Maryland Fiction Writers
Finding Inspiration in the Town You Live In.
Do you find inspiration in the town you live in? Is there something about its atmosphere that gives you material to write about?
I live in Frederick. I love downtown --- the old historical buildings, Baker Park, the Carroll Creek walkway, and the history. I get a feeling of connecting with the past there.
My writing desk sits under a window facing west. I can see the mountains and the farm field, the park across the way, and the grove of evergreens. Central and western Maryland's countryside, especially along the Potomac, are huge inspirations for me.
I write historical fiction, partially set in this part of Maryland, and living here enables me to visualize a story. I've had moments where I've stood on the shoreline of the river, breathed in the air, gazed across to Harpers Ferry, and felt a kind of pull to write about what came before us. The area is rife with history, some of it long forgotten, but hidden away in the Maryland Room at the library. I discovered the history to my novels Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains there. The story came alive finding the inspiration in downtown, the Catoctin Mountains, Frederick County's countryside, and the Potomac.
Share with me. Do you find inspiration to write from where you live?
I live in Frederick. I love downtown --- the old historical buildings, Baker Park, the Carroll Creek walkway, and the history. I get a feeling of connecting with the past there.
My writing desk sits under a window facing west. I can see the mountains and the farm field, the park across the way, and the grove of evergreens. Central and western Maryland's countryside, especially along the Potomac, are huge inspirations for me.
I write historical fiction, partially set in this part of Maryland, and living here enables me to visualize a story. I've had moments where I've stood on the shoreline of the river, breathed in the air, gazed across to Harpers Ferry, and felt a kind of pull to write about what came before us. The area is rife with history, some of it long forgotten, but hidden away in the Maryland Room at the library. I discovered the history to my novels Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains there. The story came alive finding the inspiration in downtown, the Catoctin Mountains, Frederick County's countryside, and the Potomac.
Share with me. Do you find inspiration to write from where you live?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Melody Ravert on -
Rita,
That is so awesome! My inspiration comes in a different style. I remember while writing the first book of the "Nightwolf" series which takes place mostly in Baltimore city, Tim and I rode around town visiting some of the least desirable areas. Playgrounds with swings and a basketball court looked innocent enough during the day, but were avoided by most at dark.
I also remember heading to Bethesda where a high-speed chase scene, involving the costumed duo, would take place. I found a parking garage with an opened top level and invited my niece to join me as I visited the exact location. We both had a lot of fun imagining where the "good and bad guys" would fight.
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