Sometimes the Story is Right in Front of You

I am often asked where I found the inspiration for my book "As Long As He Needs Me" and how I selected the setting for it. To be honest, I did not find it as much as it found me. You see, the premise of the book is about a married couple who go on a cruise for vacation. During the cruise some tough situations arise that bring tension and problems they thought hidden in their marriage to the surface. As the reader gets deeper into the story they see the strain these things have on the marriage. Will the marriage survive? I can't tell you that, you'll just have to read the book.

I had been married for thirty five plus years so I have experienced the ups and downs of marriage. I have observed my friends in their marriage and I can tell you, I learned that at face value any marriage can look....well, perfect but there is, most of the time, something lurking underneath that the couple must handle privately. Don't get me wrong, getting and being married is a wonderful thing but it is not always a bed of roses. While writing my book I drew upon these experiences and observations.

The setting is another instance of drawing upon my memories of the past. My husband took me on a cruise some years ago along the coast of Canada, which happens to be the same cruise in the book. I remember it very vividly from my pictures and thoughts. I am the type of person that journals constantly; a habit that has served me well with my writing.

The point is this; life presents us with a vivid tapestry of experiences, memories, people and places of which we can add to our writing. What better way to ensure the realism and believability then to write about something we know firsthand?