I love research. It opens doors in my mind and is often a source of ideas. When I browse the pages of books and web articles or scan websites, surprise plot twists evolve. Not always, but when they do, they’re a real bonus.
While researching Chaco Canyon of New Mexico, the setting for Flames on the Sky, and the pueblo Indians in the area, I ran across the word nukpanas, which means evil spirits. What a perfect name for the evil spirit that plans to destroy the ancient artifacts of Chaco Canyon. Further research allowed me to create a villain I could be proud of, one I hope my readers love to hate.
Though I have several books on the pueblos in New Mexico, the majority of my research data came from websites, in particular The New Mexico Parks Service and Government Archives. The Anasazi of 1000 A.D. held a monopoly on the turquoise trade so I spent a lot of time researching where they might have obtained their turquoise. I strove to make all aspects of the story—the Native American people, their language, dress, and etc. as accurate as possible.
The remains of Una Vida below.
Flames on the Sky is the second book of The Turquoise Legacy. In the first, My Heart Will Find Yours, I used the ancient piece of turquoise in Texanna’s locket, ley lines and spin torsion fields to initiate time travel. In the second story, I use those phenomena again but added the vortex to the mix. Until I started writing time travels, I never knew of these natural occurrences. Now, I can’t say they can actually cause time travel, but hey, that’s what imaginations a
re for.
Here is the link for the book trailer for My Heart Will Find Yours on U-tube.
The book trailer for Flames on the Sky won Most Artistic Trailer for June 2010 from The NEW Covey Trail Awards. Click on the book title to go to U-tube.
Both books are available in both ebook and print formats. You can purchase a copy at Amazon.com, The Wild Rose Press, Fictionwise.com and other online book stores.
Thanks for reading!
Linda
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Linda,
I love how you’ve incorporated natural events into the catalyst for your time travel. An idea for a time travel nudged me a while ago, but I haven’t had time to work on it yet. I’m hoping to come up with a really clever way to get my heroine back in time. Then again, that’s always the trick, isn’t it?!
Research is fun. When I was writing my Christmas novella, I did a ton of research on ski lodges, since I’d never been to one. Made me want to try skiing, even though I’m really afraid I’ll break my leg!
Debra, When writing these stories I was really stumped on how to make things happen. Fortunately a fellow writer, JL Wilson, introduced me to ley lines. After researching them things began to flow. I hope you’ll find time to write your time travel. They are so much fun!
I’ve always wanted to go to a ski lodge just to sit by the fire and drink hot buttered rum. But, I don’t like rum!!! So guess it’d have to be hot cocoa and spiced tea. Oh, or muled wine!
Great post, Linda. I discovered the joy of research when I started Romantic Suspense…I finally found my love.
The key to writing is loving what you do. No rum for you? How about Hot Apple cider with Apple Pucker in it?
Mmmn. I love Apple Pucker. Tastes like a Jolly Rancher, but with kick!
Patricia, I’ve never heard of Apple Pucker but after hearing you girls talk, I’m going to give it a try. Love hot apple cider.
I love the research. Sometimes I get so caught up in the research, I forget to write. Great post, Linda.
I hear you, Patsy. I always loved history in school. Wish I’d paid more attention.
Linda, I’m like you–I can get lost in my research. What a treat to be able to visit the places you write about. I’m blessed to be returning to England this fall, and to visit Scotland and Wales. What a way to research!