Do you love reading books set in the area where you live? My friend and guest author today, Betty Woods, has a series set just down the road from me in Murfreesboro, TN. One of these days, she and I are going to meet up when she’s over this way so I can go exploring with her. Keep reading to see what I mean.
I spend so much time with my characters that they become real to me. So what goes on in the strange minds of writers as we talk to our real-to-us imaginary friends? I can tell you how they look and act. What they think. I know what their voices sound like so well I could pick them out in a crowded room full of people. My husband looked at me as if I might need mental health counseling when I told him about recognizing their voices. Angelique often speaks before she thinks. Her voice is lilting and perky. Nathanael is methodical and measured. He thinks before he speaks. One reason each considers the other one maddening.
Seeing their world with my own eyes is one of my favorite ways to get to know my characters. My husband Craig and I went to the Murfreesboro, Tennessee area before the first book in my Troubles of the Heart series released. I searched the internet for places to see before we left. I found Oaklands Mansion, a restored house from the 1830’s era that looked perfect for this series.
When we walked into the visitors’ center, I started reading the posted information as I usually do. I got so excited I was almost literally jumping up and down. This house was THE house of the real Doctor Maney my characters mention in the first three books. Craig explained to the lady at the desk why I was squealing like a child unwrapping toys at Christmas as I read about the house. She treated me like a celebrity when she discovered I’m a writer. We were there in the Fall when the tour groups are only four or five people, or the two of us like my husband and I. When the small group already looking around went upstairs, this sweet woman unfastened the ropes blocking off total access to the rooms. She let me roam the entire first floor and take all the pictures I wanted. So I soaked in the atmosphere of an 1830’s house from the ornate parlor to Dr. Maney’s office and every room in between. Then went upstairs to enjoy more sights. If Google says the average time at a certain site is an hour and a half, double or triple that time for me.
We also went to Cannonsburgh Village, the old original Murfreesboro. I walked across the toll bridge my characters crossed going in and out of town. They have original, restored buildings to see, including the courthouse Angelique’s cousin Luke would have gone to.
I modeled the flower garden after the one at Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage. Angelique’s beloved gazebo is similar to the one I found there. I looked through the slave cabins to get an idea of what those poor people endured. Better to see why Angelique freed her father’s slaves at his death.
Another day we drove through the countryside. I took more pictures. I found the stream Angelique likes to ride to and the meadow she loves. We hiked trails like the ones she and Nathanael rode along.
By now, I’ve traipsed through enough sites that my husband is used to me talking out loud about what a character would be doing in a certain spot while I take ten photos from every angle. I’ve run my phone battery down more than once taking pictures at one site. So I always have my digital camera hanging by a strap around my neck to help save my phone.
Since I do so much research, I’ve become a trivia expert. I can bore people for hours and tell them things they never want to know about life in the 1800’s. I was mistaken for the tour guide at one historical site while answering my grandchildren’s questions about different implements, lamps and other items in a restored pioneer cabin. Two ladies walked in while we were talking and listened to every word I said, sure I was the guide until one of the kids called me Grandma.
So yes, the people in my books are real. I talk to them every day I write. My now retired husband is used to walking down the hall toward my home office and hearing me talking to what he thinks is only air. My Chihuahua goes on with her usual naps as I write.
I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
She’s learned not to trust any man. He’s determined to change her mind.
After a lifetime of disappointment from the men who should have loved her most, Angelique DuBois has no intention of risking her heart again. Devoting herself to her aunt and uncle, the only family who have truly cared for her, is more than enough.
Forced to leave Charleston while false rumors threaten his reputation and his family’s livelihood, Nathanael Willimas seeks refuge in Tennessee. Winning over the wary and sharp-tongued Angelique begins as a challenge, but soon becomes something more. He finds himself caring far more than he intended.
But Angelique sees only another charming rogue.
As misunderstandings begin to fade and affection grows, Nathanael dreams of a future that includes Angelique at his side. Yet loving him would man leaving behind the only home she has every known.
And this time, the cost of trust may be more than her heart can bear.
Betty Woods writes heartwarming romance with a Southern accent. She’s an incurable history buff who was once mistaken for the tour guide at an historical site while answering her grandchildren’s questions. When not living in her make-believe nineteenth century world, she enjoys time with her family, especially vacations with children, grandchildren and sometimes great grands. Going on RV trips with her husband and Chihuahua to research information for books is another one of her favorite activities.
Look me up on my website bettywoodsbooks.com. Find me on Facebook at bettywoodsbooks
On X(Twitter) @bettywoodswrite
My Amazon author page is amazon.com/author/booksbybettywoods