All blogs are property of authors and copying is not permitted.

Click image to one-click your copy of Soldiers of Fortune

CLICK BELOW & SUBSCRIBE TO THE RB4U NEWSLETTER

Thursday, May 2, 2013

I’M GETTING WANDERING FEET AGAIN!



Hello, Bonjour, Hola, Guten tag, Bon georno, Ni Hao, Shalom, Salut, Dia Duit, nuqneH?

Being a Navy “brat” and then marrying a career naval officer, I’ve been traveling or moving to a new base literally since I was born. I guess it’s in my blood now after fifty-odd years. Springtime tends to bring out my wandering ways. Since I practically consider myself a recluse, writing has a funny way of keeping me hold-up in the house, I have this uncontrollably urge to pack a suitcase and go somewhere.

I do have plans for a few conferences this year and this time last year wanted to go to RT in Kansas, but that didn’t work out. To all those who got to go, I’m jealous. But, next month I’ll be on the road to Lori Foster’s Reader Together. Yeah! This will be my third year and looking forward to meeting up with a few of my favorite authors and hope to meet others. It’s always nice to put a face to a name from the Internet. Next one will be the end of July for Fandom Fest in Louisville, Kentucky. Should be an interesting one. My husband and I planned to go for fun, but turned out we might be on an author panel—an interesting turn of events. We’ve been to Lexington, Kentucky, and have always wanted to go to Louisville, especially for the Kentucky Derby. Which by the way is this weekend, hint-hint reminder. Then, we have a few month rest and we’re off on the road again to New Orleans. Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club Masquerade Ball and Undead Con takes place the week of Halloween. This will be our third year as well and this year is the twenty-fifth ball and the theme is Lestat!
Vampire Lestat from ARVLFC Poster
Anne Rice and her son, Christopher, will be headlining the events, along with many other authors in attendance. Anyone interested, let me know. Will be a great time, always is.

Oia, Santorini - Greek Isles
I did have one more trip, a cruise to be specific, but that fell through because was the same time as the ARVLFC Ball. Oh well, going to the Bahamas was nice but not that exciting since I’ve done that before. Now if the itinerary was the Greek Isles, I may have given up vampire fun in favor of the high seas and some ouzo. Darn!

All those scheduled road trips will probably keep the wandering feet syndrome down for the rest of the year. Then again, there’s always the Holidays. Actually, it’s probably best because I have a few deadlines for contracted books. Sure would be nice to get some “research” or “inspiration” for new stories. Guess I’ll just have to put some shackles around my ankles to keep me tethered to the house instead of wandering the streets. Next year? A little less on the conferences and more for personal fun.

Do you use your travels in your stories? Do you dream of visiting an exotic locale and use it as the setting for a book? I did start to create my first stories around places I lived, but since have ventured out and included those countries I’ve vacationed in stories. I think it has enriched the stories. What do you think?

If you see Louisville as a backdrop for one of my future books, you’ll know why.

Until next month,

Cynthia Arsuaga

5 comments:

Melissa Keir said...

I love to travel and yes the Spring does it! Traveling is the best way to immerse yourself into the area for research. Enjoy your trips. I didn't go to RT and I was going to do Lori Fosters but had to cancel. :( Maybe another year!

Cara Marsi said...

Cynthia, I love to travel too. Yes, I always use places where I've traveled as settings in my books. Wrote a book set in Italy after a trip there. I wish I were going to all the conferences you're attending. They sound like fun.

Tina Donahue said...

I've used many of my travels in my stories. My greatest wish is to visit Spain - Granada, Andalucia. I placed my first historical romance there. Fell in love with the land and the research. :)

Cynthia Arsuaga said...

Ah, Melissa, would have loved to meet up with you. I've met so many from these types of conferences. It's kind of cool. Maybe next time. Cara, Tina - I'm itching to go someplace new. Italy and Spain are up there on my list. Although, I love Greece and Egypt. Tough choice.

jean hart stewart said...

I think if you've traveled a lot it automatically shows in your stories.. does in mine, I know. Have fun with your busy schedule...

Share buttons