If you've ever been to New Orleans, you'll know Jackson Square is one of the best places to visit. It's full of history, museums, shops, and the sidewalks often have vendors and artists. So, it was a no-brainer to have my characters exploring the area in Destination: Romance. 
Of course, as an author, I get to play a little loose with reality as I describe things that happen there. When I visited New Orleans as a teen, I don't remember seeing a caricature artist there. But let's be honest, it fits. So, when my characters find one, it feels right even if it never happened to me in real life.

Of course, a book needs more than just two characters. Today, we're going to chat about a few of the other characters in my book that releases NEXT WEEK, Destination: Romance.

Are you wondering if the idea behind a Roadtrip Romance came from well ... a roadtrip, you're right. And not, at the same time. Want me to explain?
Once upon a time, a long time ago (at least it feels that way with every passing year), I took a trip with two college friends over Spring Break. Good start? It only has a little bit to do with the book I wrote.
Anyway, that trip wasn't planned the best. We traveled from TN to FL and then back up to AR for a few days before back to TN and school. But what do college freshmen know about planning trips? We had fun anyway, and were young enough that the hours in the car didn't bother us. We rocked out to music, flirted with the cute guys in the car next to ours, and laughed together.

Every wonder how much of their own lives authors weave into a story?
I have said several times now, No Place Like Home is sort of my "what might have been" story. I made my main character a preacher's daughter and basically gave her my past. But also changed it a little. For instance, I don't have a twin--my sister is two years younger.
But a lot of what you find out she went through growing up, it's based on my memories and reality. And it wasn't always good things.
The differences? Adrian gave up on her faith--in God and His people. I did not.
Anything else based on reality in my book?

Why Memphis? 
Surprisingly enough, I was chatting with some other authors in a Facebook group not too long ago and mentioned my book was set in Memphis. And they were surprised. I guess no one thinks of Memphis when they think romance ... or something.
​So, why did I choose such a place?

Ready to meet another character from No Place Like Home? How about Gray?

No Place Like Home releases in just a few weeks. In fact, the ebook should go on pre-order this week. That means it's time for me to start introducing characters. And let me tell you, this one is near and dear to my heart for multiple reasons. See what you think.

Preacher's kid Adrian Stewart abandoned God as soon as she moved out of her father's house. After all, hadn't God abandoned her over and over again? How could she trust Him or any of His people after growing up in such an unstable past?
Moving every few years may not have given her a strong faith, but it has helped her adjust to her chosen job--software trainer. She travels for months at a time, working with home-health companies who need the computer program she helped design with MidSouthLogIn. Spending all those nights in a hotel room doesn't bother her as long as she has her personal coffee maker, her collection of old musicals, and a few books and pictures. What more could she want?