Below are a couple photos of a location I use in Host Writer Book II. The location was discovered during last month's research trip to Britain.
In the dark of night, my husband and I arrived by ferry to the Orkney Islands. We traveled by car to Mainland, Orkney and discovered the town of Evie. Surprised by the name of the town, which is also the name of one of our daughters, we came across a magical bed-and-breakfast called Woodwick House situated in some woodlands.
Upon arriving so late and with no reservation we surprised the hostess. She told us she couldn't believe we had found Woodwick with no knowledge of how to get there. She loved our adventurous spirit and was gracious and kind. She put us up in the former Laird's room. So cool!
We awoke to a sunrise that revealed views of flowering gardens, scampering bunnies, the lush woodlands and a burn that cascaded to the nearby bay. One look around and I knew I'd use this location in my book.
I've returned from a trip to Britain and I feel so lucky as not every author is able to go on location and research the setting and local history for their book.
Some years ago my husband had lived in England and was able to help me gather the research needed for the setting of the first book of Host Writer Book I: The Archivist. In order for me to get first hand knowledge for the second book of Host Writer we took a trip to England and Scotland together.
So exciting! And with my love of history, touring around the far reaches of the Lake district in England, the lochs in Scotland and the Orkney Islands all covered with ancient historical sites will certainly satisfy me for a time. And oh the possibilities that became clear in my mind for Book II in Host Writer and also for a screenplay I'm working on whose main characters come from Manchester, England. I can hardly wait! Let the writing process continue...
This photo is in Dingwall, Scotland and is the real historical marker of the Dingwall Althing site. A location I used fictitiously in Host Writer Book I: The Archivist.
The Ring of Brodgar on Mainland, Orkney. Standing stones are everywhere!
