Ask Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson discussion

Where do you conduct most of your research? Online, libraries, or on site locations?

Good question, Jean. Of course, it's always best to be able to go to the setting of your story to do research because when you actually visit places you find that they are a bit different than what you read about. And visiting a setting allows you to get a taste of the local atmosphere. But if visiting a location is impossible, then there are many online sites with maps and pictures. Books are also a good source of research. I think we divide our time in thirds by spending part of it reading, part of it online, and then visiting a potential setting if that is possible.

I couldn't agree with you more, Vickie. My mystery series have usually been set in my home areas or those I can easily travel to. When I moved from California, my characters relocated with me to Wyoming, a state that some readers find exotic. :)

Some of our books in the Ardis Cole Series are set in very exotic places. We were fortunate enough to have been able to travel to Egypt, China, and many fascinating destinations.

I agree about Wyoming being exotic. Our other series is set there, and it is rich in fascinating history.

I drove across Wyoming twice and found it majestic in its rugged beauty. I still regret not turning north to visit the Grand Tetons. I recently read Wyoming is the least populated state and that the town of Buford (10 miles west of Cheyenne has a population of one!

Yes, I've driven past Buford many times. It is little more than a gas station, and that also burned down a few years back. I think they rebuilt it.