"...The 1940's is portrayed so vividly that the time and place become characters of their own. I could see the clothing, hear the music and feel the scratchy car upholstery..."
~ Romance Readers at Heart
When I sat down to write THE PASSENGER, of course I hadn't been to California in the 1940's but I knew this was both the time and place for the story.
I knew in order for me to bring my readers there, I had to find my way there too.
So I set a challenge for myself... I decided to transport myself there using whatever means available.
I read books on the decade. Browsed the antique stores for old copies of magazines. Visited the library of a local art college to look through Sears catalogs and Town and Country. Rented movies and watched documentaries.
I listened to the music. When I was writing and when I wasn't. In fact, the Andrews Sisters became a favorite of my daughter's when she was younger. What four year old in this decade knows all the words to the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy?
The research became an adventure and as fun for me as the writing!
I'd love to hear about your adventures - what do you do as a writer to prepare yourself for a story? As a reader what details transport you there?
Until next time...
Joie
