The inspirations of travel
I recently had The Conversation with my editor. You know, the one about, What comes next? And the answer was tough because, well, my last trip to Europe gave me two books and a short story, but for the next one, I’ll need to travel again and….
So anyway, we’re working around the possibilities, but it made me think about that trip and how three days in the small country of Monaco opened the story up for me. Looking at the photos from that trip, I see so many scenes from Riviera Gold.
Such as, the Casino and the small park across from it—although the park has changed, and certainly that shiny sculpture wasn’t there in the Twenties.
I loved the park that continues up from that patch of green—its paths wander, planted with fascinating plants. This root structure was my screen-saver while I wrote the book—
And in the harbor, the boats are both larger and more numerous, but the shape of the hills and the elegance of its night-time view haven’t changed.
But of course, I had to poke around in that fabulous casino. It’s set at the edge of the water, in the center of Monaco—
And the rooms were every bit as glossy and over-decorated as I had anticipated—
A dramatic stage for a sighting of essential characters in the story—
and suggesting some private and intriguing pathways—
But I also had to settle Russell and Holmes into a hotel, and after a little research, I decided that the one for them—and for me!—was the Hermitage.
And in any event, I could sit and stare up at the glorious Eiffel ceiling as I drank a cup of that inimitable French coffee—
Yes, I thought as I packed up to leave: I could certainly work with this….
So, where should I travel Russell and Holmes go next?
Excerpt, book club kit, crossword puzzle, and more, on the Riviera Gold book page, here.
Prague to investigate sightings of the Golem. OK, not the most original idea and too soon after Castle Shade, but you will have spent time in Prague.
That would be fun, yes!
Laurie
How about a trip to St Petersburg? A time of great upheaval and change, there, but I’m sure our heroes would find the time to explore a few of the stunning palaces and search out some of its treasures.
Perhaps there is a Faberge Egg out there, or a hidden Romanov to be tracked down and smuggled to safety?
Well, it would mean I’d have to travel there. I could probably force myself…
Laurie
Norway and or St Petersburg. Norway because why did Holmes travel as a Norwegian during the hiatus and St Petersburg because Lenin died in 1924 and it was a time of upheaval.
Norway would be fun. Or Copenhagen…
Laurie
Is it too soon for Berlin? Always a rich stew of intrigue there.
Maybe Australia? follow the Mrs. Hudson path?
Second that. There was lots going on in Berlin in the 1920s
Reading the book and seeing these pictures bring back even more memories of my trip to Monaco. Alas, I was working and had very little free time to explore (but we did make a mandatory trip to the Casino, where I won just enough money at the slots to pay for my coat check.)
I’d love to see them in Ireland! Close to home but still a very different place, especially in the 20s. Or else it would be fun to see them come back to the US. Mary’s family was also from Boston…
If travel for research (ah-hem!) Is still off the agenda for the foreseeable…maybe the next adventure has to be Sussex, or Oxford….or Scotland?
Mayhap someplace in the Caribbean? Britain still has many interests there, and they have always been a hotbed for piracy and intrigue.