Cruising Vicariously through My Cozy Mystery
I love to cruise and have taken many of them in my life. We dragged our kids on a number of them until they were old enough to beg us to stop. Then we continued to cruise as a twosome or with friends.
I love the idea of settling into my own cabin with all my belongings. It’s great to stop at new ports of call and visit interesting places yet return to my own sanctuary at the end of the day. I love the vibrating excitement of life onboard. The pools, restaurants, piano bar, promenade, game rooms, and the glittering shops and art galleries are a wonder for the senses. It’s all very exciting and fun.
Since the pandemic hit, I’ve given up cruising. But I miss it! What’s a writer to do?
Planning a Vicarious Cruise
When writing the outline for the second book in the Magical Mystery Book Club, I pondered the perfect setting when it hit me – a cruise ship! I could take a cruise without ever leaving home, based on my vivid memories of all the ships I’ve traveled on.
I sorted through photos and reminisced about my favorite trips. I loved the adventures in Alaska, but my favorites are tropical – warm sunshine and sandy beaches call to me. My daughter and her family just returned from a trip to Hawaii and loved it. I’d never taken a Hawaiian cruise so set my scene there.
I spent the next week pouring through cruise websites and reviewing Hawaiian excursions. Then outlined a 7-day trip for my book club members.
The characters had a magnificent time. Well, not counting finding a dead body, but other than that! Even though it’s all in my mind, I got to take a Hawaiian cruise after all! Now I’m looking forward to doing it in real life. I just hope there are no vampires on board . . .
About the Author:
Elizabeth Pantley says that writing the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic book series is the most fun she’s ever had at work. Fans of the series say her joy is evident through the stories she tells. Elizabeth is also the internationally bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful inspiration for the enchanted Destiny Falls world.
