Hi All! Linda is rather…uh…indisposed at the moment. So I thought I would slip in and get my two cents worth in while I can.
My name is Reagan Wilson. I’m a redhead with a brain and two totally klutzy feet that I keep putting into dippy designer shoes. Linda calls my story SHADOW FORCE. Cool name, right? It should hit the shelves later this week.
I’ve been working (as a research mathematician) at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, but I’ve taken two weeks off in order to spend time with my dad. I don’t know him well, but he’s a mathematician like me, working for the US Army at White Sands. He says he loves to go scouting out American Indian Artifacts in tiny shops and museums, so we were supposed to meet in Albuquerque. Only Dad didn’t show. Now I’ve rented a car and I’m going looking for him on the Navajo Four-Corners Reservation.
I just snuck a peek at the back cover of SHADOW FORCE and I see that Linda has me being rescued from spooky paranormal witches by a dreamy FBI agent/ Navajo half-breed. Whoo Hoo! (Not that I’m happy about needing a rescue - but I am happy about the guy)
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Hold it! This is Linda, breaking in to put a stop to this shameless promotion. Sorry I’m late.
I’m down to the last two weeks on my current deadline and wrestling with the book that just won’t cooperate. I thought I knew what these characters were going to do. Wrong. And after all that research I put in too. Sigh.
Those of you who get my newsletter (and if you don’t, be sure to sign up at http://www.LindaConrad.com ) know that I went to the Navajo ‘Big’ Reservation last fall to gather research material for the Night Guardians series. I learned a lot, bought books and jewelry and paintings, and ate way more than I should have! My editor said she was jealous that I got to go have such fun. (But I noticed she isn’t five pounds heavier like I am)
I have been enjoying writing about the great Southwestern United States and the wonderful legends and traditions of the Navajo people. Of course, I’ve also loved writing about New Orleans and Texas and Savannah and … Well, all the places I’ve written about in the past.
It got me wondering about which places I like to visit in my mind when I’m reading. For a while years ago I only wanted to read about Great Britain. Especially about London at the turn of the century in the Victorian era. (I’m a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes) Then I got hooked on reading about Florida (since I was raised here) And I devoured every book that Jimmy Buffet and Carl Haiisen and Dave Berry wrote. That’s also how I discovered Heather Graham’s contemporary romances. Heather still lives in south Florida near where both she and I were raised, and she loves writing about the place. When I lived in South Texas, I read every Texas romance I could find. (Still do)
There are other places that turn me on in books. The tall pines of the Rocky Mountains, the Australian Outback, the deep, forests of the Pacific Northwest and the spooky woods of Stephen King’s New England.
Come to think of it, there are too many to list. How about you? Do you have favorites? How about just places you like to travel? Favorites? Or just anywhere different?
Late tonight I’ll pick three prizewinners from the comments. Don’t ask what prize. Definitely SHADOW FORCE and maybe I’ll also decide on something else if I can manage to get this current book to behave.
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While reading a book I enjoy a large variety of settings. I find that it is the author’s descriptions that help me appreciate the place and see it come to life in the story. I find I enjoy visiting places which are less crowded. I can feel myself relax when we are off on a mountain where there is little traffic and the only noise is from the birds. A Reservation does sound like an interesting setting. I don’t think I have ever read a book that had that setting.
by Maureen
on March 27th, 2006 at 6:25 am
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Hi Linda! Nice to see you here. I vacation in Arizona each year and I just love the Southwest. Oh, and the jewelry…yes, I know all about that. That, in itself, is enough to make you want to go out there. haha!
I don’t have any particular favorite setting. If it’s a good story, it can be set anywhere and it will interest me. I do, though, love to read stories set some place warm when we are in the middle of winter where I am.
I think your series is going to be terrific!
by KimW
on March 27th, 2006 at 6:27 am
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I have to agree that it’s all in the way the author writes about the setting - how detailed and inviting they make it sound. There has to be some description to give me a flavor for the locale to make it more interesting and to lure me into the story.
I would like to add that I wish there were descriptions of places that aren’t written about as much - more exotic locations or even U.S. states/cities that don’t get mentioned too often - that may not be necessarily the writer’s choice though. Sometimes it seems that a whole batch of books will be set in Chicago or New Orleans or Texas, and as much as I enjoy them, I want something different from time to time - something new. Though right now, since it’s still cold outside, a tropical setting would be lovely.
by Stacy ~
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:01 am
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I’ve read and loved all of Heather/Shannon’s books!
Reservations…Kathleen Eagle, Merline Lovelace and Elizabeth Lowell.
I too enjoy visiting various settings and living vicariously through the characters.
BUT…I’m somewhat partial to tropical beaches and exotic desert locales..scantilly clad beach guys and hunky sheik.s AHHHHHH!!
Best of luck with your writing!
by Laurie
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:06 am
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:grin:HI, I love it when the author gives very descriptive info on the locale of the story, doesnt really matter where story takes place if it is a good story. A good description will make you feel that you are there.
Cowboys are very nice and those cajun heroes arent too hard to take either. Accents and vernacular from the area can be very sexy.
by Pat
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:25 am
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I’m in total agreement here — it’s the author’s description of a setting that invites me to come and discover the locale with them. That being said, I am always interested in reading stories set on ranches, in Australia and in Scotland. Castles fascinate me.
Your new series sounds fantastic, Linda! 
by Cheryl S.
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:41 am
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Yes, Maureen, I’m with you. I’ve read lots of books about Native Americans, but I couldn’t think of one contemporary book written about the reservation. Hope these books will catch your interest.
Hey KimW! And we meet again! Thanks for the good thoughts on my Night Guardian series! The first book has been getting some good comments!
Stacy, I forget that ’some’ people aren’t living in paradise and are dealing with spring snows right now. 
But I do agree. I think the desert southwest with it’s rust colored hills, strange shaped cliffs and ancient legends is pretty exotic! However, the next series that’s brewing in my head will probably be on sandy beaches. (But I won’t have to go anywhere for research 
)
Thanks for the good wishes, Laurie! You named a bunch of my favorite authors, too. In fact, Merline Lovelace is the reason I’m an author. What a sweetie she is. I’m hoping my Native American hunks capture your attention along with scantily clad beach guys and shieks!
Ha! Pat! Don’t you just LOVE those cowboys. Yum. However, I’m also crazy about the other guys too! Accents are tough, though. You have to reach just the right balance so it’s still readable.
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 8:01 am
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Hi Cheryl! Good to see you again too! We posted at the exact same time.
Castles were my first love in books too (after the Wizard of Oz 
)
So I know what you mean!
This series is different. Uh…very different. But I do hope you like it!
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 8:05 am
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I agree that the author’s description of the setting draws me in. I do enjoy novels set in warm locales. I enjoy reading about the Southwest, Australia, tropical islands, anywhere it is warm and inviting.
by Crystal B.
on March 27th, 2006 at 8:31 am
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Hi Linda,
I love books that are set in Australia, Rocky Mountains or New Zealand.
by Danny
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:06 am
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To be honest, I love a good story set most anywhere. But I have a special affinity to stories set in my home state of North Carolina, especially the Smoky Mountains, where I went to college. Maybe it’s because I didn’t realize what a beautiful place I was in for those 4 years and would love to get back more often. I also like books set in Atlanta, cause that’s where my son and DIL live now.
A few years back, one of your fellow SIM authors Linda Winstead Jones (who’s celebrating a birthday today, by the way — happy birthday LJ!) set a series of books right here in our little town in north Alabama. It was so neat to see Huntsville on the pages and try to guess where the fictitious streets and neighborhoods and buildings were. One was about a woman who owned a little nightclub and in my mind I know exactly where Cleo’s place is.
In truth, I’ve enjoyed stories from all around the globe because of the wonderful writing and descriptions. I just had the privilege of reading a copy of SHADOW FORCE and now I want to visit the “Big” reservation. You guys are SO going to enjoy FBI agent Kody Long.
by Marilyn
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:18 am
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Hi Linda,
I also like to read about a variety of settings. If the story is there, so am I. I love when authors create local flavor, and authentic characters to paint a more vivid landscape. A big part of reading fiction for me is escapism. I read to see life through a different perspective, and to travel to places I have never been. Although, I do like novels with settings close to home (Alabama) as well. I suppose I view books much like food. Sometimes I want to try something new and exotic, and other times I just want the down home comfort food I grew up with.
By the way, Shadow Force sounds amazing! Both the story and setting sound unique and wonderful. I have enjoyed historicals that were set on or around Indian reservations, but never a contemporary. I look forward to reading the book and the series. I think I am going to find something to eat now. All that food talk before made me hungry lol.
by Zara
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:45 am
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I love books set in the low country. Particularly Charleston, South Carolina.
There is something about the South, and Charleston embodies so much history and culture. The architecture is beautiful and when you take a horse drawn carriage or walk down the cobblestone streets, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Some of my favorite books set in the South - any by Dorothea Benton-Frank , The Tea Shop mysteries by Laura Childs, Den of Antiquity mysteries by Tamar Myers, and the Rose Tattoo series by Kelsey Roberts.
I love settings where you can feel the atmosphere, smell the food, and walk down the street side by side with the characters. This is definitely accomplished by the author’s talent.
by Sandra M.
on March 27th, 2006 at 10:07 am
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Hmm. We’re getting lots of votes for warmer climates. Two for Alabama (thanks Marilyn and Zara) and one for the low country around Charleston from Sandra M. And two for Australia and the tropics thanks to Crystal B and Danny!
I’m guessing that we’re all cold today. You guys just made me think of setting a story in Antartica or Alaska in winter. Or…maybe not. Can’t quite picture writing a love scene with everybody all bundled up in blankets and coats. 
I vote for heat and beaches! And naked hunks! What do you think?
And thanks for the pitch on SHADOW WATCH Marilyn! Kody Long is one of the sexiest heroes I’ve ever written. Interesting about you going to school in the Smoky Mountains. I spent almost every summer during high school there. It was much cooler up in those hills in August than it was on south Florida beaches.
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 10:36 am
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The Pacific Northwest is a favorite in reading as well as visiting. I love the mountains there and how green it can get.
Shadow Force looks really good!
by Nicole
on March 27th, 2006 at 10:59 am
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Marilyn,
I just noticed you live in Huntsville, AL. I live in Decatur, AL. We are practically neighbors! I will have to check out that series you mentioned if I can find it.
Hugs, Zara
by Zara
on March 27th, 2006 at 11:15 am
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Zara! Howdy neighbor! Please email me privately at playgroundmonitor@writingplayground.com.
by Marilyn
on March 27th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
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Great post!!
I love reading about a variety of settings. As long as the story is good, the setting doesn’t usually matter to me. I love everything from the 15th century highlands to 19th century old west to present day small towns and big cities. I even love exotic locations. I enjoy reading about places/areas that I have never been (and probably never will get to go) as well as places that I am familiar with. I love when authors do provide vivid descriptions of the settings. I like to picture everything as I read.
by Jennifer Yates
on March 27th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
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Settings in exotic locales can be alot of fun, especially if the author gives you a good feel for the area. I love it when the author shows they did some research when they wrote their book. I have never been to the southwest but have wanted to travel that way sometime in the future. Sounds like you had fun. I love books set in the bayous of Louisiana. I am with Pat. Those Cajun men have such a sexy accent and vernacular. I also think cowboys make rather sexy heroes so books set in places like Texas are cool. It is just so great to get to read about other areas, especially if they are areas you have not visited before. Shadow Force sounds great! Have a great day everyone!
by Cherie Japp
on March 27th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
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I feel the story is the most important thing and if the author makes it fit the setting then I’m sure to enjoy it. I seem to like the warmer climates the most right now. I guess that’s because I’m so tired of winter! lol
by Carol
on March 27th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
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I love cowboy stories set on the open range, grasslands and in the mountains.
I would love a story set in the Swiss Alps like Heidi was.
Any setting is great, actually, if the story is one you enjoy and then you get right into the setting because the characters and story line are great.
by Robyn
on March 27th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
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Linda - you are right - you must get the proper blend of accent/phrases. I read a book that took place in Louisiana and it was loaded with the cajun phrasing - it was too much drove me crazy, same with a book that took place in Scotland.
by Pat
on March 27th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
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I can’t say that one particular setting stands out as a real favorite, but I do know that I always appreciate it when the author has done a superlative job of portraying the setting. It’s almost as if the setting becomes an additional character in the novel. I also enjoy seeing the setting through the eyes of the POV character because you can learn so much about the character himself/herself by what is noticed and how it’s described–especially when the character is experiencing a setting that’s new to him (or her).
by Kathy in FL
on March 27th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
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Hey, you guys are all catching on to this!! 
Jennifer, I sure hope my descriptions of the Navajo reservation do it justice. I’d guess you’d have to check with someone who’s read the first book like my friend Marilyn.
Cherie, I’m praying that the exotic local of SHADOW FORCE turns out to be a favorite of yours. Thanks for the good wishes!
Carol, I knew some of us were just feeling chilled today. Start thinking of the warm desert sun and of dipping your toes in beach sand. I’m right there beside you.
Oh Robyn, you are so right. The open range, grasslands and mountains that appear in cowboy stories are some of the same things that drew me to the southwestern lands of the Navajo.
Pat, I’ve tried doing a Cajun dialect. Tough to do well. But then a Navajo dialect is also tough. The more traditional Navajos speak in stilted but gutteral tones. Gosh, I hope I got it close.
Kathy, I think you’re going to love Reagan Wilson’s discovery of the reservation.
She was stunned, confused and finally fell in love with the place.
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
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I can’t name a favourite because short of striking the lottery, I just love armchair travelling. Every place has its distinct appeal, be it UK, Scotland, France, Italy, Greece, Holland, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, not to mention the astounding diversity within US itself.
by Jenny
on March 27th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
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I particularly appreciate stories where the locale is intertwined seamlessly with the plot, rather than mere wallpaper. SHADOW FORCE sounds like that kind of book and I can’t wait to check it out.
by Jenny
on March 27th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
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Shadow Force sounds really interesting. I am looking forward to getting it.:smile:
Locale is one of the greatest things about reading. You can get the flavor of an area without actually traveling there.
by Joyce
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
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i love california and hawaii as desentation
by KIM H
on March 27th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
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Thanks Jenny! I hope SHADOW FORCE is one of those kinds of books!
I agree about locale, Joyce. I love reading about places I’ve never been.
Hey Kim H! I spent quite a bit of time in Southern California and my brother and his family live there now. Is it the beaches you love there? I suspect you’re feeling the cold today like a bunch of the rest of us.
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
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it is linda raining, when will it stop:grin:
by KIM H
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:41 pm
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I like the book to be in a warm climate like several others mentioned. It’s always wonderful to read about a place that I haven’t been to like the Southwest and East coast. I also enjoy reading about places outside the United States
by Karen G
on March 27th, 2006 at 9:49 pm
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Hi Linda!
I love reading about so many different locales, each one is my favorite as I am reading about it! Sometimes I am in the mood for tropical, sometimes Regency England, sometimes even futuristic.
I dont know about the rest of you, but I am ready for some major beach time. I am real, real tired of cold weather!
I have to agree with Jenny….I am an avid armchair traveler as well!
I have to agree, also that dialects are hard to capture in print. And they can be distracting if they are not well written.
Shadow Force sounds very interesting! And different from what I’ve read of yours in the past, Linda. I’m loking forward to it!
by Angie
on March 27th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
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What part of the Smokies did you visit each summer, Linda? Wouldn’t it be funny if it was the same area where I went to college?
And I made a new friend today — Zara! We’re going to try to get together in a few weeks and meet. Cool, huh? I love finding other romance lovers in my area.
As for your descriptions in SHADOW FORCE — I got the impression of a rugged land with browns and golds and ochres dotted with green trees — mostly evergreen types. It seems like the kind of place that makes one stop and contemplate some force that’s bigger than us all, regardless of what you may call it. Of course, in the novel there was a sinister force invading the area, but without that force, I could envision a place steeped in tradition and family and harmony.
So there is not only the physical part of this locale, but the emotional and psychological part as well.
Make sense??? 
by Marilyn
on March 27th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
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Makes sense to me Marilyn! But then I wrote it.
I sure hope you like my descriptions of the Southwest, Karen G!
Hey Angie! Nice to see you here! I think SHADOW FORCE will be a fun read for you.
Okay all! I just picked numbers out of a hat! Winners of SHADOW FORCE will be Comment # 12 — Zara, Comment #19 Cherie, and Comment # 26 Jenny! You three please email me at LindaConradbooks@aol.com and give me your snail mail address! And Congrats!!!!
And thanks to all of you for such fun comments! It’s been a great day (when I should’ve been writing more )
by Linda Conrad
on March 27th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
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Big congrats Zara, Cherie and Jenny!
by Danny
on March 28th, 2006 at 5:16 am
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Congrats Zara,Cherie,and Jenny. By the way I love your name Zara,so different and exotic.
by Dena
on March 28th, 2006 at 8:49 am
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Linda,
Thank you so much! Shadow Force sounds amazing, and I look forward to reading it. Thanks again for the entertaining blog and fabulous prize!
Marilyn,
I am looking forward to meeting you too! It is always nice to meet new friends/romance readers close to home.
by Zara
on March 28th, 2006 at 8:55 am
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Congrats to Cherie and Jenny too!
Thanks Dena! I like your name as well! Dena is one of my closest friends name and I always thought it was pretty.
by Zara
on March 28th, 2006 at 9:06 am
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Thank you Linda! I can’t wait to read your book. Congrats to Zara and Jenny as well!
by Cherie Japp
on March 28th, 2006 at 10:07 am
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wtg ladies. top pick for your new book linda from rt.:grin:
by KIM H
on March 28th, 2006 at 11:32 am
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Thanks all!
Yes, Kim H. Top pick on both SHADOW FORCE and SHADOW WATCH!
Whoo whooo!
by Linda Conrad
on March 28th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
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Congratulations ladies!
by Carol
on March 28th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
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CONGRATS TO ALL OF YOU. ENJOY.
by Pat
on March 29th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
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Thanks Zara,I’ve only met or heard of 4 other Denas and not one spelled my way.
by Dena
on March 30th, 2006 at 11:14 am
