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Tina Ann Forkner | The World is a Book
I love to travel. I think itโs because I grew up in a small town and always
imagined what it would be like to live in faraway places such as Shakespeareโs
England or on a tropical island like the girl in Scott OโDellโs ISLAND OF THE
BLUE DOLPHINS. Reading only stirred my travelerโs heart. The more adventures
I had through books, the more adventures I wanted to have in real life, so my
parents probably werenโt too surprised when I was off to see the world at the
tender age of eighteen.
Now that Iโm past the backpacking through Europe phase, Iโve learned that I also
enjoy staying in places that have comfy mattresses, a Starbucks downstairs, and
a neighborhood in which I can wander around and experience my travel
destinationโs culture. Naturally, my bookloverโs heart still looks for literary
connections everywhere I go, so in New York City I had a martini with my husband
at the Algonquinโs Blue Bar where Dorothy Parker and her friends started The
Algonquin Round Table in 1919. And just last week during a visit to Chicago, my
book-loving friend Jennifer and I made our way to the Newberry Library.
Do you remember the cage in Audrey Niffeneggerโs novel THE TIME TRAVELER'S
WIFE? We found it in the Newberry. I was surprised that the cage was located
in a place that library users probably never go and on the most part it was a
pretty average cage, but we book nerds thought it was impressive. I also loved
the idea that Niffenegger would have spent time in the very library I was
visiting. As readers, you understand why seeing the cage was a major highlight
of my trip, right? Only true booklovers can understand what it means to
experience the setting of a beloved novel.
Sometimes when I travel I turn from being a reader into a writer, so on occasion
I end up using the settings I visit in my own novels. In ROSE
HOUSE I
incorporate my travels through the Sonoma Valley, even loosely basing my
fictional town La Rosaleda on the town of Sonoma, California. I loved the lush
vineyards, rambling roses, and charm of the Sonoma region so much that I had to
capture the setting in a story.
St. Augustine said, โThe world is a great bookโฆthey who never stir from home
read only a page.โ And of course it was Dr. Seuss who said, โThe more that you
read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places
you'll go.โ Both statements have been true in my life whether in the fiction I
read or in stories that I write. Travel and fiction go hand in hand, each making
the other better.
Leave a comment below to be entered to win an autographed copy of ROSE
HOUSE.
Comments
19 comments posted.
Re: Tina Ann Forkner | The World is a Book
Wow. Now I want to go to Chicago. I hadn't thought the cage was really there. I love when books use real places and I can find them and know that author thought this place was pretty special.
(Pam Howell 10:13am May 24, 2014)
The cover of this book is amazing! I'd love to have it :D
(Stefani Tabakovska 10:44am May 24, 2014)
What a fascinating and beautiful post today. Travel is a
wonderful experience which opens your heart, mind and soul to
so much. Your book sounds memorable.
(Sharon Berger 11:20am May 24, 2014)
I love road trips but not on the interstate. There is so much out there if one has the time and inclination.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 11:26am May 24, 2014)
This is most definitely read! The story line is terrific, the cover is very attractive and I love the title! Thanks!
(Ann Martinisi 12:13pm May 24, 2014)
i love the cover it is very pretty the book sounds great
(Denise Smith 1:45pm May 24, 2014)
Your beautiful book cover is so captivating it draws my attention to want to read it, as does the storyline. Your travels sound enjoyable and fun.
(Linda Luinstra 2:08pm May 24, 2014)
I enjoyed reading your posting, and I think it's wonderful
the way you go about doing the research for your books!!
That's what I call really giving them a personal touch!!
Although I have to admit that I'm not familiar with your
books, I'm going to have to make it a point to put you on my
TBR list, and start reading your books this Spring!! I love
the cover of your latest book, and can't wait to read this
one as well!! Congratulations on your book, and best of
luck with your future writing!!
(Peggy Roberson 4:01pm May 24, 2014)
I agree on the cover; I also like it.
Have you visied the library at the Hearst Castle in San
Simeon? I was so impressed.
I love to travel and I think there are so many ideas for
books. I also grew up in a small town. I learned the song,
"Those Far Away Places" in third grade and I was hooked.
Appreciate the giveaway.
Leona
(Leona Olson 8:02pm May 24, 2014)
Very excited to read this book! It sounds as though it will
keep my imagination going until the end, bring tears to my
eyes, and have my heart racing. So excited!
I am pleased that you enjoyed your travels and discovered
new things. I plan to travel to Ireland next to discover
more of my ancestors.
Congratulations on this novel!
(Jeri Daniel 9:45pm May 24, 2014)
I know what you mean. When you read you are transported to
a different place/time. You get to experience that place
and you just want to go there in person. With me I also get
that as I am a travel agent and book people all over the
world. When they ask if they can bring back anything I
always ask for the same thing. Something that is that
country in an ornament. Since I have been only a few place
outside the USA, I have a collection of them from all my
clients and I have a tree each year for Christmas that is
just those ornaments. I was given the ideal from my mentor
when I first started as a travel agent. I bet you have a
number of them yourself.
(Tina Ullrich 11:29pm May 24, 2014)
I live in Wisconsin and go to Chicago every Year. That is a highlight .Such an interesting city. Your book sounds great.
(Jean Benedict 11:48am May 25, 2014)
The story line is really a good one and I love both the title and cover...sad to say, many times I will buy a book because of the title or the cover.
(Vennie Martinisi 1:17pm May 25, 2014)
My favorite thing is to have an audio book on a plane. No phone calls. No housework I should be doing. I can turn it on and pull my hood up over my head and listen, uninterrupted to any book I want to! I wish I could travel more often. :-)
(Lisa Hutson 6:06pm May 25, 2014)
Love your style of of traveling -- comfortable mattress & Starbucks close by! And of course, your book to read!
(Timothy Younger 8:16pm May 25, 2014)
would love to read one of your books and find myself a new
author to read. These sound great!!
(Joyce Plassche 9:33pm May 25, 2014)
I love the cover! Gorgeous! I am avid traveler, also!
(Denise Austin 11:45pm May 25, 2014)
Thanks for your thoughtful comments everyone. I hope you
enjoy Rose House if you get a chance to read it! And yes,
Tina Ullrich, I do have a collection of ornaments from my
travels. Two of my favorites are a tiny hand-carved horse
from The Isle of Iona in Scotland (My backpacking days) and
a pair of flip-flops from Hawaii (My soft mattress days!).
(Tina Forkner 6:54pm May 26, 2014)
Love books set in the California wine region of Sonoma Valley! Thanks for sharing your travel experiences.
(Bonnie H 11:42am May 28, 2014)
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