Wednesday 4 September 2019

#IWSG post - My ideal writing places - Italy and France. Why? Come and see ...

Hi all!

Time for the IWSG again!

This month we thank Alex's helpers for assisting in reading the entries. If you have time, please visit.

  Be sure to visit the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group Website!!!



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Go HERE for more posts for the IWSG.

September 4 question - If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?


What a great question for me this month. If I could pick one place in the world to write my vampire stories I'd go to where they're set.


Castello de Castellina in Chianti

My first two locations for my first three books in the series of my Renaissance hero, Duke Vipunin de Castellina are Florence, Italy, and Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany. In Florence, my hotel is in the general area where Vipunin lives when he serves the powerful de' Medici family, rulers of Florence.  I cross the bridge he crosses when the story gets underway when he rides to Castellina, near Siena. I'll follow his route by car LOL and walk through the subterranean tunnels under 'his' castle which is still standing, albeit a crumbling heap of stones.

Book Four is set in 17th century Paris, which, surprise, I visit after Florence.


The Bois de Boulogne, Paris


So I spend some time in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris where a lot of the action will take place. I'll enjoy soaking up the atmosphere, imagining it four centuries ago.

I have two other books set in Paris. One needs more research, so beauty, I spend nearly three weeks in Paris just making sure I have the location sussed out just right. My first book is set in Montmartre, the second, in Saint Germain des Pres.

So, I have two places in the world where I will add to my stories and write Book Four of my Renaissance vampire series. Woo hoo. It sucks to be me, doesn't it?

Where are you writing? Why? Tell me...

Another WEP is over. No winners in yet.

The next WEP/IWSG challenge is in October. As well as a critique prize, there are prizes for each of the three winners. October is our BIG month. Please consider joining us with your Halloween or horror story.


Most of our members go with horror or speculative for October. But that's not written in stone. Nothing rigid about us - we are a culturally diverse mix and we welcome all interpretations. 

Thanks for visiting!



67 comments:

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

All your talk of those wonderful places is giving me itchy feet.
I'm looking forward to when your books are published.

Denise Covey said...

LOL Lynda, not as much as I am.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Denise - yes I can imagine your settings for your books ... and then you finding a comfortable quiet place in a creative's garret to write ... or a warmed-sun patio ... as you craft your stories. And you can dream in between ... today - I'm writing, well blogging, as the heavy dampness whistles in across Beachy Head ... when I will need wet weather early autumn clothes to head out! Cheers Hilary

dolorah said...

If Paris wasn't on your list I would need to stick a meat thermometer in you to see if you were stone cold dead :) It sounds awesome to be able to visit and stay a while in the places you set your books in. You do seem to thrive in awesome locations.

October horror stories are my favorite, lol. I shall begin plotting my harvest now . . .

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Immersing yourself in the locations of your stories is perfect. And you're able to - not sure anyone would let me near a space ship. Or that I would even considering getting on one!

Denise Covey said...

You've got some of that right, Hilary. Ooh, sounds like your summer is over. Spring has just sprung in Oz.

Denise Covey said...

Alex, I thought you'd be buying your ticket on Branson's ship.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
we have something in common, Italy. Yes, my books are located in Italy and Germany. I've been to France several times, but just don't seem to get the hang of it, but I love going to the Netherlands. Good luck with your writing and I'm looking forward to the next WEP.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Denise Covey said...

Ha ha Donna, had you going for awhile. Can' wait to see your story for October.

lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com said...

Some wonderful ideas there, Denise, think I'll leave my Eden and come with you, it would be safer, despite the vampires 🤭

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that your stories are set in such interesting places. I want to come with you too!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You have a lot of travels ahead of you then.

Tamara Narayan said...

Those sound like beautiful places to visit. I wouldn't mind seeing Transylvania either. Forests, castles, mountains--sounds great too.

Denise Covey said...

It’s strange how some countries gel with you. I’ve had a love affair with Italy and France as long as I remember.
Yes the next WEP will be awesome.

Denise Covey said...

Setting is one of my favourite things to read and write.

Denise Covey said...

Transylvania would be wonderful to see. Maybe next time.

cleemckenzie said...

I love it when people set their books in places they've been. There's an authenticity and a richness to their settings. France gets my thumbs up and so does Italy.

Pat Hatt said...

Going to the spots and seeing the settings sure is the way to be. Brings them to life all the more.

Doreen McGettigan said...

Oh I love your settings and research is after all SO important! Can I come with you, please???

Denise Covey said...

Hello Doreen. Sorry. My suitcase is already full, LOL.

Botanist said...

Sounds like quite the tour! Question is - with all those historical sights to take in would you actually get any writing done?

H. R. Sinclair said...

I want to go there! I think I want to go to all the places I'm reading about today. :)

Denise Covey said...

Lucky me. Can't wait.

Denise Covey said...

Ah, at the very least I'll be writing notes and taking snaps.

Denise Covey said...

Hopefully Pat.

Denise Covey said...

Glad that's so Lee.

Olga Godim said...

What a fascinating itinerary. That duke of yours should write his memoirs... or a travelogue at least. :)

Denise Covey said...

Heh heh...

Denise Covey said...

And I can't track down your blog.

Kalpana said...

Tuscany and Paris - sigh. I sometimes think writers choose exotic settings just so that they can go and 'research' the place properly - which is a fantastic idea. Can't wait to read the next book Denise.

Lidy said...

Visiting and exploring the places where your story is set is a great idea. You'll be conducting research and enjoying the scenery and atmosphere.

Denise Covey said...

I will be indeed.

Denise Covey said...

Heh Kalpanaa. Whatever works eh?

Nick Wilford said...

Sucks to be you - I see what you did there!

I suppose you couldn't get better than visiting the actual settings of your books when it comes to inspiration. Sounds sweet.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I certainly does "Suck" to be you.... UGH~ I would LOVE to be a fly on your luggage and travel around the Italian countryside and ending up in Paris.... LUCKY WOMAN! I know you're totally enjoying yourself. Such a fun way to do research. So much better than "surfing" the internet like the rest of us. LOL

I sold my place in Chicago! I bought a turn of the century house in a charming village three hours west of Chicago. Galena borders the banks of the Mississippi as well as the Galena River and a short distance away in the Territory, Lake Galena. Such a picturesque place. I'll have an AWESOME walk up attic that I can turn into the most fantastic FANTASY retreat! Think my version of the Hogwarts's library with a comfy sitting area, a round table with antique chairs, and plenty of room for my easel and drawing table.Of course, it needs TONS of work and modernizing, but you know me, I'll have it whipped into "Architectural Digest" shape in no time. LOL

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Nick. Glad you got it, LOL.

Denise Covey said...

Michael, so excited for you. As much as it would have been awesome living in Chicago with all those guns and crime, this charming village sounds incredible to me. We like our aesthetics don't we? Well my little village of Peregian Beach is under fire, literally. Don't know if i have a home to go home to yet.

Nick Wilford said...

Some brilliant locations there! No shortage of atmosphere and history to soak up.

googlemediaseo said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chrys Fey said...

Your books are set in beautiful places.

Cindi said...

I work from home now in Northern Wisconsin, so my writing floats wherever my laptop does. I had thought once about moving to Alaska and being able to write during long, snowbound winters. Northern Wisconsin is just as cold, colder in fact at times. In a perfect world, I would have a small attic apartment overlooking the Rhine River in Germany.

Juneta key said...

I liked those locations. Very inspiring I bet and fun to write in.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Hi Denise!

I got your email and replied to what I think is your email address. If you didn't get it, let me know. :)

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Holly. I got it. Great.

Denise Covey said...

Very fun.

Denise Covey said...

They are.

Denise Covey said...

That’s right Nick.

Denise Covey said...

I once stayed in Arles, South of France, in an Airbnb on the Rhine where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. I’d sit there mesmerized each night. Very writerly.

Nilanjana Bose said...

I'd be somewhere in the African grasslands for sure :) but Paris and Italy come a close second, both moveable feasts!

Safe and enjoyable travels and lots of inspo!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Nila. Ooh. I'm starting to get excited. So much to do before we head.

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