I used to lead a more or less nomadic sort of life, moving around the States, but also Europe and Asia. If I want to analyze myself, which I suppose is what one does while blogging, this inability to settle in one spot might be reflected in my novel. For
Angelology, I spent quite a lot of time researching each one. For me, research means more than reading a book or checking out information on the internet, it means walking the streets, climbing the hills, visiting a convent... and being there long enough to really get a feel for the place.
I was fortunate in being able to spend some time at a convent here in the States, which was where — during a late night's contemplation in the chapel — I suddenly knew what I wanted to write in this book. But I have also lived in Bulgaria and would love for more people to be aware of its history and its beauty. (This site gives you a quick overall picture of the country.)
Now that I live in the south of France, and Paris is close by, I spend quite a bit of time exploring historical sites. I have always loved France, and couldn't resist setting part of Angelology here. It was challenging to even begin imagining the effect of the Nazi occupation — to get an idea, check this out — but to imagine how people felt and feared... well. Of course, where I live now, life is more about visiting markets and wine-tasting when I'm not working!
The photograph album on the site www.angelologist.com has several pictures of the locations and settings of the book. There are maps too, showing where the story took place.
Having just spent the last few weeks traveling around the States on a book tour, I am looking forward to getting back to France. A good friend of mine has just assured me that spring has come and the local asparagus and strawberries are ripening. Maybe it's time to stay in one spot for awhile so that I can write another book.