Creation of a Setting: The Place of My Dreams
Creation of a story setting is one of the most important tasks of an author, and one I enjoy. The story world lives in my mind as vividly as if I lived there myself.
Within Golden Bands
The Creation of Setting for Stonehaven Farm
Loch Garry, Scotland is the setting for Kieran’s Stonehaven Farm, in both Land of My Dreams and Within Golden Bands. The loch, located in the central Highlands of Scotland, owns a unique beauty. In reality, its main claim to fame is the unique perspective of a map of Scotland when viewed from the A87 highway. The odd shape is due to a dam built for hydroelectric power in the early 1960s. However, I spent only fifteen minutes at the overlook on our trip to Scotland in 2006.
In order to create a farm that doesn’t exist, I studied hundreds of photographs online. The location near the bridge across the loch is for purely romantic reasons. The photographs have been my screensaver for 8 years now. I dream of a return trip to Scotland and the opportunity to stay in a “holiday rental,” looking out over the place of my dreams.
Creation of a story setting is one of the most important tasks of an author... #storyworld #setting #amwriting Share on XCreation of Kieran’s Farmhouse
The MacDonell family farmhouse is the actual location of Ardochy House, where there are three self-catering cottages. Built originally as an 18th Century shooting lodge, the house is the perfect place for my Scottish sheep farmer’s home. With beautiful bay windows overlooking the loch and sheep in the fields, it settled into my heart. The descriptions of the house arose in my imagination from places we stayed or visited on our trip to Scotland.
Of course, my favorite room is the library, decorated in MacDonell tartan, and the clan crest engraved above the fireplace. Though I prefer the modern, red MacDonell tartan, I chose the ancient tartan of blue and green. Kieran is nothing if not a man of respect for ancient tradition and heritage. I also chose the older spelling of McDonnell, rather than the more common McDonnell.
The descriptions of the house arose in my imagination from a real home on the shores of Loch Garry. #setting #authorlife #WithinGoldenBands Share on XLocation of My Story World
Glengarry, the narrow valley where the loch sits, was once the home of the MacDonnell’s of Glengarry, now populated by only a few estates. The depopulation occurred during the Highland Clearances in the 1750s to 1860s. Wealthy landowners drove out the small farmers and crofters, similar to share-croppers, in order to expand their sheep herds. Today, the glen is known for brown trout fishing, deer stalking, and Munro-bagging, the climbing of mountains over 3000 feet tall.
In Within Golden Bands, the areas disputed by the miserable antagonist, Gavin Gunn are all south of the loch. To plan each scene, I spent hours on Google searches, examined maps, and lived in my imagination. I discovered pictures of the islands at the end of the loch for the place where Bonny rode her horse, Misty when upset with Kieran.
I lived in my imagination to plan each scene. #fictionauthors #Scotland #romance Share on XMy husband and I shopped in Fort William and stayed at the Highland Hotel on Loch Linnhe. It is a charming town at the foot of Ben Nevis, which we were fortunate enough to see on a clear day. Belford Hospital, where Bonny spends time is real, and she and Eilidh shop on the High Street.
Creation of Prizes Related to the Story
The Buchan Thistle pottery Bonny uses for everyday dishes is unique, hand-painted Scottish pottery. During the Book Launch Party on May 19th, one lucky member of the Team will win a small vase! The other big prize, a small Nambe ware serving bowl, comes from Bonny’s home state of New Mexico!
Obviously, readers will imagine Bonny and Kieran’s world in their own minds. However, since many of the places exist in the real world, I wanted to share some photos. Enjoy the beauty of my story world!
Thanks to:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Loch_Garry,_Lochaber
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Garry
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/glengarry-viewpoint
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands, the sequel to Land of My Dreams, which releases on May 19th!
Meet Kieran McDonnell from Within Golden Bands
Character Interview
Congratulations on your recent marriage to Bonny! How are you settling into married life?
Thank you. You know, I was married for fifteen years before Bronwyn and our son died in childbirth. Therefore, I thought I had marriage figured out. Bonny’s as different from Bronwyn as night from day. She’s passionate about everything, wants to be involved in the farm, and always has an opinion. Life will be an adventure, but I knew that when I met her.
We haven’t had a chance to settle in. We discovered Bonny was pregnant on our honeymoon—such a miracle. I prayed for a child. In other words, I refused to believe the doctor’s predictions that she’d never have children. And they were wrong. To know she carried our child was the most exciting—but, in the long run, the doctors were right. I remind myself that it wasn’t my prayer for a child that endangered her life. God’s in control of it all.
But to be attacked and discover my wife almost died in my absence? Ach, I could have lost her. Since I already lost one wife, I’ll never take Bonny for granted, not for a second. Above all, each day is a gift.
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands, a romantic suspense novel releasing on May 19th! #RomSus #Christfic #characterinterivew Share on XTell me about your attacker and how that’s affecting your lives?
I wish my parents hadn’t kept secrets. All my life, I was taught about ancestry, inheritance, and clan, however, I didn’t know about the people who could destroy everything we’ve built. Stonehaven Farm is known for our fine wool, mutton, and Highland cattle. Of course, it unnerved me to discover someone wants to steal all that.
Bonny wants to hide in New Mexico. I won’t run from anyone or anything. I will protect her and this farm, no matter what. I-I wanted an heir to carry this legacy into the future. But right now, we have to concentrate on the bampot in the great kilt, with feathers in his hair, who only speaks in the Gaelic.
It sounds like you’re facing huge struggles. How are the two of you handling that?
Our prayer life is strong. We start and end our days with prayer and Bible reading. You know, we’re building a chapel down near the bridge over Loch Garry. Eventually, I’ll minister to all the people on the small farms and crofts (rented farms), this area is full of people who have no church close by.
I’m blessed that Bonny supports me with the farm and chapel. She’s afraid for me and we especially don’t agree about adoption, but these things take time.
Having lost one wife, well, I’ll never take Bonny for granted, not one single minute. Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #Christrom #preorder #BYNR Share on X
This must be difficult from the standpoint of being newly married. Does that make it more challenging?
Bonny and I function well as a couple and that will only get better, owing to the fact that we share a deep commitment to our marriage and a love nothing can defeat. I’m excited about the future with her at my side.
I went through such depression after Bronwyn died. What Bonny brings to my life reminds me of the loch on a cloudless day when the water glitters like a million diamonds. We’ll come through this strong and together.
What is your biggest concern right now?
My biggest—it’s for Bonny to recover physically. She’s so tiny—but ordinarily, she’s strong. After all, the woman I fell in love with would tackle anything, no matter the difficulty. Anyone with the courage to turn her back on her entire world and begin a new life on her own is the wife I need.
The farm, well, I know we’ll prevail in court. However, catching the villain who attacked me is another matter. In the meantime, I just have to take one day and one crisis at a time.
What helps you the most in the midst of struggles against such an elusive enemy?
Ultimately, all that matters is our trust in God. He saved me on that flight back to Scotland after Bonny refused my marriage proposal. In spite of my loss, he gave me hope, purpose, and power over the enemies of doubt and depression that almost defeated me. Therefore, I know we’ll win this battle if we honor God and put him first. At the same time, God never promised freedom from trials, only to be with us as we go through them.
God never promised freedom from trials, only to be with us as we go through them. Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #amazonbooks #RomSus #MustRead Share on XIn light of all that’s happened, Kieran, what are your hopes for the future?
I dinna fash about the future. First, I can only focus on right now. I’m not ready to adopt. even though Bonny would do it today. Ach, I can’t—maybe I’ll never be ready. It takes time to adjust to a future that’s not what you imagined. For instance, when I lost Bronwyn, I thought I had no future. I was wrong, and now I trust God to guide us. All things considered, that’s as far as I can go at the moment.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
For one thing, life will be easier. We’ll settle the decision about a family, although, I’d be fine if it’s just the two of us. The chapel will be strong and growing. For the most part, I see a peaceful future, the one we dreamed about before we married. After all, with God and Bonny, how can life be anything but good?
With God and Bonny, how can life be anything but good? Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #Christfic #Suspense #Romcon Share on XIf you loved the taste of Scotland you got from Land of My Dreams, be ready for an adventure in the pages of Within Golden Bands!
Author’s note:
While I had a picture of Bonny in mind, I have no photograph that comes close to the Kieran who’s lived in my imagination since 2006. He’s all Scot, stereotypical, redhead, curly hair, six foot five inches tall, 250+ pounds of solid muscle. He competed in the Highland Games and won at Braemar, where the Queen presents the medals to the best athletes.
The closest is Stewart Finlay-McLennan in the old Christy TV series from the ’90s but he wasn’t big enough. Kieran’s an imposing man, spiritually and physically, with a wide smile and sparkling eyes, blue as the Scottish flag. He lives life large, in every way.
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
