Update: Thank you for all of the wonderful comments! You made me itch to travel again. 
I randomly selected our winner, and that person is…Susan Stielow. Congrats, Susan!
I love the research process. When I’m working on a new book, I can get completely pulled into research–and lose hours of time. Thanks to my research, I’ve learned how to battle blazes, I’ve taken several self-defense classes, I’ve gone on dozens of haunted tours…and on my most recent research trip?
I had the pleasure of hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
My last trip was a combo family vacation and research expedition. I’m working on a new Bound story (vampire/werewolf romance), and the bulk of the book will take place in the Smokies. I thought it would be helpful to see that area–all up close and personal. And, wow, but it was gorgeous! So gorgeous that I may just have to head back very soon for another hiking expedition.
The streams were ice-cold and so incredibly clear. Despite the fact that it was hovering around 31 degrees, I was so tempted to kick off my shoes and socks and go skipping across that water. It was so easy for me to imagine the scenes of my book in this gorgeous setting. Now my fingers are itching to type more on my story–but I have to finish up page proofs and edits on another book first. Oh, the pain of waiting!!
But while I’m waiting and editing, tell me–is there a place that you’d love to explore? Some wonderful location that calls to you? Share with me–and I’ll pick one random commenter to win a $10 Amazon.com gift card.
And, before I go, I have to give a shout-out to my latest release (promo warning!). My new single-title romantic suspense, DIE FOR ME, is available now! Yay!!
He’ll love you…beyond death.
Hi Cynthia – I have been to these mountains and they are pretty! My husband loves trips like this (while I prefer a beach) so we have hiked (well, walked on trails) in many awesome areas like this. I admit that I love that my husband likes to take pictures, too, because then we have all sorts of awesome shots I can use for different things. If there is one place I would like to go explore it would be Europe. I have never been out of the states, but would love to go to Europe sometime. Congrats on Die For Me. I absolutely loved it, even thought I was looking over my shoulder a couple of times when I was alone in my house or out at night because it felt so real.
Hi, Amy! I’m so glad that you enjoyed DIE FOR ME–thank you!! And I think a trip to Europe sounds awesome–I hope you get to take that wonderful trip!
Hi Cynthia,
The area sounds fabulous! I’m surrounded by similar places and find they really rejuvenate my heart and soul. I don’t know about perking up my writing in any way, but the rest always does me good.
I love travelling to locations I write about. Or maybe I’d love to go to locations that I WANT to write about! Lol.
Dale Mayer`s last blog was …An awesome way to start the day!
Dale, I sure felt rejeuvenated after my trip! Can’t wait to write more!
One of the things I like most about your books is the fact that you’ve done the research behind them. It doesn’t hurt that this last research trip was to the beautiful Smoky Mts. Such a lovely area. But now you have me wondering about the upcoming book
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LOL, thank you, Viki! I thought that last trip was an awesome bonus of the job!
We used to camp in Canada on Georgian Bay, Beausoleil Island. It’s part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park. It’s beyond beautiful!
Oh, wow, now I’ll have to go look for pictures of that place–it sounds fabulous!
DIE FOR ME is an amazing read. I read it last week and well worth the time.
Congratulations.
sandy(at)thereadingcafe(dot)com
Sandy S.`s last blog was …Meghan Ciana Doidge -Interview and Giveaway with the Author
Thank you, Sandy!
I would love to visit Australia and Ireland.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Susan Stielow
susanstielow33@yahoo.com
I’m with you! Those places sound fabulous!
Hi Cynthia. Congrats on your latest release!
There are so many areas I’d love to visit, but tops on my list is the Redwood National Park. I love trees. For me, they represent life…stability, adaptability. They’re calming, majestic & awe-inspiring. Told you…I love trees!
So, yeah…Redwood National Park would be THE dream spot for me to visit. We’re hoping to do so before my son graduates high school in a few years.
Thank you, Michelle! And I completely agree with you on the trees.
I love trees, too!!! My yard is filled with them, and they just make me feel happy.
I would love to go to sooo many places. Here in the states I would love to go to Washington State. Over seas I would love to go to Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Greece and the list goes on and on.
Thanks for the giveaway!
heather_almendarezathotmaildotcom
Heather, you have one fabulous list!
I’ve always loved he idea of traveling. I want to go everywhere. I was lucky to go to Norway and Sweden when I was younger, it was SO beautiful. Then of course, due to my husband earning points while traveling for work we’ve been able to travel to San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge and the Pier) as well as several places in Florida. And, I absolutely love the water, lake or ocean, I’m not picky. But, pictures of both Scotland and Alaska call to me. Hubby and I plan to travel to both once our kids are out of school and we have more money
Oh, not sure if you need it…. evanlea at gmail dot com.
It sounds like you have visited some wonderful places!
I love the mountains, the nature and forests, and the best time of the year is almost here, Spring! =) *happy sigh*
With all the winter we´re having here in Sweden, i´d love to visit and explore Hawaii, just think a warm, paradise beach, my Kindle and a soft spot in the sun *grabby hands*
Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Wednesday!
//Linda
I am counting down the days until spring!
I want to explore Banff national park in Alberta just cuz I was up there a few years ago on business and I didn’t get to go and it was gorgeous
I hope you get to make it back soon!
I have the honor of living in these beautiful mountains and when life gets a little to busy for me, we pack up and take a picnic into those hills and find a place along the creek and put our feet in and let the mountian water just carry it away. For a longer vacation, I would love to revisit Northern England.
I am so jealous!
Lately, I just want to go back to Little Palm Island in the Keys. It was the perfect place to renew romance. But the tropics call of late. steph at fangswandsandfairydust dot com
I’ve never been to the Keys, but I’ve heard they are gorgeous!
I used to love exploring the Coronado National Forest and the Chiricahua Mountains when I lived in Arizona. But as for the future I would love to visit the Carpathian mountains. It’s the second longest mountain range in Europe
I want to visit those mountains, too!
The one place I truly want to explore is Ireland. Being of Irish descent, it is definitely someplace I would want to stay for a month and each day pick an area to explore to my heart’s content. I am 3/4 the way through Die for me and I am loving it!!!!
So glad to hear that you are enjoying the story!!
There are so many places that I would love to go to…my top three are Ireland, Scotland, and Germany.
Love those 3!
I love caves and castles. So anywhere with them!!
-Taylor Z
Oh, I so agree!
I’d love to explore the Canadian Rockies. Maybe take the train and stay at Lake Louise, it looks amazing there
Sounds so wonderful!
I have always wanted to see Australia but that’s not going to happen. There are some beautiful places here in Spain that I would like to explore.
Petula, I can only imagine how beautiful Spain must be!
I would love to see Hawaii… Heardso much and seen so many lovely pictures about it!
Me, too! It looks like paradise in photos!
The Scottish Highlands. We lived in England for a few years and traveled as much as we could but we never made it to the highlands. We fell in love with Scotland when we visited and I would love time to explore the history and the beauty of the highlands.
I wish I could see the Highlands!
Hi Cynthia,
I want to visit Egypt and explore all the archaeological sites.
Oh, Jane, that sounds like a great trip!!!
One of my favorite, beautiful places is Cook Forest in Pennsylvania, especially when all the rhodadendrims are in bloom. Some place that I would love to see is Scotland and Ireland.
Such wonderful places to visit!
I would love to visit the Galopagos Islands. I have to judge some books right now but Die for Me is on the top of my tbr pile – can’t wait!!
As I read all of these posts about great places to visit–I find myself itching to travel more!
I would love to rent a cabin in the mountains by a mountain lake and then savor the quiet and beauty of the surroundings. I would take my dogs with me. They would love it.
You had me at mountain lake.
I haven’t been very far an anywhere would be great; so that’s why me and 2 friends are going to Vegas in March, something we have never done and without our hubbies!way
I hope you have a fabulous time!!
Cynthia, I’ve been in the Smokey Mountains, and they’re lovely. My husband and I have great memories of that vacation. In my wip, my characters will be preparing an Italian feast. Yesterday, I was on the Internet for a couple hours looking at recipes and dishes, and I was getting so hungry. I’d love to go to Italy to eat all the foods myself. I’ll bring clothes with elastic waists. lol When I get home, then I can diet.
Edie, I think a trip to Italy would be so much fun for you!
I’d love to explore Scotland! Where in particular, I don’t know, but I’d be happy with any kind of a trip really
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I have always wanted to explore Scotland! Probably, I would never want to leave. I mean, those accents… Come on
I love to explore beaches! My favorites are in the Caribbean, but I’ve never been to Hawaii or Asia Pacific — I think I would like to explore there! theresa.esterline@gmail.com
Congrats on book whoo
Love to. Go to Paris France
out to the pacific coast and when you go to the smokies stop by chattanooga tn and do a signing. I’ll come. lol.
I have always wanted to go to Australia but never been out of the US It is Wisconsin and snow for me
DIE FOR ME sounds so good can’t wait to read it. Thank you very much for the great giveaway!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
I LOVE the Smokies!! I have been there a few times and always leave there with the idea of going back!! My son and I took a long vacation a few years ago and toured the American SouthWest on the way home (Florida) we detoured to spend
a few days in the Smokies!! We will be taking a long vacation later this year to tour the American NorthWest…. and maybe another drop off to the Smokies!! ;o)
Sorry I’m so late in responding, Cyn. I enjoy research, but fortunately in a lot of instances, I don’t have to do a lot of it. I can totally see getting lost in it. And, in my opinion, I think on site research is the best of all.
One place I’d love to do more on site research for is the Grampion Mountains in Victoria, Australia. Gorgeous, glorious place. Been there twice and would adore going back again.
I’d love to explore the Highlands in Scotland, and Australia would be fantastic to wander around in as well.
I am looking forward to reading your new book.
Congratulations Cynthia!!
Jan
janet_kerr(at)msn.com