Land of the Free and Home of the Brave

I'm speaking of New Jersey, of course, the land upon which God will model the new earth.

As much as I love this great state, I had second-guessed my decision to take my annual trip. With finances what they are (or aren't, rather), did I need this research trip? I know the area, the mindsets, the lifestyles. I know how things work.

Going was the right decision. I had been afraid about writing my next novel for multiples reasons. Those fears haven't left. But ideas begin to shout over the fears. Besides some logistics, as I walked the streets of the town, Sarah began to emerge. She told me about her childhood, where she went to school, and the beauties and pains of early marriage. She told me about the chemical spill across the street at the dry cleaners.

Now, I'm ready to tell her story.

I suppose this relates to the importance of setting. It's more than the location of the story. Setting dictates the rhythms of life. It's bound up with character. I needed to breathe Sarah's atmosphere to know her.

And I might have snuck in some fun while there, too.