Autumn is Here
In Texas, it’s a very big thing when the high temperatures fall out of the 90s. As I’m writing this, we popped back up into the 90s again, but the forecast looks good and the nights have been oh-so-pleasant. The change of seasons is something that I look forward to, and it always inspires me to write more.
Dead Set released on 9-21. The reviews have been fantastic, and I want to throw out a big thank you to everyone who has picked up a copy, shared with a friend, and/or left a review. I thought I’d give you a little insight into Fact/Fiction on this book.
FACTS:
- Fonzi is real! He was my friend’s cat. He lived out on a Texas “ranch,” and he did often go looking for trouble.
- Hunt, Texas is real too. It’s one of my favorite places to take an overnight trip. It’s located in the Texas Hill Country, 80 miles NW of San Antonio.
- One of the pivotal scenes in Dead Set takes place at the YO ranch. This is also a real place, and you can learn more about it here.
- Sometimes friends will ask me to put them in a book. I always wink and say, “If you’re okay being the bad guy–sure.” Debbie and Derrick Dewald attend our church. They were happy to let me use them as characters, and I loved trying to capture exactly who they are on the page.
FICTION:
- There is no Amish community in Hunt. Sorry! I made it up! There is a small community in Beeville Texas. You can read about that here. Don’t judge. It’s not your typical, storybook community. Living in south Texas is hard work, with very little water. I admire what the Amish folks are doing in this remote part of Texas.
- There is no Agatha’s Amish B&B. I wish there were. I’d go stay there!
- The Lost Texas Treasures described in this book are also not real. Wouldn’t it be fun if they were?
As a writer, I have a fun time playing with the intersection between facts and fiction. I’ve visited Amish communities in six states, and I try to bring some of that reality into my stories. I greatly respect their way of living, and I strive to be authentic when I describe the people, places and ways of the Amish.
I also wanted to share with you that I’m currently participating in several Cross-promotions. September Cozy Mysteries runs through the end of September. Cozy Mysteries New Releases also runs through the end of this month. Free Cozy Mysteries: Business Owning Sleuths runs from October 4th-17th. I hope you’ll check them out!
I sincerely hope you’re able to get outside and enjoy some of these wonderful autumn days. Take a few moments for yourself, take a walk, and always–always take a book with you!
Blessings,
Vannetta
Comments 9
Well, it goes to show you have a great imagination when you can write about things you don’t have there… I have Mennonite and Amish bulk good stores not far from me here in NY. Not sure we have an Amish B&B though. Sorry I have been sorta MIA this past year, but I am here working my Business Faithful Acres Books & Author Services. You know the countryside is lovely there and I am sure though some things were fiction, all the facts and reality make up for it greatly!
Blessings & Much Love
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books & Author Services
Linda, blessings on your business. And thanks for stopping by my blog!
Awesome! Love learning the facts about a few places here in South Texas. <3
It’s a different kind of place, Mary. Far away from the large metropolitan areas that Texas is so well known for. 🙂
Always a special day when I open a new book of yours ~ and that day was yesterday! Loving Agatha’s new challenges. Just wish her B&B was REAL, too ? Thanks for “fact and fiction.”
Liz, you are awesome. And yeah, I kinda wish it was a real place too.
Vanetta, you’re my favorite author. I’m in the middle of Dead Set and loving every word. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Paige. I appreciate that!
Love your books look forward to reading the latest Christmas one!