Novel writing provides the perfect excuse for exotic explorations — especially when it comes to choosing novel settings.
And, I’m a bit lusty in the travel department — unable to get my mind off all the frolicking in France I’ll be doing this September.
This isn’t new. My family will report that wanderlust and I have been BFFing hard since my first National Geographic arrived in the mail at age six.
Geist is set in a Prunières, France, deep in the Cévennes Mountains. It also explores the ancient magic of Moldavia. I loved weaving the two and building on the myth of each place as the story took shape.
This is outside Prunières, France on the Margeride:
This is outside Iaši, Romania (formerly Moldavia):
Ten Future Novel Settings
I have a lengthy pile of novel concepts floating around and so many fictional landscapes to explore. Here are ten places I dream about:
1. Kiev, Ukraine.
2. El Jem, Tunisia.
El Jem is home to the second largest colosseum ever built by the Roman Empire.
3. Ephesus, Turkey
The Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus was destroyed by an alleged earthquake in 262 A.D. However, the contents of the library vanished.
4. Wroclaw, Poland
One of the most haunted cities in Poland, Wroclaw is steeped in legends including that of a demonic dwarf.
5. Xiaohe (Little River) Cemetery, China 小河墓地
Before the desert, this incredible place was the site of an enormous lake and the kingdom of Shan-Shan.
6. The ancient city of Merv near Mary, Turkmenistan
Thought to be an ancient Scythian fortress, Merv is one of the most ancient sites on Earth. Learn more about this UNESCO site here.
7. Gobekli Tepe, Turkey
Gobekli Tepe, Turkey is considered one of the most ancient temples in the world. Read more about it here.