Hi Everyone,
I’ve returned from a fantastic trip to the beautiful state of Georgia. I traveled with some extraordinary gals (my Aunt Judy, my cousin Lisa, and my sister-in-law, also a Lisa). We walked the historical squares of Savannah, ate a sumptuous meal at “The Old Pink House,” and enjoyed a rainy day Savannah River cruise on the Georgia Queen. We strolled rain drenched cobble-stoned streets. One particular place my aunt wanted to visit was the Isle of Hope. It was late afternoon when we arrived, almost closing time. We pulled through the tall gates of the property and were aww struck by the avenue of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, forming an incredible botanical canopy. With umbrellas in hand, we made our way down the soggy path marveling, at the giant ferns. We were told that we were lucky to be there on a rainy day because that’s when the fern’s open. Further down the road we came to the remnants of what was once a plantation home. We stood on the edge of the marsh and watched a beautiful pelican take flight. That was just the beginning of our trip. Next on the agenda, Brunswick.
On day three we drove due south, from Savannah to Brunswick. Why? Because it’s the place I chose for the Caldwell Estate in my novel “Bird.” I have a confession, up until last week I had never set foot in Brunswick, Georgia. Oh, I had researched the area and spent hours online scouring travel sites, but I had never actually gone. So, since I was going to be in Savannah, and Brunswick was only an hour a way by car, I took the opportunity to visit the place I’d only written about. It was a bit risky picking a setting for a book in an unfamiliar place, but I begin “Bird” with Ellen traveling to Brunswick for the first time. So it seemed only fitting I do the same.
It was spitting rain off and on as we approached our destination. That didn’t dampen our spirits. We were a buzz as we entered the city limits. Within seconds, I had a sense of deja vu. This tiny town with its southern charm and simplicity reminded me of so many other towns I had visited. In an instant I connected with this little gem. I parked on the main drag and we began exploring. First up, a quaint gift shop known as ‘The Market on Newcastle.’ The wreath-adorned rustic double doors invited you into a bounty of collectibles and accessories. If you were looking for a unique gift, you’d find it there. Books, handcrafted rugs, furniture, candles, toys, lamps, flower arrangements, cards, and jewelry were just some of the stores treasures. We met the shop owner who introduced us to her rescue, a very well-fed calico cat who goes by the name of Stella, as in “A Street Car Named Desire.” The shopkeeper went on to say that although she loved Stella, she missed her former feline, Blanche Dubois. It was still a bit early for lunch, but we were all starving. We asked the shopkeeper for a recommendation. She suggested Nautica Joe’s Cafe, a cozy comfort food kind of place right down the street. We found Nautica Joe’s in minutes and were the first customers of the day. My aunt and I ordered the quesadillas and the other gals ordered the turkey Reuben sandwiches with sweet potato fries. Mmmm….we were not disappointed. We were tempted to stop next door at the wine shop for a sample of their Blueberry wine slushes, but decided it was best to keep moving. With our bellies full we strolled the streets of Brunswick, visiting city hall and the lovely surrounding neighborhoods with their southern style homes. It was magical to me. Before leaving, my sister-in-law and I stopped in the Brunswick Library, chatted with one of the managers and left her a copy of “Bird.” The manager shared with us that the only other author she knew who had mentioned Brunswick in a novel (specifically giving recognition to the town’s bowling alley) was Stephen King. Before leaving the library, my sweet sister-in-law snapped a photo of me on the library steps.
Having spent half the day in Brunswick we still had time to do a little more sightseeing. We decided we’d come too far not to visit the ocean before heading back to Savannah. The lighthouse at Saint Simon Island was our next stop. It was breathtaking and so worth seeing my aunt’s face as she gazed upon that lighthouse, a scene she’d only seen in pictures. It was truly a remarkable trip and I am so blessed that these ladies joined me in my journey to see the town I had only imagined for my book. I’m actually glad I hadn’t visited Brunswick prior to writing “Bird.” I felt Ellen and I shared a kindred spirit, both on a path of self-discovery.
Finding just the right setting for a story can be a challenge. I searched until I found Brunswick. It fit for my story. “Bird” lived in two distinct times and places, Champaign, IL in 1963 and Brusnwick, Georgia in the present day. Each place provided the oxygen needed for the story to come alive . Raised in Champaign during the late 50’s and 60’s, I had familiarity to draw from. Brunswick, however, was foreign and mysterious to me. That’s what I was looking, and that’s where I found a place for Ellen. I went on a journey last week to Georgia. I met terrific folks, spent valuable time with these beautifully spirited women, and experienced new places and things. My takeaways from this trip, well, find yourself some travel buddies and go, go,go.
If you liked what you read here, please consider buying my book for yourself or as a gift! And if you are even more compelled, please leave a review.
