Showing posts with label smal towns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smal towns. Show all posts

Monday, June 08, 2009

In a Texas frame of mind...


























In a Texas frame of mind…

Oh, one of my favorite topics—setting. It’s such a big part of our stories. My books are set in Texas from the beautiful Hill country in central Texas to the piney woods of east Texas to the rolling plains and prairies to desolate west Texas and to the Texas Gulf coast.
My characters have a kaleidoscope of landscapes where they work, play and fall in love.

My favorite is small town Texas and ranches. I grew up in rural Texas on a farm/ranch. That’s what I love about writing for the American line—I can draw upon those years for references and inspiration.

As a kid my dream was to live in the city. On a hot summer’s day I’d sit beneath a huge live oak whose branches spread out like an umbrella over a stock pond on our ranch. I’d look up and see the sun peeping through the branches and wish I was anywhere but here on this dusty, hot ranch. I’d dream of air-conditioning and the city where a girl didn’t have chores to do or have to get her hands dirty. As you can see I’m a daydreamer.

After high school, I finally left the ranch for college and the big city. It was rush, rush, rush. People weren’t as friendly as they were in our small community. It was a big adjustment. I then realized what I’d had all along; the serenity and comfort of wide open spaces and the security of family and home. I go back every chance I get. Most of the time I go back in my books. They contain a piece of my childhood and a slice of life in Texas.

I think most authors write about what touches their heart, their emotions and their senses. I’m always in a Texas frame of mind. How about you? Any favorite settings?

Linda
http://www.lindawarren.net/
The Sheriff of Horseshoe, Texas – March AR
Caitlyn’s Prize – July SR