I’m a northern girl (Montana) who has lived in Southern California most of my life, but a special part of my heart will always belong to New Orleans. The first time I went was years and years ago with a friend, and I fell in love with the place. I go back as often as I can to experience the unique culture, the music, the food (the food!!!!), the architecture, the history — I even went once to get married, but that’s another story…
The French Quarter is especially dear to me because of its strong connections to history. One of my favorite things to do when I’m there is to walk those narrow streets at dawn, before the crowds are out, because on those misty mornings I can best imagine what it might have been like 100, even 200 years ago. It’s about as close to time travel as I’m probably ever going to get.
So, when I began to think about the kind of woman who could get caught up in the heady excitement of Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair and could also develop a kinship with the Egyptian dancers, I knew she had to have roots in New Orleans — roots that would play an important role in the story and an even greater role in her personal evolution.
I’ll share more inspiration tomorrow. In the meantime, check out my Inspiration board on Pinterest.
Or, enjoy some French Quarter views.
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THE GIRL ON THE MIDWAY STAGE is a lush historical novel rich with authentic period detail, discovery, and romance that will sweep you up in Dora’s struggle to understand herself, her quickly changing world, and her own unique journey to happiness.
New Orleans photos by DeAnna Cameron.
