What’s Inspiring Me as I Edit My Sicily Novella
As summer winds down, I’ve been doing my best to find inspiration in the simple things, both in life and in writing. A delicious chai latte at my favorite cafe on a rainy day. A walk in the neighborhood when the air is crisp and inching toward fall. Sweet, quiet moments with my cats on the couch as I curl up with a new romance novel.
As an author of destination romances, my books often start with a location and/or a character. With my upcoming novella, it started with Sicily.
Of course, I do a ton of research and pull from my own travels to write my books. But there are so many fun details in my everyday life that keep me inspired. They do a great job of keeping the world alive for me, and it’s honestly so fun getting to look around and feel transported to a cute little farm in the Sicilian countryside.
So because I’d like to share some breadcrumbs with you, here are some of the things I’ve been romanticizing this summer and will continue to into fall…because while I might be here in Germany, my heart and mind are in Sicily…
ps if you love romance book discussions like this where I go a bit more behind the scenes, share my thoughts, and even give book recs, you’ll probably feel at home with my newsletter.
☀️ Patio/outdoor seating. Honestly, this is peak summer to me—sitting outside, enjoying a cool drink, and not having anywhere else to be. You can bet that I’ll be milking any more sunny days for some terrace time.
🍷 A really good glass of wine. Sparkling? Chilled red? I don’t discriminate. There’s something really indulgent about a nice glass of wine after a long day, and the sun’s still out.
🌊 Crisp, clear water. The kind that almost seems too transparent to be real—and that you know is just the right amount of refreshing when you jump in. Just looking at photos from my trips to Sicily, and I yearn to be back there, swimming my little heart out.
✍️ Writing with the windows open. The breeze, the birds…I guess it’s the closest thing I can get to patio seating while I’m still working!
🍦Ice cream on hot days. A new gelato place opened up in my neighborhood, and I’ve been making up any excuse to go there! Consider it research.
🗣️ Language learning. Even the most basic words can unlock a piece of a culture. (Plus, MMCs with accents >>>)
🍅 Fresh, mouthwatering ingredients and uncomplicated recipes. I’m all for an elaborate meal, but give me some freshly baked bread and some olive oil, and I’m set.
🎶 Music drifting through open windows. It’s one of those things that makes a place come to life, and something about it feels utterly romantic.
If this list sounds like it belongs on the mood board for a certain story I’m working on, you heard it here first. 😘