Hi there, guys and dolls! Today, Andrea and Heather are taking over the blog, writing about one of their favorite things about telling my tales – research.

As our followers know, our Poppy Cove Mysteries are set in the late 50’s and will be carried on into the 60’s. The most recent release, A NATE TO REMEMBER is set in 1958, and we have started work on the fourth, set in 1959. More to come on that one, but just not yet :-). For us, writing is relating, telling the tales that are not only inspired into our imaginations through private creative means, but also talking and getting to know people and places.

Although Santa Lucia is fictional, we do loosely base it on Santa Barbara, and strive for some realism in what we create. That’s where research comes in. The historical society has been very helpful in answering our questions to help round out our world. It’s about the time we spend in the area, absorbing and taking in the details, letting the muse call.

It’s also about the people who share their stories of the place and their experiences in the time we set our stories in. We love to talk to people, hearing their stories of the times, watching as their eyes view a distant past, with a slow smile on their faces. They bring out pictures, they laugh, they sometimes cry.

The internet is a great bounty of treasure with historical events, images, and links, it brings the world to your fingertips. Books, movies, magazines, music, and other media help us create atmosphere and shape the stories we have in our heads.

Writing is a way of communicating, which means it’s not a one way street. We don’t just spew out words; we listen, talk, absorb, and then write. We share. We learn from others, friends, dear readers, and family. Then keep telling our tales, sharing them with you, and learning from you.

Thank you,

Andrea & Heather

aka that Barbara Jean