This past week has been amazing. Two of my daughters came for the weekend. They both have birthdays this week in September. One only stayed the weekend, but my other daughter is spending the week. And, we decided to take a trip to the mountains, where I wanted to do some research for a new book series I will be starting next year.

We stayed in a cabin and did day trips around the area. We walked and studied the flora and fauna of the area. There were some exciting finds and enough pictures taken to make labeling them all a chore.

The first morning we went for a walk and saw some deer and an adorable squirrel that stopped to pose for pictures. The night before we returned home my daughter and I went on an extended walk and saw more deer and a snake. The snake did not pose for a picture but was sure pretty. 

The cool mountain air was a refreshing break from our normal triple digit temperatures. A couple of storms swept through with thunder and rain. I studied the feel of the air and the smell of the forest before and after the rain. All this will help with atmosphere in the books.

One of the biggest helps came when I discussed the story with my daughter. There were aspects I hadn’t yet figured out because I wasn’t sure of the terrain and the flora. She made suggestions. We discussed possibilities. And, now I have those areas in hand and am excited by the changes. 

I learned that certain amenities I’m used to will be a challenge for my characters. For instance, we had no cell coverage most of the time and although our cabin was supposed to have wifi, the connection was very iffy. We would have it one minute and it would be gone the next. So, what will happen in my story if the hero and heroine need internet? Something more to research.

There is still plenty to research for this series. Studying the professions of my characters and learning details that will bring the story alive is critical. Finding out the small details of daily life in the mountains will take time and connections. 

But, research is so exciting. It’s those little details that bring a book alive. I can’t wait to finalize the research and begin to write this new series. I may even want to go back to the mountains for more in person investigation. It would be so fun to have my daughters join me there. The perfect way to delve into an idea.