"Writers are sometimes asked where they get their ideas for a
their books. There is really no clear answer for every writer nor for every
book. But after writing five novels and one nonfiction, I have come to the
conclusion that, for me, the key to inspiration is waiting for that nudge that
begins to toy with my writer’s muse. In the case of Saratoga Letters, one of
those inspiring thoughts was literally from a key.
"My husband and I were visiting Saratoga Springs, New York,
in 2014. We stayed at a 1970s era motel along the main road. It had the simple
décor of most motels from the ‘70s—two beds with nondescript bedspreads, a
slight step-up to the shower area, old white and black tile, and the standard
solid black phone that was the main source of communication for visitors before
cell phones were birthed.
"But one of the main differences between modern day hotels
and older motels is the key. In 2016, keys look like a credit card. In the
1970’s, a key was a metal device attached to a plastic key holder that was
inscribed with the room number. It didn’t inspire me at first, until I looked
for my key when we were checking out.
“Where is it?” I searched through my purse, around the floor
of the car, and everywhere I could imagine a key slipping away from my
safekeeping. My husband tried to be patient. We were already so tired from
traveling hundreds of miles, that a lost key became an annoyance. I told the
motel owner that I had lost the key and I was so sorry. I was sure I’d find it
tucked in a suitcase or something. And of course, I eventually did—after I
returned home!
"But this lost key suddenly became more than a minor
annoyance. It became the impetus for a story idea. I had already heard from a
historian at Saratoga National Park Service about a bicentennial celebration in
1977. It was the commemoration of the 1777 win by the American troops at
Saratoga, New York. So what if the fact that there were two keys to each motel
room during the ‘70s meant that a female visitor to the bicentennial was in danger?
What if there were leftover, deep-seated feuds from the original battle in
1777? What if hatred had sifted down through the generations to complicate the
lives of those in 1977? What if… but wait. I don’t want to give the plot away
entirely.
But just to give you a wee taste of the story:
It is 1777. The Battle of Saratoga, a turning point of the
Revolutionary War, encourages the American Continental Army with their first
great victory. But there seemed little to celebrate for one patriotic woman
forced to nurse wounded British soldiers right in their war camp. Thrust into
deception by a cruel Loyalist uncle, Abigail is forced to lie in order to
survive, all the while dealing with fears that challenge her faith. Danger
stalks her everywhere, yet her salvation springs from an unexpected source.
Then… Two hundred years
later, on the anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga, thousands arrive from
Europe and the United States to celebrate the event—including descendants from
the war. One young American, Abby, meets another offspring of a British
soldier. When her life is threatened, Abby turns to the only person she knows
at the event—her British ally. Can she trust him with her life? Or will he
betray her in the same way Loyalist spies betrayed her ancestors? Perhaps
letters from long ago will reveal the truth.
Thanks for joining us today, Elaine! It's always fun to read how novelists come up with their inspiration. I LOVE historical romances, which this little synopsis hints that Saratoga Letters might be. . . I look forward to reading it!
To find out more about Elaine, please visit her at
To purchase Saratoga Letters, please click on the title.
P.S.: I will be taking a much needed blogging break for the month of October, during which I'll be speaking for two events, singing with my husband for another, and giving away sweets and signing books at a Sweetest Day Celebration. Whew! I'll be back here with you on November 1.
P.S.: I will be taking a much needed blogging break for the month of October, during which I'll be speaking for two events, singing with my husband for another, and giving away sweets and signing books at a Sweetest Day Celebration. Whew! I'll be back here with you on November 1.
