|Blackout put the characters in a place for them to interact and act on impulse, allowing the reader to not only paint their own picture of the characters, but also spare them a boring back story chapter. While writing both Bleach and Blackout I never thought about any different setting. Bleach had to begin and end with the party of the ages while Blackout had to move, allowing me as the writer more freedom (and liberties) to develop my cast of fictional friends.
Please provide your website link: http://www.davidsgrant.com
What is the link to buy your book? http://www.offensemechanisms.com/bookstore.html
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it? Bleach|Blackout is available online and select bookstores. To purchase go to: http://www.offensemechanisms.com/bookstore.html
Thank you for having me. -David
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Setting for Conor and the Crossworlds by Kevin Gerard
Questions About the Setting of Conor and the Crossworlds
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
Why you chose that particular setting?
I chose the Crossworlds because it is infinite. It is an endless series of worlds of light and darkness where anything can happen. What could be better than that for a fantasy writer?
What does the setting add to the story?
Surprises around every corner. There are four main venues that Conor and the other characters populate from time to time.
The realm of the creators is the home of the Council of Seven, a group of creators emeritus who oversee the Crossworlds. It is a place of unparalleled beauty and wellbeing. It is where Conor and the Champions go to rejuvenate themselves and prepare for battle.
The Glade of Champions is the world where the giant protectors of the Crossworlds live. Heavily forested and filled with lakes and small hills where the great cats can sun themselves, this is where Conor first meets Purugama’s brothers.
Earth – Conor lives there with his family in
The Shadow World is the home of the Circle of Evil. The destroyers; Drazian, Gandron, Fumemos, Seefra, Pikiwik Loff, and the horrible assassin Nemelissi all stage their attacks in this place. Zelexa, the Lady of the Shadows, controls this world along with the three arcs of the ruling body.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
Why would I ever want to do that?
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
It’s not that I wouldn’t, I simply couldn’t. To me, the Crossworlds is as real as the world we all know. Conor is alive, as is Purugama and the rest of the Champions. The Lady of the Light has come alive with all the others, the destroyers, shadow warriors, the ezuvex, and on and on. This is a real live dimension I’ve created, and I could never change a thing about it. To do so would be an injustice to all the characters in the Conor and the Crossworlds story.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
Only on earth. I went to
Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
Everything besides earth came right out of my runaway imagination, including the Crossworlds, the corridors, the shadow world, the Champions, seekers, guardians, and the armies of the shadow world. I have to say, though, that I have been influenced by many wonderful writers. I’m certain the Lady of the Light emerged from my love of the science fiction / fantasy genre.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Anything can happen, and usually does. The great wonder about fantasy writing is the spontaneity of the experience. Imagine freeing your mind completely and allowing yourself to write absolutely anything. That’s where great stories come from.
One thing that I’ll tell you is that very little in the Crossworlds is synthetic. I love the idea that the corridors are living, organic creatures. In Book Two they began to unravel because the Circle of Evil attacked the spiritual and social health of the planets connected to them. In Book Three you really get the sense of how emotional the corridors can be.
Please provide your website link.
http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com
What is the link to buy your book?
Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com – go to any of these sites and search for Conor and the Crossworlds.
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
If you went to the Glade of Champions, you might encounter a 5000 pound lion, a 2800 pound jaguar, a 2100 pound cheetah, a 3000 pound tiger, a 3000 pound flying cougar, and if you were lucky, you might see Maya, the Lord of the Champions, a 1900 pound alley cat. They are all cordial gentlemen, to a point.
If you went to the realm of the creators, your jaw would drop as you looked upon glorious gardens, waterfalls, pools, and perfect sunlight. The weather is always perfectly soothing to the spirit and soul. Young creators tend to the grounds constantly, and attend to the needs of the creators emeritus. Seekers (powerful visionaries with a gift finding lost souls) and guardians (healers from an ancient race of ezuvex warriors) might be roaming about. Bring relaxing clothing; you may pass by a healing water wall and want to stop for a moment’s rest.
Beware if you enter the Shadow World, for no one who perishes there can ever be rejuvenated by the creators. If you hear that the destroyer Nemelissi is on the loose, hide somewhere and stay absolutely quiet. Nemelissi the assassin is the most horrible of all destroyers, a disgusting creature who relishes new methods of slaughtering its victims.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Conor and the Crossworlds: Breaking the Barrier
Conor and the Crossworlds: Peril in the Corridors
Conor and the Crossworlds: Surviving an Altered World
Conor and the Crossworlds: Charge of the Champions – October 2009
Conor and the Crossworlds: The Author of All Worlds – October 2010
Stop by any tour stop and share your thoughts and comments with author Kevin Gerard as he prepares for the December release of Book 3 Surviving an Altered World. He will check in throughout the day at each stop to answer questions. You’ll learn more and have a chance to win one of his books, and the more you learn about Conor and his exciting realm the more you'll want to know. Visit Kevin's website http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com today to keep tabs on the upcoming release of Surviving an Altered World. While your there click on the contest video for exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators which begins in January.
For more information about Kevin Gerard and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html
Surviving an Altered World Blurb:
Conor and Janine watch in horror as a powerful warrior sent by the Circle of Evil destroys their world and imprisons everyone they know, including the Crossworlds Champions and the creators. The Lady of the Light appears, explaining that she and her kind deposited the five keys of the creators on different worlds just before the chaos began. If Conor and Janine can recover the keys, the Crossworlds will be restored
Amazon Link for Surviving an Altered World: http://tinyurl.com/55akjz
About Conor and the Crossworlds
Conor and the Crossworlds series: This series opens with book 1, Conor and the Crossworlds, when 10-year-old Conor Jameson unconsciously calls forth the power of the crossworlds creators who send the mystical beast, Purugama, to accompany the boy on a fantastic journey into the realm of the crosswords. This immense collection of mystical worlds connects by organic "corridors" that allow creators, champions, seekers, and at the other end of the spectrum, destroyers, shadow warriors, slayers and keepers to travel between worlds as easily as Conor walks between the rooms of his home. In book 2, Peril in the Corridors, the story continues when Conor and his huge mentor disturb the integrity of the crossworlds corridors, and must join the Lord of the Crossworlds Champions, Maya, on a mission to repair them, with all of creation hanging in the balance. In book 3, Surviving an Altered World (due to be released in December 2008), Conor and Janine Cochran, two everyday high school students find themselves caught in a race to save an altered world after Conor ignores his mentors' warnings and divulges secrets about his past.
About the Author:
After running three companies and working a variety of jobs during his life, Mr. Gerard returned to school and earned a master's degree in sociology from Humboldt State University. He returned to San Diego after completing the program and worked with two professional research organizations over the next seven years. In 2004, he resigned from the second position in order to pursue a writing career. While still teaching at the university, he spends the bulk of his time writing for publication. The Conor and the Crossworlds series provided the main impetus for his decision to permanently extricate himself from formal employment.
"Stepping away from full-time work was the best decision I ever made. Writing this story has given me tremendous personal satisfaction, and it has shown me an avenue for expression I will always treasure."
Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and four children. He teaches sociology and statistics for the California State University. When not writing or teaching, Mr. Gerard enjoys walking the grounds at the San Diego Zoo, golfing with his father, hitting the waves and his favorite pizza hangout with his brother, nieces and nephews, and loving his wife and kids. He also enjoys playing Halo on the internet; look for him in the rocket games as Drazian, the destroyer in the first Conor and the Crossworlds adventure, Breaking the Barrier.
Conor and the Crossworlds Contest
Visit his website and click on the contest video for exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators which begins in January http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com
Website Address: http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com
Primary Blog: http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1Y85GB3KR02Y6/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Kindred Spirits by Marilyn Meredith
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
There are three important settings in this mystery. First, Bear Creek, where Tempe Crabtree is the resident deputy. Yes, it is loosely based on where I live--but I've changed it some--including moving it 1,000 feet higher into the mountains. It's a small community town, almost a village, which is fairly close to the Bear Creek Indian reservation.
The second setting is Crescent City where Tempe goes to learn more about a murder victim and possibly the murderer.
The third setting is Santa Barbara where Tempe finally confronts the murderer--and nearly loses her life.
Why did you choose that particular setting?
This is book eight in the series and Tempe has always been the resident deputy of Bear Creek. I like the small town nuances and uniqueness of the mountain setting and the problems that arise, such as forest fires.
Four years ago I went to Crescent City to teach a workshop at a writers conference. While there I met a most interesting Tolowa woman and learned a lot about the Tolowa people, their history and some of their legends and knew that one day I wanted to put all of this in a book. Crescent City is a beautiful place on the Pacific Ocean and bordering on Oregon.
It was logical for Tempe to go onto Santa Barbara in pursuit of the murderer.
What does the setting add to the story?
I think all three settings add a lot to the story itself. I'm a firm believer that settings are as important as character in the telling of a story. I've often given workshops about setting.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
I could, but it wouldn't be the same story since the settings definitely influence what happens in all three cases.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
The story begins with a forest fire so the place has to be where there are forest fires.
The Tolowa Indians are important to the story in the Crescent City setting and that's where the majority of the Tolowa people live.
As Tempe follows the trail left by the killer, she ends up in Santa Barbara. I know Santa Barbara and the place fit what I wanted to happen.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
I usually use a real setting or base it on a real setting. For me, this helps me see the places in my mind as the story unfolds.
Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
In all the 20 plus books I've written, I've never totally created a setting from scratch. I've never felt the need to do so, though I've certainly moved things around in Bear Creek to suit what I was writing.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share.
I love Crescent City. It's right on a rather rugged and rocky coast that has been the scene of many a shipwreck. In places, giant redwoods grow right down to the sea. It is one of the places where Big Foot has been sighted. The first people who lived and thrived in this wonderful place were the Tolowa people--until they were nearly wiped out by the newcomers who settled in the area. Not many people realize that the California Indians were nearly eliminated either by illness or at the hands of their neighbors. Though this is not what Kindred Spirits is about, it is a part of the characters in the book.
Please provide your website link.
http://fictionforyou.com
What is the link to buy your book?
http://mundaniapress.com/books-kindredspirits.html
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
Before arriving in Bear Creek you could make a side-trip to the Indian casino, or head up higher to visit the old growth Sequoias.
In Crescent City, on your way up you could drive through the trail of giant redwoods and perhaps catch a glimpse of Big Foot. When you arrive, there are all sorts of wonderful sea food restaurants with ocean views. It can be chilly in Crescent City because of the fog so bring a sweater.
In both places, you'll likely see many retirees. In Bear Creek, you might run into a Native American as well and the same for Crescent City though there are other ethnic people represented.
In Santa Barbara you'll see lots of tourists along with the many who live there all the time. Besides the ocean vistas, be sure to visit the Santa Barbara Mission.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Kindred Spirits is the title. If you'd like to purchase it from the publisher, go here:
http://mundaniapress.com/books-kindredspirits.html but it is also available from all the online bookstores and can be ordered from any bookstore. It is also available as an e-book.
Thank you for hosting me and allowing me to tell you a bit about the settings for Kindred Spirits.
Marilyn Meredith
There are three important settings in this mystery. First, Bear Creek, where Tempe Crabtree is the resident deputy. Yes, it is loosely based on where I live--but I've changed it some--including moving it 1,000 feet higher into the mountains. It's a small community town, almost a village, which is fairly close to the Bear Creek Indian reservation.
The second setting is Crescent City where Tempe goes to learn more about a murder victim and possibly the murderer.
The third setting is Santa Barbara where Tempe finally confronts the murderer--and nearly loses her life.
Why did you choose that particular setting?
This is book eight in the series and Tempe has always been the resident deputy of Bear Creek. I like the small town nuances and uniqueness of the mountain setting and the problems that arise, such as forest fires.
Four years ago I went to Crescent City to teach a workshop at a writers conference. While there I met a most interesting Tolowa woman and learned a lot about the Tolowa people, their history and some of their legends and knew that one day I wanted to put all of this in a book. Crescent City is a beautiful place on the Pacific Ocean and bordering on Oregon.
It was logical for Tempe to go onto Santa Barbara in pursuit of the murderer.
What does the setting add to the story?
I think all three settings add a lot to the story itself. I'm a firm believer that settings are as important as character in the telling of a story. I've often given workshops about setting.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
I could, but it wouldn't be the same story since the settings definitely influence what happens in all three cases.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
The story begins with a forest fire so the place has to be where there are forest fires.
The Tolowa Indians are important to the story in the Crescent City setting and that's where the majority of the Tolowa people live.
As Tempe follows the trail left by the killer, she ends up in Santa Barbara. I know Santa Barbara and the place fit what I wanted to happen.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
I usually use a real setting or base it on a real setting. For me, this helps me see the places in my mind as the story unfolds.
Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
In all the 20 plus books I've written, I've never totally created a setting from scratch. I've never felt the need to do so, though I've certainly moved things around in Bear Creek to suit what I was writing.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share.
I love Crescent City. It's right on a rather rugged and rocky coast that has been the scene of many a shipwreck. In places, giant redwoods grow right down to the sea. It is one of the places where Big Foot has been sighted. The first people who lived and thrived in this wonderful place were the Tolowa people--until they were nearly wiped out by the newcomers who settled in the area. Not many people realize that the California Indians were nearly eliminated either by illness or at the hands of their neighbors. Though this is not what Kindred Spirits is about, it is a part of the characters in the book.
Please provide your website link.
http://fictionforyou.com
What is the link to buy your book?
http://mundaniapress.com/books-kindredspirits.html
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
Before arriving in Bear Creek you could make a side-trip to the Indian casino, or head up higher to visit the old growth Sequoias.
In Crescent City, on your way up you could drive through the trail of giant redwoods and perhaps catch a glimpse of Big Foot. When you arrive, there are all sorts of wonderful sea food restaurants with ocean views. It can be chilly in Crescent City because of the fog so bring a sweater.
In both places, you'll likely see many retirees. In Bear Creek, you might run into a Native American as well and the same for Crescent City though there are other ethnic people represented.
In Santa Barbara you'll see lots of tourists along with the many who live there all the time. Besides the ocean vistas, be sure to visit the Santa Barbara Mission.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Kindred Spirits is the title. If you'd like to purchase it from the publisher, go here:
http://mundaniapress.com/books-kindredspirits.html but it is also available from all the online bookstores and can be ordered from any bookstore. It is also available as an e-book.
Thank you for hosting me and allowing me to tell you a bit about the settings for Kindred Spirits.
Marilyn Meredith
Monday, September 1, 2008
Hunting The Egret by Bryn Colvin
Why you chose that particular setting?
I like to write about places I know, and having grown up not for from the River Severn in Gloucestershire, it’s a landscape that has really imprinted itself on my soul. Knowing the places I wanted to write about meant not needing to do much research, which is nice sometimes. The Severn is an incredible river – muddy, tidal, with its huge estuary – it’s a totally unique habitat surrounded by beautiful hills. It has a lot of its own myths, and I managed to weave a few of these into ‘Hunting the Egret’.
What does the setting add to the story? Otter shapeshifters need water. My first otter shapeshifter novel was set in the fens – in the east of England, a very flat and damp part of the world. I wanted a different setting for this one, and needed water. I wanted egrets, and they are only in the south of the UK at present. Going back to the river I knew and loved as a child seemed a logical choice.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
The plot itself doesn’t depend on the setting, I could have used a number of large southern rivers as my backdrop, but it made sense to use the one I know best.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
Other rivers have myths and deities, but they all have their own character, so changing the setting would make some difference to the feel of the book.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
Yes, for the greater part – The Severn River, Bristol, Gloucester, Lydney, the Sharpness canal and the surrounding hills are entirely real. The village of Arlode is fictional, but owes a lot to the villages on the Severn.
Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
Only the village of Arlode, which is a typical small Gloucestershire village, with an aging population and its key facilities falling by the wayside.
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see?
The Severn is a moody river, muddy, and tidal. On either side are hills. The combination of hills and river seems to make the place a rain magnate and its damper than average, with grey skies being very much normal. Although many of the villages are picturesque, there’s a smattering of industry, and communities suffering from rising house prices and dwindling populations. At the moment, there is no Severn barrage, but it remains a threat to this beautiful landscape.
What sort of people are there?
Villages are increasingly being taken over by weekenders and commuters – there being so little work in rural places. The younger people can’t afford the buy houses in the places where they grew up, and most leave for towns and cities. It’s hard to live in rural England if you have no car and no money.
If we were travelling to your setting, what should we bring with us?
Walking boots, a waterproof coat, binoculars for bird watching.
For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
It’s a fairly quiet and lovely corner of the world, with plenty of good pubs, and wonderful walks.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Estraguil - Setting for The Girl Who Fell
Why you chose that particular setting?
This is my fourth book in the Estraguil setting. Having put a lot of work into creating a fantasy place, I just love playing with it and keep going back there. It has so much history to explore, and lends itself to all kinds of different stories.
What does the setting add to the story?
It’s a mysterious place, full of magic and possibility. Myths are very important in Estraguil, story and landscape, heritage and culture are all interwoven. The setting has a distinct personality of its own, with intentions of its own and lends itself to drama and adventure.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
No.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
I don’t like rabbit out of hat solutions. ‘The Girl Who Fell’ is rooted in the nature and logic of estraguil, with some of the quirks of the setting being essential to the plot.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
There’s a considerable influence of the Forest of Dean in Estraguil – narrow river valleys, woods, caves, hills etc. The name itself – Estraguil – was an old name for Chepstow Castle, which is in the Forest of Dean. Said castle provided the inspiration for a tower in the story, and for the whole concept of Estraguil.
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see?
It’s a wild and beautiful place, with massive ancient trees, boulders, caves, rivers and waterfalls. There is a lot of unique indigenous wildlife – much of it dangerous. You get small pockets of civilisation around the trefs, but once you get away from those, the forest is untamed, full of wonders, hazards and adventures.
What sort of people are there?
There are a number of kith groups who inhabit the forests – some nomadic, some stationary. Most of these groups have their own areas, some do not. While basically humanoid, the inhabitants of Estraguil tend to be strange – furred, feathered, shape shifting, with tails, or hooves, claws, forked tongues, or other striking quirks.
If we were travelling to your setting, what should we bring with us?
Stout boots, a sturdy pack, something for warmth, water skins, something to hunt with. Bring no more than you can carry on your shoulders because there are no beasts of burden here, and technology is minimal. Make sure you have stories or songs, because these can be traded almost anywhere.
For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
Estraguil is dangerous, with a lot of rules of its own. Travel cautiously, treat those you find with respect – if you offer no violence you might not receive any.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
The Girl Who Fell
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/TheGirlWhoFell_BrynnethColvin.shtml
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Learn More About the Setting for Vietnam Air Rescues
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
1. Why you chose that particular setting?
This book is somewhat unique in that it is not so much a story, per se, as a reminiscence of incidents from my past. It was originally written for the benefit of my children, rather than the public in general. Another complication is that it is a collection of stories regarding my experiences during the Vietnam War, thus the ‘setting’ has to be the war as it existed in 1967-1968. Or, at least, the war as it appeared to me.
2. What does the setting add to the story?
The setting is the story. It would be very hard to write a story about combat experiences during the Vietnam War and place the action in say,
3. Could you write the same story in a different setting?
4. Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
Absolutely
5. Or, did you create the setting from scratch?
My book is a true story and the setting is very real. There are many pictures on my website and in the book from my time and experiences in
6. Please provide your website link.
7. What is the link to buy your book?
8. Tell us some specific details about your setting.
What would we see?
At first glance, the setting for the book seems huge as it encompasses 3 separate countries:
Laos is barely the size of the state of Utah.
Vietnam today is larger than Italy and nearly the size of Germany. During the time period covered by the book, however, the country was split nearly equally in half.
Upon a closer look, however, the scale shrinks somewhat. The author flew out of a base in
Since rescue missions depended for their success on remote areas, all of the 3 settings in the book involved dense jungle and rough, mostly unoccupied mountainous terrain.
Flying over jungle terrain can be quite boring, as it is impossible to see the ground and the packed density of the trees below tend to blur. What broke up the monotony was the jagged rocks and ridges, called ‘Karsts’, which had to be avoided and navigated through.
Since helicopters were basically incapable of flying at extremely high altitudes, the level at which one flew was critical; fly too high and you are exposed to Surface to Air missile radar and risk being shot down. Fly too low and you are exposed to a variety of ground fire types—from pistols to rifles to machine guns. For these reasons, it was prudent to vary your altitude constantly, always below the level of the mountain peaks to mask the radar and always erring on the low side. A missile radar lock-on was fatal.
Once on the ground and assuming the alert posture, the situation changed. The daytime site was a short dirt strip roughly bulldozed near the top of a jungle-covered ridge. The alert pilot’s job was to sit inside a small plywood hut with 7 other men from dawn to dusk waiting for the call to enter
The irony of the situation was that the pilot who had just been downed had been traveling at 500+ mph. Now, it was expected that a helicopter, traveling at barely
Back at the daytime site, just a hundred yards or so away the jungle began; rising steeply up the hillside. The cleared area, with the short landing strip, parking area, fuel dump, plywood hut and ‘fortress’ on a small rise belonged to the Americans. The jungle belonged to the enemy, who did not hesitate to shoot at any Americans who were foolish enough to show themselves.
The site was guarded by mercenary troops, who did not speak English and had little interaction with the Americans. If gunfire was encountered from the jungle, the mercenary troops would attempt to discourage it.
The area around the hut was covered with waist-high grass. Buried in the grass were the disintegrating remains of ‘dud’ rocket and artillery shells which had failed to explode upon impact, but would now explode if stepped on or jostled. This created a protective barrier which discouraged the enemy from crawling though the grass to the hut.
There were no bathroom facilities. In addition, the only food and water available was what was carried in. Sitting in a cramped, windowless hut in high humidity all day long, caused a certain, shall we say, ripeness in the air.
Since the enemy would regularly attempt to seize the strip during the cover of darkness, the helicopters would depart just before night fell, retreating some distance SW to a larger site which, although still in enemy territory, had a larger enough troop presence to repel attacks.
This site contained a paved runway and a small city. The difficulty of landing at a controlled ‘airport’ was that there were neither radios nor English-speaking ‘controllers’ is detailed in the book.
The Jolly Green pilot’s would arrive just at dusk and depart the next morning at first light. Therefore, they had little interaction with the nighttime site, other than sleeping in plywood huts.
DAY ONE
1 Takeoff from home base in
2 After refueling the helicopters, and assuming no one was shot down; sit in a windowless, plywood hut until dusk, monitoring a battery-powered radio.
3 Fly to the overnight site
4 Spend the night
DAY TWO
1 Take off the next morning at first light and fly to the daytime site
2 After refueling the helicopters, and assuming no one was shot down; sit in a windowless, plywood hut until dusk, monitoring a battery-powered radio.
3 Fly to the overnight site
4 Spend the night
1 Take off the next morning at first light and fly to the daytime site
2 After refueling the helicopters, and assuming no one was shot down; sit in a windowless, plywood hut until dusk, monitoring a battery-powered radio.
3 Fly back to
The only people I had any interaction with were the mercenary troops who guarded our sites and this interaction was minimal. They were a proud people, possessed of a culture and mannerisms that were quite different from ours. I go into some detail in the book regarding the cultural differences involved.
If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us?
When I was there, a flak vest, helmet and weapon would be handy. Not sure about today. Perhaps the biggest noticeable difference is the weather. Hot and sticky constantly. One must change socks and underwear quite frequently to prevent it from rotting and, more importantly, causing sores upon your body.
Cool, well ventilated clothing would be a must. We would hang our flight suits in a locker, with our combat boots sitting underneath. A low wattage bulb was kept burning constantly. This provided enough heat to dry out our boots and clothing to prevent rot.
11. Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
www.vietnam-air-rescues.com
We've posted an excerpt from the book to share Dave's first rescue - visit http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/08/sample-for-you-rescue-1-vietnam-air.html
Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment at every stop on the tour to increase your chances to win a copy of this exciting book.Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Girl Who Fell by Brynneth Colvin
Why you chose that particular setting?
This is my fourth book in the Estraguil setting. Having put a lot of work into creating a fantasy place, I just love playing with it and keep going back there. It has so much history to explore, and lends itself to all kinds of different stories.
What does the setting add to the story?
It’s a mysterious place, full of magic and possibility. Myths are very important in Estraguil, story and landscape, heritage and culture are all interwoven. The setting has a distinct personality of its own, with intentions of its own and lends itself to drama and adventure.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
No.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
I don’t like rabbit out of hat solutions. ‘The Girl Who Fell’ is rooted in the nature and logic of estraguil, with some of the quirks of the setting being essential to the plot.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
There’s a considerable influence of the Forest of Dean in Estraguil – narrow river valleys, woods, caves, hills etc. The name itself – Estraguil – was an old name for Chepstow Castle, which is in the Forest of Dean. Said castle provided the inspiration for a tower in the story, and for the whole concept of Estraguil.
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see?
It’s a wild and beautiful place, with massive ancient trees, boulders, caves, rivers and waterfalls. There is a lot of unique indigenous wildlife – much of it dangerous. You get small pockets of civilisation around the trefs, but once you get away from those, the forest is untamed, full of wonders, hazards and adventures.
What sort of people are there?
There are a number of kith groups who inhabit the forests – some nomadic, some stationary. Most of these groups have their own areas, some do not. While basically humanoid, the inhabitants of Estraguil tend to be strange – furred, feathered, shape shifting, with tails, or hooves, claws, forked tongues, or other striking quirks.
If we were travelling to your setting, what should we bring with us?
Stout boots, a sturdy pack, something for warmth, water skins, something to hunt with. Bring no more than you can carry on your shoulders because there are no beasts of burden here, and technology is minimal. Make sure you have stories or songs, because these can be traded almost anywhere.
For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
Estraguil is dangerous, with a lot of rules of its own. Travel cautiously, treat those you find with respect – if you offer no violence you might not receive any.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
The Girl Who Fell
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/TheGirlWhoFell_BrynnethColvin.shtml
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saving Tampa by Jo Webnar
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
I picked the Tampa Bay Area because my husband worked for the County and knew what was vulnerable to attack. It was important for the book to be believable.
Why you chose that particular setting?
I picked the marina setting because I was familiar with the area. It is also very beautiful but vulnerable. Everything had to work together like pieces in a puzzle.
What does the setting add to the story? It makes the story more interesting because you want to know more about the area, and everyone loves boats.
Could you write the same story in a different setting? Yes. I could have used any other major city, but I wouldn’t have had the inside knowledge that makes “Saving Tampa ” so believable.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting? If I used a different setting it would have required a lot more research, and I’m not sure I could have gotten the inside knowledge that I had of Tampa.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting? Yes and No. The setting of the marina is similar to one in the area. The site of the attack is very close to the water system for Tampa .
Or, did you create the setting from scratch? No. I based everything on places I knew. In my opinion, when you write about things you know, the book is much more interesting. It’s all in the little details.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share. I feel that the condo communities are ruining the ecology of Florida . My heroine never realized it until she was educated by my hero.
Please provide your website link. www.jowebnar.com
What is the link to buy your book? http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Jo+Webnar
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=Jo+Webnar
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting? You would see beautiful condos and houses surrounding a man made lake that flows into the Manatee River . Everything is high priced and luxurious. The landscaping is beautiful, but not with native plants. There are blue herons, egrets and other birds hiding in the grass on a strip of land that juts into the lake. As soon as more condos are built, they will leave for a quieter place. The people who live here bought their homes for the view and have no idea what the real Florida is like. There is an expensive five star restaurant and two swimming pools. People from the restaurant and bar walk down to the marina, and like peeping toms, look in the windows of the boats. It’s a form of entertainment and many of them are drunk. The people aboard pull their curtains and try to ignore them.Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it?
Saving Tampa - Local book stores, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnobel.com , or any place books are sold.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Vengeance by Colin Harvey
1. Why did you choose that particular setting?
I chose a future earth that's a squalid, overcrowded refuse tip because on the one hand I feel deeply cynical about what we're doing to our world as a species. On the other hand, at least I suppose we have a future.
2. Could you write the same story in a different setting?
I could write a version of the story, but it wouldn't be the same story. All my books are deeply influenced by their setting.
3. Did you create the setting from scratch?
Pretty much. One of the nice things about SF is that you can start from scratch, as long as you're consistent.
4. Please provide your website link.
http://www.geocities.com/colin_harvey
5. What is the link to buy your book?
http://www.amazon.com/Vengeance-Colin-Harvey/dp/1934041254/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215289128&sr=1-1
6. Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see?
Refuse tips the size of cities, elevators rising twenty-two thousand miles high into orbit, undersea cities, seven mile wide ribbons running round the world and Disney-esque recreations of ancient Egyptian cities run by women.
7. What sort of people are there?
Hucksters and grifters, wizards and zombies, aliens and assassins. They're not a pleasant bunch, by and large...
8. If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us?
Money to hire someone to act as a bodyguard and body armour!
9. For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting?
Don't stay too long -- it isn't safe....
Novels from Swimming Kangaroo Books:
Lightning Days -- SF, Finalist for the USA Book News Awards
The Silk Palace -- "compelling" Library Journal
"Intrigues, betrayals, murders, love affairs, transformations, and
revelations," Bruce Boston, author of The Guardener's Tale
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Setting For Outlaw in Petticoats
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
Why you chose that particular setting? So far the four books I've had published have all be set in and around my home state. I have always been fascinated by the history. And digging up facts that help the premise of my story is the best part of writing a book. My first book of the Halsey brother series was set in the gold mining area of the Blue Mountains. Having established the Halsey brothers roots there with Marshal in Petticoats, which has an accident prone heroine become marshal of a town who had their post office (building and all) stolen by miners. But my soon to be released second book in the Halsey brother series, Outlaw in Petticoats goes from Sumpter, OR to The Dalles OR. I chose this setting because the heroine is looking for a father that she presumed had left her and her mother and now has information that shows he had planned to return.
What does the setting add to the story? The setting is the open, rugged land between the two towns mentioned above. The setting in this particular story helps the heroine grow not only by traveling, and living under the starts, but by getting closer to the hero who is helping her discover what really happened to her father.
Could you write the same story in a different setting? I could but I wouldn't have been able to use the historic facts that I learned and put to use in the story to make it work the way it does.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting? see answer above.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting? Yes. All the towns mentioned in the story were at the time of the story actual towns. Some are still there today and thriving others are skeletons of what they once were.
Or, did you create the setting from scratch? Nope.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share. The landscape plays a role in several of the scenes in the book. As well as the town of the The Dalles. The history I uncovered about the town helped bring the town to life and make it almost a character.
Please provide your website link. http://www.patyjager.com
What is the link to buy your book? http://www.thewildrosepress.com
Tell us some specific details about your setting. What would we see? What sort of people are there? If we were traveling to your setting, what should we bring with us? For visitors, what do they need to know to visit your setting? The setting sprawls from the Sumpter, Or to The Dalles Oregon through wooded mountains and over sandy soil dotted with sagebrush. Few streams meander through the barren land. You might pass a freight wagon or come across a group of rough looking men if you stay on the wagon trail. If you go overland, you could encounter antelope, deer, and coyotes. Not to mention the blur of a jackrabbit or see a sagerat pop up out of a hole and run to dive down another. The people on the route are dusty, tired and wary of you. The people in the small towns are nosy and friendly, while the larger town has so many people, horses, wagons and goings on it makes your head spin. As I said the setting is route from one place to another. You would need either a wagon, buggy or horse with provision for a three -four day trip depending on how fast you travel. You can go faster by horse than the wagon.
Thank you for sharing details about your book setting. Now, what's the title of your book and where can we buy it? Outlaw in Petticoats will be available in ebook May 9th at www.thewildrosepress.com and in Print on November 7th and you can order it from any book store.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Medieval Italy in Bloodstone Castle by Mirella Patzer
Today we'll travel to medieval Italy through the pages of Bloodstone Castle by Mirella Patzer. We've talked about many elements of her book this month during her virtual tour, but setting is one of my absolute favorite parts of a book. I'm not talking about adding an inn because the character is hungry and needs a place to sleep. I'm talking about a setting that is accurate, real and actually feels like a part of the story. That's what you find in Bloodstone Castle.
The banner to the side is not the final banner that we're using to promote Mirella's tour, but I had to include it here because it shows a picture of the castle which is an important part of the setting.
Why did you pick the setting you used in your story? I'm not looking for -- "because I live there". I want you to dig deep and tell us...
I was born in Canada to Italian immigrants. All my life, I have felt the pull of Italy. I yearn to live there, but strong family ties bind me. Writing about Italy is the next best thing to living there because it allows me to research, to learn, and to experience Italy through the eyes of my characters.
Why you chose that particular setting?
I wanted to write an Italian historical romance and I wanted the heroine to live in a castle. So I Googled Italian Castles and discovered this picture of a castle in the Cinque Terre region of Italy, specifically in the town of Portovenere. This was my inspiration and I created the entire plot and story of Bloodstone Castle around it.
The sea has always fascinated me. The castle at Portovenere is surrounded on three sides by the Ligurian Sea. The entire Cinque Terre region is isolated yet one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Because the castle is easily accessible by sea, I decided to make it an ancient Roman stronghold. This then led to the idea of secreting an ancient Roman treasure beneath it.
What does the setting add to the story?
The setting allowed me to visualize the castle and territory. The characters all live within a one or two day journey from each other. This made it easy for them to interact and they could travel from one place to another without slowing the pace.
Could you write the same story in a different setting?
This is a difficult question because I built a story around the picture of this castle. But I suppose I could use a different setting, although the names and titles of some of the characters would have to change.
Why or why couldn't you use a different setting?
In this particular case, I don’t think the story would have the same affect in a different location. I wanted the castle to be accessible by land and sea and I wanted it to be a stronghold of the ancient Romans. I also wanted it to be somewhat isolated. I think it would be difficult to find another castle with these exact specifications that are intricate to the plot.
Did you use a real place as a basis for your setting?
Yes and no. The towns of Savona and Genoa are real, but the castles there are pure fiction.
Is there anything else about your setting that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Although the castle is real, the caverns beneath it are purely fabricated from my imagination.
Please provide your website link.
What is the link to buy your book?
You can purchase my book at any of my blogs or sites at:
http://bloodstonecastle.blogspot.com
http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com
http://mirellapatzer.blogspot.com
Or at Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Castle-Mirella-Patzer/dp/0978486528/
You are encouraged to stop at each blog visit and post a comment for Mirella. Each comment enters you in a drawing for a free print copy of the book at the end of the tour. So, visit Mirella, learn more about Bloodstone Castle and post comments. Mirella looks forward to getting to know her readers.
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