Creating Fictional Settings for Our Stories By Connie Vines #RR #Writing Tips #Creating Fictional Worlds

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic: Creating Fictional Settings for Our Stories.

Last month, our topic was "Real Places" as a setting for our stories. Which was a breeze for me to write. 

While I may 'rename' a town in a story, I'm blending towns I've visited/resided in to create a fictional town. 

Which isn't precisely a fictional setting.

This is also true in my historical novels and short stories. Although my characters may be fictional, the time and place are accurate, preventing devastation.

My heroine may have a personal preference. However, the norms for that time and place will be structured. 

Other Worlds

World-building is a technique used by Science Fiction writers and may be used by Paranormal writers.

Charts and diagrams, rules, norms, kingdoms, alternate dimensions...

I have a tendency to "fixate" (like a four-year-old). 🤣  

Not to an unhealthy extent...but chronic enough to be noticed.

My children would rearrange a shelf with my knick-knacks...and wait...or hide my favorite pen...

You see where I'm going.. 

When I wrote the "Gumbo Ya Ya" anthology, I listened to New Orleans Jazz and Cajun music, prepared Cajun and Creole meals, and more. Since my husband's family lived in Louisiana, I knew its history and geography.  

In other words, I controlled myself. I did not arrange another family vacation. (Having been chased by an alligator during a prior visit to a swamp, probably had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm).

What am I working on at the moment?

This contemporary series will involve several characters from "Gumbo Ya Ya" in the stories (think cross-over series).

This next series will not be set in New Orleans. 

I also have a new YA Series in the planning stages.

Did I stay on topic?

Almost.

I wrote a RomCom Paranormal (which received rave reviews), and I thoroughly enjoyed writing!

Please hop over to the other authors participating in this month's event! 

Happy Reading,

Connie

Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3rJ

 Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Anne Stenhouse https://goo.gl/h4DtKv

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooksmark2.blogspot.com

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

A.J. Dyer http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Real Places (current day or historical). How to Make Them Authentic By Connie Vines #Round Robin, #Writing Tips, #Real Places

This month's Round Robin Topic:

Real places (current-day or historical). How do you make them authentic?

I set my novels (current-day and historical) in a familiar setting. 

My childhood was nomadic, and as an adult, my vacations triggered an idea for a story. 

Weird stuff always seemed to happen to me or around me, resulting in an "inciting incident" for the resulting story.

My work experience included numerous summer jobs and agency short-term assignments, providing fodder for my writing.

While I have zero experience in the life of a Zombie, the novella is set in Southern California. The Claremont Colleges are nearby, as are all the restaurants and vacation spots mentioned.

My Anthology is set in New Orleans, LA.  

I have vacationed there numerous times, and extended family scattered throughout the state.

New Orleans and the Cajun Bayou are famous for their cuisine. I've tasted or prepared every item I've mentioned. 

I was a fragrance consultant at a perfumery. My perfuming background is highlighted in "Love Potion #9. "Marrying off Murphy features a Bachelor Auction for charity (my non-profit background). A Slice of Scandal features the cooking show craze with a touch of murder. Lastly, "1-800-FORTUNE" features a French Quarter Fortune Teller and a Werewolf.

Each story has its own set of tried and true recipes.

My Rodeo Novels, Lynx and Brede, feature Montana, Wyoming, and Texas and the sport of rodeo. My paternal grandparents and three generations before them were Texans. My father rodeoed in high school. I credited "Lynx" with my recipe for "Texas Chili." 

 Please visit all the talented authors participating in this month's Blog Hop.

Happy Reading!

Connie

Bob Rich  https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2025/03/15/taking-you-there/

Aimee Mann (AJ Mcguire)

Belinda Edwards http://www.booksbybelinda.com/reallocations

Anne Stenhouse

Helena Fairfax

Sally Odgers

Judith Copek

Skye Taylor

What Connie's Reading Thursday By Connie Vines #A Killer Whisky: Alberta (Canada) by #Susan Calder, #What Connie's Reading Thursday #Book Reviews

 

I've reinstated my weekly "What Connie's Reading" Blog Post from several years ago.

Why? I'm still reading and posting reviews (GoodReads, etc.). And because I missed everyone. xoxo

Of course, I still have a stack of readings in progress and a list of ebooks to be read...

This week's favorite read:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Must Read!

Katherine suspects her neighbor was murdered. Detective Tanner, a by-the-book guy, is assigned to the case. When the trail runs dry. Tanner discovers Katherine has a mind for the crime. Soon, they join forces to track down a murderer.

Set during WWI, the Spanish Flu Pandemic and Prohibition add a deeper layer of nuances that immerse the reader in the story. Twists. Turnes. And read herings deliver a satisfying who-done-it mystery.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221545676-a-killer-whisky

Publisher's Website: https://bwlauthors.blogspot.com/

Author's site: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1234856.Susan_Calder

Love and Romance in Multiple Genres--Yay or Nay? By Connie Vines #RoundRobin, #Writing Romance, #Valentine's Day, #RoundRobinBlogHop

 Thank you, Skye, for the Valentine's Day Topic 💖💕💟

Writing romance, what do I like (or dislike) about the genre and all other genres? Do you include romance in your stories?  

I do read and write multiple genres of fiction.  

The first 55,000-word novel I wrote and was published (under a pseudonym) was a romance novel. 

Why did I use a pseudonym? 

Already multi-published in Children's, YA, and Middle-Grade historical fiction. I was booked for speaking engagements, including local school sites and libraries; it kept the focus on the craft and allowed children to lead the discussions. 

What do I like about "Love and Romance"? 💝💖

The weaving of the story. Romance allows for an old-fashioned courting experience. The act of falling in love, taking chances, and even heartbreak before the "happily ever after."

I tend to write Sweet or RomCom Romances, though my Romance Anthology "Gumbo Ya Ya; for Women who like Cajun Romance." Includes multiple genes: "Marrying Off Murphy," "Love Potion # 9", "A Slice of Scandal," and "1-800-Fortune". 

What do I dislike about writing romance?

Dislike would be too harsh a label. I do not care for the current Trope focus. The storyline and the art of unexpected twists and turns have less of an impact on the reader. This is more apparent in a "Romance," in which the art of discovery and emotional connection is vitally important.

The second part of the question, "Do I include romance in my other stories?"

My historical MG/YA novel, "Whisper upon the Water." The reader learns what happened in the Epilogue.

And, yes, even my "extremely tame" Zombie story includes elements of romance :-)

"Brede" is the only "romantic suspense" novel I have written thus far.

Why?

The intensity of  "suspense" keeps me from sleeping at night. Like most writers, I experience the storyline's fear and uncertainty factor.

This may not seem a big deal for those who read true-crime nonfiction. However, the Wizard of Oz movie's talking trees still cause nightmares. And don't get me started on the original cartoon version of Bambi.

I hope you enjoyed this month's topic.

I'm looking forward to reading the other authors' take on romance.

Please click on the links below for my fellow authors in the Round Robin.  

Connie Vines

Bob Rich   https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3pV

A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Belinda Edwards https://booksbybelinda.com/blog/

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Sally Odgers https://behindsallysbooks.blogspot.com/2025/02/romance.html

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Anne Stenhouse https://annestenhousenovelistwordpress.com/

AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Your Writing., My Thoughts By Connie Vines #Round Robin, #AI

This month's topic, AI (Artificial intelligence), has many aspects. 

(Thank you, Skye)

Do you add a warning that your work cannot be used for the training of AI along with copyright info? 

Do you use AI in your writing? Will it replace the "human" writer(s)?

I am selective in my use of AI. I routinely utilize several spell-check and grammar-check applications.

Why? 

Because, in my case, I'm constantly being interrupted. I also revise mid-sentence while I'm writing. This means when I sit back at the keyboard or pause for several minutes, I begin with either the word And or But.

And and But? How unarticulate of me 😳

I also utilized the photo "Change" application. 

The "revised me" is a tongue-in-cheek promo tool in which Connie travels back in time or becomes a cowgirl. The second photo is obviously AI-generated. Usually, the clue is a missing or misplaced limb. As you can see, the left hand blends into the skirt.

(Via MakeUp Cam)

Please note the missing left hand (it blends into the dress skirt.) 

There is also a strange shape/ shadow on the dress's bodice.

(Via Makeup cam)

Authors must now state that their work is their own creation, not AI-generated. 

Unfortunately, the author must also ensure that AI does not harvest creativity. AI mustn't be used to gather "our voice." Our creativity is the "human" aspect of our stories.

This requires an author to diligently ensure we find the boxes to check on social sites, websites, etc. (Perhaps this can be another blog topic.)

If we (as writers) allow AI to create our stories, we lose the connection to our readers. Our writing will be devoid of joy, humor, and quirky nuances.

And yes, my stories, as well as my life, are peppered with quirky nuances.

My posted photos would only be photos. Photos come alive when the author weaves a story about the photo shoot (a peek behind the camera, so to speak).

I write about my pets. My readers laugh at the photos and share tales about their pets.

This has been plucked from my Author, Connie Vines, FB page.

It's mani-pedi week. In case you can't tell, I'm in the top photo. Chanel has tiny paws, and Gavin has hard-running, manly paws.

Now, can AI create that story?

AI may be able to produce a photo of a rose. But not my rose. Nor can AI describe the particular nuance of notes and emotions the fragrance evokes.

AI can assist us, but we must be diligent. 

Skills can be lost. Skills that will be needed in the future. 

Cursive writing is an example. Cursive writing and playing a musical instrument activate a particular brain area. That area of the brain will never be developed or utilized otherwise.

Please visit the participants in this month's Round Robin participants about their take on the world of AI.

As readers, what are your thoughts an AI?

Happy Reading,

Connie 

Hurry on over! These talented authors have tales to tell :)

AJ MaGuire  https://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/

Connie Vines  (you are here)

Helena Fairfax  https://helenafairfax.com/blog/

Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3oC 

Skye Taylor Blogging by the Sea