Although Mae doesn’t love Northeastern North Carolina, I do. I love the flat swampy land, the little towns, the farm fields, the colorful and caring people I met when I lived there. It was interesting to write about it from the point of view of someone who struggles with the place. Cauwetska and Tylerton are fictitious towns, but the landscape is real. It was a pleasure to revisit its sights and sounds as I wrote. The Ghent section of Norfolk, VA is another favorite place that gets to play a role in the first book.
The love of my life is the state of New Mexico. In the Calling, New Mexico hovers in the distance—Bernadette’s home state. It will get a starring role later.
New Mexico
As the T-shirt by Dukatt in T or C says, “Not Really New, Not Really Mexico.” For friends and readers who have never been there, here’s link to a video that will take you on a trip to the Land of Enchantment. Longest URL I’ve ever seen. Great song and video. This band (two young guys from ABQ) won a contest to promote the state.