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Using local settings in my romantic suspense books

I’m currently working on the next book in the Grayce Walters series, MEN UNDER FIRE. Writing contemporary romantic suspense requires just as much research as historical romance suspense, but it’s a different kind of fact-finding. Since my books are set in Seattle, where I happen to live, it’s easy to incorporate my research into other activities.

For example, I volunteer as children’s tour guide and frequently lead groups through Pike Place Market. Because of spacing limitations, many of the marketplace vendors store their inventory in the Sanitary Market food locker. It’s rather dark and foreboding — the perfect backdrop for something sinister or dangerous, don’t you agree?

I’m also developing a female character who is a rocker trying to break into Seattle’s grunge music scene. To get some insight into this character, I interviewed Gretta Harley, a local musician. I believe this authenticity enriches my stories so that when readers step onto the page, they enter a world that is part fiction, part fact, but always entertaining and compelling.

Is there a location in your hometown that would make a good setting for romantic suspense?

Make a date with a whale

Residents of the Pacific Northwest–indeed, everyone who lives on the West Coast of the U.S–have the unique privilege of living along the migration routes of several different species of whales, including orcas, minkes, humpbacks and grays. Sightings occur throughout the year, but March launches prime whale-sighting season.

If you’re planning a visit to Seattle, consider signing up for a whale-watching tour. TV and photos cannot capture the true majesty of these incredible mammals, and there is something awe-inspiring about seeing them in their natural habitat.

The best time to go whale watching depends on what type of whale you hope to see. These recommendations were collected from information provided by Island Adventures Whale Watching.

Orca:  May-September
Minke:  August
Gray:  March-AprilHumpback: October-November

These photos were taken by a friend of mine in Hawaii. Pretty amazing, aren’t they?

Book Signing Party!

Celebrating at my book release party with great women:

Cynthia Garlough, my best buddy editor and Helen Fitzpatrick, my Seattle Fire Department Expert.

The centerpiece for my Book Signing Party of “An Inner Fire”!

UFO Spotted In Seattle?

Photo by NothingI5True

Taken earlier this month by redditor NothingI5True, is a picture of the famous Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.

He says he took the photo from his office window just as a heavy fog was rolling through. Another case of right place right time, as the fog makes the top of the space needle look like a UFO! Ten minutes later he said the fog was gone.

The Space Needle is an observation tower and at one time was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. The Needle is 605 ft (184 m) high, 138 ft (42 m) wide, and weighs 9,550 tons. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.

All That Fire Fighter Training Pays Off!

All that fire fighter training pays off! In my book An Inner Fire, Fire Investigator Ewan Davis has acupuncturist Grayce’s full attention!

With that in mind, I wanted to share these sexy, hot fire fighter pictures with you!  Enjoy!