Location, Location, Location by Tim Smith

Like many authors, I tend to write about things that are in my comfort zone. That’s especially true when it comes to choosing a setting for my stories. Here’s where it gets tricky for me, though. I live in southwestern Ohio (Dayton), but the majority of my fiction takes place elsewhere. Out of the 30 books I’ve released, only 3 were set in my adopted hometown. It isn’t that there’s anything dull or unattractive about Dayton, but when I’m writing a mystery/thriller that’s heavy on intrigue and steamy romance, I can think of more atmospheric places to use as a backdrop.

I write two different adventure series. One involves two former CIA spooks who live in Key Largo, Florida. The other centers around a footloose former cop turned private eye who lives in Sandusky, Ohio on the Lake Erie shore. Why this fascination with beachfront locations? I don’t have an answer, other than enjoying the water and all that accompanies it. I first visited the Florida Keys a few years before I wrote my first novel, and when I had to choose where this former spy with a checkered past would hang out, The Keys instantly came to mind. Aside from the tropical setting, the Keys are very laidback and anonymous. As to the private eye, I grew up near Sandusky, and the North Coast was in my backyard. I was familiar with the Lake Erie islands and all of the lakefront hangouts and activities.

When I write locations, they become characters in the story. I do thorough research while visiting these places, and I make a point to include local landmarks and points of interest, along with regional foods, beverages, and customs. I feel like these touches make the settings come alive. Many people return from vacations with kitschy souvenirs and coffee mugs they don’t need, but my bounty consists of area maps, brochures, and a local newspaper or two. I strive for accuracy because I don’t want someone who lives there to read one of my books and wonder if I’ve ever set foot on Key Largo or Put-in-Bay.

This interest in creating realistic atmosphere came from some of my favorite movies that were filmed on location. I recall the first time I saw “The French Connection” on the big screen. I felt like I was on those mean New York streets alongside the cops tracking the drug smugglers. I could almost feel the bitter winter chill and smell the exhaust. I noticed the same thing with other realistic location films, like “Bullitt,” “Dirty Harry,” and “Body Heat.” Apparently, my diligent fact-gathering has paid off, because I’ve had a lot of readers tell me they felt like they were in the scene with the characters, watching a sunset over the Gulf or feeling a gentle breeze under the palm trees. It doesn’t get much better than that. Here’s an example from “The Big Fall” (Nick Seven: Book 7).

It was a typical Fort Lauderdale beach evening, marked by couples and small groups sitting in cabana chairs by the water’s edge, nursing cocktails and carrying on semi-private conversations. The background music from nearby clubs was a blend of everything from soft rock to Calypso, with a dash of Country added for seasoning. A variety of food aromas drifted in from the outdoor grills and beachfront restaurants.

Nick and Felicia walked hand in hand, barefoot along the water’s edge, the incoming tide washing over their feet. Nick wore an open box-cut shirt that allowed the gentle breeze to keep him cool. He glanced at Felicia’s hips swaying ever-so-sexily under the white mesh throw she wore over her string bikini.   

“So pretty and peaceful out here,” Felicia commented. “I always liked walkin’ along the beach at night back home, listenin’ to the tides roll in.”

“Any regrets about staying here instead of going back to Barbados?” Nick asked.

She stopped and looked up at him. “None. Any regrets about askin’ me to stay with you?”

Nick cupped her cheek with his palm and gazed into her soft brown eyes. “Not a one.”

* * * *

For contrast, I submit this one from “The Bundle” (Vic Fallon Number One):

Vic eased the Jeep onto the ferry on Marblehead Peninsula and set the parking brake. When the boat was underway, he and Kimberly got out and walked to the railing. Kimberly zipped up her jacket and inhaled deeply.

“There’s something different about the smell of the water coming off the lake,” she observed. “Not like the ocean. Have you ever noticed that?”

Vic smiled and recalled trips to the beaches in Florida. “You’re right, it is different.”

Kimberly looked at the fading shoreline as the boat made the twenty-minute trip to Kelleys Island. She pointed at the roller coasters of Cedar Point silhouetted against the sky several miles away. “Too bad the park’s closed for the season. I haven’t been to The Point in years.”

Vic moved a bit closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Next time you come to town, do it earlier in the year and I’ll take you.”

She looked up into his eyes. “Promise?”

He gave her a brief kiss. “Promise.”

Kimberly shivered and held him tighter to fend off the chilly wind blowing over the water. “Guess my blood’s too thin for these fall Ohio days. Should’ve packed for the weather.”

“You’ve been away from home too long, Callie.”

She smiled at him. “I like it when you call me Callie.”

Vic returned her dreamy gaze and goofy smile. “I’ll make a note.”

If you’re in the mood for a vicarious vacation, you can find all of my books on Amazon, in Kindle format. Most of the Nick Seven adventures are also available in print.  

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of mystery/thrillers and contemporary romantic comedies. He is also a freelance writer, editor, and blogger. When he isn’t pursuing those interests, he can be found in the Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito. His author site is www.allauthor.com/author/timsmith