When I first decided I wanted to try writing a book in the Magiford world during my recovery process, I knew I couldn’t do it within the city of Magiford. My brain was—and still isn’t—functioning to a point where I’d be able to nail all the details and crossovers of characters that are necessary in Magiford.
So I decided to try writing a book that took place in a small Wisconsin town. However, with the limiting factor of my health keeping me home so I couldn’t check out any new towns or do any location research, I needed to set the story in a town I’d already visited.
And that was how I chose Algoma, Wisconsin, which I’d visited years ago and had really enjoyed. (Algoma had already had an impact on my writing, as it was my visit to Algoma and the Door Peninsula area that had sparked the idea of Timber Ridge from Pack of Dawn and Destiny.)
Even better, my mom happened to be going to Algoma just before I started this writing Managing the Vampire’s Mansion. Since I had the whole book plotted out and knew exactly where the characters would go, she offered to take extra pictures for me—specifically of von Stiehl Winery and Caffe Tlazo.
If you haven't had a chance to borrow/buy the book yet here are the links:
While Google entries can give me a lot of information on businesses—particularly because now people often take photos and post them with reviews—my mom’s photos were indispensable as she gave me a 360 view of the inside and outside of von Stiehl and Caffe Tlazo. Those pictures let me confirm the interior decorating, and specifics like the type of furniture Caffe Tlazo has on its patio entrance.
I also made extensive use of Google street view. Since I’d walked all over Algoma when I visited I knew the town’s layout, but Street View helped me find specifics. You can actually follow directions from Managing the Vampire’s Mansion to get around town as I used exact directions.
I also made use of Algoma’s various web cams—like the harbor web cam—to make sure I was getting the harbor’s layout correct.
And finally, I put in stories of my own experiences. The burning hot beach and the icy coldness of Lake Michigan are exactly as I experienced. And—like Abi—as I am not an alcohol person I also got toasted when I did the wine tasting at von Stiehl Winery. I even sat on the bench Abi and Daphne sat on, except I called my mom to complain how badly the tasting had affected me.
There you have it, that is a behind the scenes look at how I was able to bring the finer details of Algoma to life and blend it with the magic of Magiford!
