Recently, I delved a little closer to home. Well, home a few years ago. I set a Civil War story in the Missouri Ozarks. I chose the location of Wilson's Creek because it had a battle there, and because I drove past the area going to and from work for about a year. Did I ever go visit Battlefield National Park? No. That would be too easy, right? I also didn't visit the Laura Ingles Wilder museum. Rather than experience the setting, I'm reading about it, just like London.
You'd think I'd write about the history close by, wouldn't you? Central California is rich with ghost towns, like Bodie. I went there once as a child with my family. I'm hoping to take my granddaughter when she's old enough to enjoy it.
We can go north to the gold rush towns, go south to the Spanish roots of Los Angeles. Take a weekend trip and visit the missions along the coast. I have a picture of me ringing a bell at some mission when a neighbor took her daughter and me to visit. I don't remember much about the trip, or any desire at the time to know more about the history.
I think we tend to overlook our backyards when we want to experience somewhere loaded in history. Or is it the glamor that calls to us? Kings and queens and dukes are much more exciting to read about than a ragtag bunch of men, whether they're fighting a battle or panning for gold.
Do you know the history of the town or city where you live? Have you toured any of the historical landmarks, or do you prefer to explore far from home? I'll give away an ebook copy of The Lieutenant's Promise, my Civil War novella set at Wilson's Creek, Missouri.
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USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Fish is an avid quilter and auto racing fan who finds there aren't enough hours in a day/week/lifetime to stay up with her "to do" list. There is always another quilt or story begging to steal away attention from the others. When she has a spare moment she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families, and her fairy princess granddaughter. Her books include The Bridgethorpe Brides series and the Small Town Sweethearts series.Stay up to date with book releases at her website http://aileenfish.com or on Facebook.
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