Researching the Book

 

 

Traveling in Europe is one of my favorite activities, so it seemed logical to combine my two loves—storytelling and traveling. The rough draft of More Than Meets the Eye was already written before I had the opportunity to go to Europe and endeavor to fit the two together. The trip was magic.

 

I flew into Munich and from there went to Austria. It was March and I foolishly thought that meant spring and warmth. But although the sun shone brightly, the air was cold and the snow, still deep. I wandered through small villages and major cities. At every turn I looked at my surroundings and imagined my characters. There were tiny hamlets, onion-top churches, picturesque houses with compelling architectural details, and lots and lots of snow. Would this be where any of my characters would choose to come? Would it fit my story? Perhaps. The questions and sights tantalized me. I traveled on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next I wound my way to Switzerland. What a treat. I found much of what I was looking for there and took hundreds of pictures. I went to Zermatt, Innsbruck, and Zurich. I traveled unknown roads and was thrilled with the discovery of post-card scenery. I turned down paths and unmarked lanes that led to who-knows-where. But I couldn’t stop. It was beautiful and it was addictive. I especially loved the quaint, covered bridge town of Susch and the peacefulness of Mustair. My characters would love it here too, I was sure of it. Even the winding highways, with head-high piles of snow would attract my restless protagonist.

 

Then it was on to Italy and the exquisite village of Stresa, and the elegant Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees. Never had I seen such opulence. It was perfect, its elegance unrivaled. A short boat ride across Lake Maggiore was the Isola Bella island with its Baroque palace and its incomparable truncated gardens. White peacocks preened before sparkling pools of water. Could I find the words for my readers to see the perfection and beauty I was privy to enjoy? I knew I had to try. Out in the countryside, I traveled on-mile after mile on roads where beauty’s distraction tempted danger. Sometimes I felt as if I were in a story instead of writing one, for the surroundings drew me in and held me captive

 

Finally, I found my way to France. Driving diagonally across the entire country, I came to rest off the coast of Normandy and encountered one of the greatest wonders of my life, Mont Saint Michel. Rising out of the sea like a vision, it captivated me. Surely an unseen force had drawn me here. Suddenly, I had a revelation. I couldn’t wait to return home and get my fingers on my computer. My characters were calling me. But I couldn’t leave yet. My journey wasn’t complete. Paris. It beckoned me on—the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Montmartre, and, of course,the Ritz. The staff there accommodated my every request to get immersed in this special haven of luxury and good taste. Paris was the dream I knew it would be.. But did it fit my story? Time would tell.

 

The trip took a month. It was exciting, breathtaking, surprising, and a dream come true. I go there often . . . I just pick up a copy of More Than Meets the Eye and I am there . . . again.