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Annie Seaton | An Exotic Journey
September 17, 2014
A couple of days ago I received an email asking me to write an article for a
national newsletter about the exotic locales of my books and how I researched
them. The journalist also asked me what it was like to be a successful writer in
this digital age. I made a cup of coffee and I sat for a while reflecting over
the past three years since my debut book, Holiday Affair was contracted. My
writing life is truly wonderful. There is a lot of hard work involved, but the
benefits are enormous. Coming late to writing after a career in education meant to make an impact in
this digital age, my books have to be of high quality and I had to be prolific.
I now have thirteen different books available for sale (including two bundles),
four more digital books written and in pre-production, and a three book print
series contracted and underway. This has meant a very busy three years for me,
but I have loved every minute of it. I have always been an observer of life and people. My on line personality is a
talkative one, responding to readers and interacting with other authors on a
daily basis. However, most of my day is spent alone in my study working on my
current book, away from the opportunities of observing people as they go about
their daily lives, and the experience of different settings. Being in the study
all day can stifle that imagination. So each year, I take the opportunity of experiencing somewhere different to keep
my imagination alive and to keep my settings fresh, interesting, and exotic.
Sometimes that can simply mean a walk down to the local beach, (HOLIDAY AFFAIR) or a short
drive into a nearby rainforest or a mountain. Sometimes, it involves getting out
our canvas camper trailer and heading off into the outback (OUTBACK AFFAIR and the
upcoming KADAKU SUNSET), or going boating (DANGEROUS DESIRE). Over the past two years, I have also been fortunate to have had the opportunity
to travel overseas. My current three book series (Half Moon Bay) is set in a fictional town
near Half Moon Bay in California. I spent three days there a couple of years ago
and as I visited the local scenic attractions in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea,
Pigeon Point Lighthouse and travelled the beautiful Highway 1, my iPad was
quickly filled with notes and descriptions of everything I saw as the scenery
and the feeling of the area touched me. On the plane on the way home, a whole
community was devised and the series was born. BRUSHING OFF THE BOSS,
which is released this week, is the second book in the series. This year my opportunity to research settings involved a wonderful trip to Italy
where I spent a wonderful ten days in Tuscany at a writer’s workshop with Eloisa James. One of my
books to be published next year was devised in that beautiful
setting…TEN DAYS IN TUSCANY involves a gorgeous Italian
millionaire. So where to next? Next year I’m heading back to northern Australia to research
book two in my print series for Pan Macmillan. Where do you like your books set? Do you like to read about ordinary people in
exotic locales or in their day to day lives?
Comments
13 comments posted.
Re: Annie Seaton | An Exotic Journey
To me, the location isn't that important. What is more
important is the story itself. It has to be believable, if
it's a Romance. It shouldn't be too fluffy, and the
characters shouldn't be too over the top. If any of that
happens, or if the story is too predictable, the book is a
let down.
(Peggy Roberson 11:45am September 17, 2014)
I love the descriptions of the places they
live. I can picture it in my mind and get a
sense of where they are. How they live in their
communities let's me know who they are in their
day to day lives.
(Anna Gibson 10:30pm September 17, 2014)
I like to read about unusual people in ordinary surroundings as well as normal folks in unusual surroundings. Which means I can go paranormal, historical, suspense, etc., as long as it has romance in it. Travelling is a great way to see places and feel the excitement of something that is new to you. As an avid reader, I get my travel through books and meeting all those special people I don't ordinarily meet.
(Eileen Dandashi 10:41pm September 17, 2014)
I love exotic locations, so I can dream of visiting there
one day. I love reading about normal people but I also love
to read about unusual people like paranormal shifters,
vampires, etc.
(Laura Collins 11:03pm September 17, 2014)
I have read every single one of your books Annie and I
adore them all.
To a certain degree each new one becomes my favorite; but
there are two that remain in my top picks because of
their locations, the descriptions, and how they fit...
Italian Affair and Outback Affair both take place in
regions far removed from Seattle, where I live. Outback
Affair especially is neat since Australia in one of the
places I have never been. I loved the vivid scenery and
your descriptions of everything truly brought it to life
in my mind. In my State of the US we have every single
type of climate or environment: ocean front, dessert,
woodland, prairie, rainforest, snowy mountains, etc.
Australia is one of those regions of the world that also
seems to encompass MORE. The rich descriptive power you
bring to bear makes readers like me want to wing our way
to you... especially when you include such a fascinating
recipe.
Brushing Off The Boss does it AGAIN!! The area is not
that far; just 2 states South, and familiar... so I
appreciate how lovely it is through your eyes. It may
not be terribly exotic, but your descriptions of the area
and the characters are evocative... I also enjoyed
seeing another recipe!
So ultimately, whether the locale is exotic or mundane,
whether the people are at home or not, the best books to
read are those which, like yours... are descriptive and
help us as the readers to journey with you in our minds
to a place and a story that sweeps us away.
(Vanessa Primer 11:03pm September 17, 2014)
I love how you bring the locations to life in your books. Even though I have never been to the places in person it feels like I am there when I read your books.
(Andrea DeHart 11:10pm September 17, 2014)
This is a wonderful novel and kept me entranced with the characters. A
must read not to be missed.
(Denise Van Plew 11:35pm September 17, 2014)
Each of your books becomes my new favourite, although I have to say I fell in love with Davy Morgan in "Hot Rock". Does travelling through time to wait for your love count as exotic?
Lipari Island in "Italian Affair" really appeals too, but your descriptions of locations evoke the sights, scents and scenes so well that I feel as though I am there. Thanks for the vicarious travel!
(Susanne Bellamy 1:45am September 18, 2014)
Hi Annie. What a seriously BUSY year.
I really like ordinary people just living their life daily.
But occasionally, I'm okay with the exotic locals.
(Kim Matlock 11:04am September 18, 2014)
Annie, I loved this latest book. Brushing Off the Boss is a great love story between two people who need to trust each other. Keep writing them and I will keep reading them!
(Gloria Herrera 12:40pm September 18, 2014)
I like day-to-day settings usually, but it's really fun to have a 'normal' character experiencing a once in a lifetime chance with an exotic location and a fun story.
(Brooke Showalter 12:54pm September 18, 2014)
I like it both ways myself. I great story is great in either
setting. And you, Annie do such a wonderful job in both areas.
I have loved your books, and look forward to many more.
(Lisa Wohlgamuth 5:11pm September 18, 2014)
I love the exotic locations that allow me to visit somewhere
else when I have to stay home :) I also love the daily lives
setting. I loved Brushing Off the Boss! Looking forward to
more :)
(Cheryl Sanders 5:26pm September 18, 2014)
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