Like most writers, I get asked regularly where I get my ideas. If the questioner is referring to one of my more steamy stories, the question is often accompanied by either an embarrassed chuckle, or a bold wink.
I find it difficult to say where the plot comes from but I can say exactly where the idea for the location comes from. My own town has served as the model for the location, as has a nearby city, and the village where my mum was raised. I’ve also invented cities and entire countries.
For my most recent release (If Wishes Were Earls, available for pre-order) I knew I wanted my Victorian-set historical romance to take place in Cornwall. The idea of Cornwall has intrigued me from the time I first read Daphne du Maurier. And again whilst watching Poldark on TV – both the original and the more recent version. And in a more light-hearted vein, Doc Martin (BBC TV program).
Cornwall is a large county though, so I had to narrow it down. I turned to a favorite research source – maps. I needed a small village, but it had to be fairly near a larger town that would have rail service, a necessary feature in the plot that was developing in my notebook. I chose St. Erth as my village, the nearest train station is in Hayle, and my heroine and her BFF live in Camborne, just a few stops up the line.
Now, here’s the funny/spooky part. Eons ago I worked as a nanny for a family in London. On my most recent trip to that city last month I had dinner with the mum, dad and little boy, who is now in his early 30’s! (I did say it was eons ago.) We were talking about my writing and when I mentioned the village of St. Erth there was a gasp of amazement. They own a summer cottage a stone’s throw away, and have been to St. Erth and Hayle.
The universe is strange and wondrous.
Where is your favorite village, town or city? Either somewhere you’ve been, or somewhere you are dreaming of going. I really, really want to visit Scotland, the land of my forefathers. One lucky commenter will win a prize pack of autographed books and fun conference swag. (Sorry, this contest is open to residents of USA and Canada only.)
If Wishes Were Earls
A mysterious letter and an enchanted keepsake promise to lead Miranda to her heart’s desire. Or does her heart secretly yearn for more than a sexy earl?
When a mysterious note directs Miss Miranda Large to a tiny village in Cornwall to find her heart’s desire, she has no choice but to go. An enchanted keepsake heightens her curiosity. A snowstorm forces her to accept the hospitality of a sullen, albeit sexy and handsome, earl and Miranda’s wish doesn’t seem so out of reach.
Edward Penhallion, the 12th Earl of Claverlock, is not in the mood to start his search for a new wife. He wants to be left alone with his books and his dreams of revenge. But the arrival of a headstrong, sharp-tongued spinster forces him to play the charming host. Not a difficult task, given her intelligence and beauty. Suddenly, he’s not terribly eager for her to leave.
But as the snow falls and the winds blow, Edward discovers there’s more to Miranda than a lively wit and a lovely face. And Miranda wonders if the trappings of wealth are enough for true happiness.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0QJSHA/
Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com/book/209375
About the Author
Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother’s stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna now lives in Maine with her dear husband, two college boys, and two cats. When she’s not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious.
Writing under the pen name Grace Hood, she has two novellas published with The Wild Rose Press.
Website: http://www.luannastewart.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luanna.Stewart.nau
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luannastewart/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14104212.Luanna_Stewart
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/luanna_stewart
Comment
I don’t really have one but I did like Delphi Greece a lot.
Comment
I would love to take a world cruise, that way I could see all kinds of amazing places. But I would really love to visit Italy and Scotland the most. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Comment
Good morning! Thank you, Delilah, for letting me visit with your readers and fans.
Hi Debra, thank you for stopping by. Greece is on my list of places to visit. My friend and fellow writer Susan Vaughan was there a few years ago and her pictures were stunning.
Hi Misty! A world cruise would be lovely, wouldn’t it? The best part would be all that travel but without having to schlep luggage from place to place. Merry Christmas to you too!!
Comment
I traveled all over the world in my youth, including Greece and Italy. Would love to go back, and visit Scotland, the land of my ancestors. For some reason my favorite towns are on the coast of Maine-ones such as Camden and Rockport and Kennebunk and Bar Harbor and Stonington. The list goes on and on, but in my imagination, the towns in my stories many times have pieces of each of these.
Can’t wait to read this book! Already preordered.
Deb
Comment
I LOVE the premise of this series and this steamy book sounds like another great addition! Wishing you all many happy sales!
Comment
Hi Deb! Lucky you to have traveled so much as you grew up. I love visiting the coastal towns of Maine – quaint, steeped in history, and bordering the ocean. Much like the towns and villages in my native Nova Scotia.
Comment
Hi Nina, thank you for stopping by! I’ll take your wish and throw it back at you!!
Comment
Visiting Ireland is a wish of mine! 😀
Comment
Earlier this year I visited Vancouver BC, Canada. It was so beautiful there that I would love to go back and maybe combine it with a trip to Alaska.
Comment
Hi Colleen! I’d say you have the name for a trip to Ireland, hehe. My friend Laura visited Ireland and it included a bike tour. The group stayed at B&B’s and inns, and their luggage was transported via van. And they biked along narrow country lanes – doesn’t that sound divine?
Thank you for stopping by.
Comment
Hi ButtonsMom2003,
I’m ashamed to say that I have quite a few family members living in Vancouver and I’ve never visited. I need to add BC to my list of places I WILL visit.
Thanks for dropping in.
Comment
I’m so excited for your new book to come out! 🙂
If you plan a group trip to Scotland, please count me in!
Comment
Would love to visit Scotland or Australia.
Comment
Hi Teri, thanks for dropping by. Ooh, a group trip to Scotland would be a blast! All those castles, all those men in kilts… 😀
Comment
Hi Debbie, a trip to Australia has been a dream of mine since I was 12 and paired up with a pen pal over there.
Thanks for stopping by!
Comment
After using the high-tech method of writing each name on a piece of paper and throwing them into a hat (actually a mixing bowl), I can announce that the winner of the prize (books and swag) is…
Misty Dawn!!! Misty, please send me your mailing address and I’ll get those goodies in the mail to you.
Thank you everyone for dropping by. And thank you, Delilah, for letting me hang out in your cyber corner of the world.
Happy Boxing Day, everyone!! 🙂
Comment
Eep, forgot to add, here’s my email address for Misty Dawn:
luannastewart@gmail.com