A country farmhouse view from the kitchen...my home setting. I’ve used characteristics of my own house in some of my stories. But I had the best experience this spring when I came upon the perfect layout for my latest WIP.

I visited a dear friend in SC in her home and felt like I had stumbled into my character’s house. The room layout, antiques, books, decor, patio, yard – surely I had been here before. Only in my imagination. My friend and I had never discussed her home or decor  and I had never visited from NY – so it truly was a complete surprise.

I walked from room to room, marveling at the similarities in my story. What a gift! It is much easier to create a setting from a visual image. I did take pictures (with permission) and will use them for inspiration as I write.

Some authors present wonderful settings. My favorites include the Mitford series and the different locations in Robin Jones Gunn Sisterchicks series. I know there are others –The Rose of Winslow Street, Wonderland Creek, Making Waves...the list goes on.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve read where you are completely drawn into the setting?

NOTE: Last week’s winner is Carolyn Boyles.