My very first series (the Walk in the Park series) was set in some of my favorite National Parks. I so enjoyed writing about the day-to-day life of a park ranger, but even more than that, I loved getting to share some of the most interesting pieces of history about those places.
Even in my Amish novels (Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio, and Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) I was able to sneak in some history as well as some fun facts about those areas.
In fact, every book I’ve written (so far) has been set in a real place that I’ve visited. I’ve traveled a lot doing research and loved every minute of it. I still sometimes think about future books and have clear settings already in mind based either on places I’ve been or places I want to visit. (Someday look for a book from me set on a Hawaiian island…)
Visiting Washington DC while I wrote Love is Monumental.
I’m currently working on a new project though, that’s a little different for me. For the first time ever, instead of setting a series in a place I’ve visited or at least a place I can research…I’m creating a fictional world! So far, it’s lots of fun.
Some of you know that my husband and I are in the process of building a little farm on our property. In addition to a large garden, we have chickens, goats, ducks, and a turkey. We’re having a lot of fun working the land and watching the animals grow. Plus the farm fresh eggs taste great!
Our goats and chickens enjoy a lunchtime snack.
The story I’m working on is set in a (fictional) small town and my recent jump into the farming world is serving as inspiration.
It’s been a while since I’ve used a rural setting—most of my books have been set in cities. I’m a mix of rural/city myself—I grew up in a tiny (no stoplight) town, lived in the city for many years after college, then recently moved back to my small town and settled down. I love small town life, but after a couple of weeks I’m itching for some time in the city…and after a couple of days of traffic and pavement, I can’t wait to be back on the farm.
Which brings me to a question for readers…do you prefer reading books set in rural an urban settings? The slow pace of a small town or the hustle and bustle of a big city? Or do you enjoy both?
Annalisa Daughety writes contemporary fiction set in historic locations, including the Walk in the Park series, Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio, and A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina. She lives in Arkansas and is hard at work on her next book.
Hi Annilisa, I think my preference is probably in the city with perhaps a visit to the country for a few days or so. I’m city to the bone; but have lived in country settings a couple of time. It just wasn’t my style at all; but I love to go back to visit. And that is enough. LOL :)
Hi Annilisa. This is such an interesting topic. I tend to always write small towns, although I would love to write a romance set in a city like San Antonio or Miami. I write small towns because I enjoy focusing on the aspects of fellowship and community in those areas. But wouldn’t it be really cool to read a romance set in a more fast-paced world? I live in Connecticut, about an hour away from New York city. Boy do we have fun when we spend time there. We recently saw Wicked on Broadway and every Christmas we go to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree all lit up. So romantic.