settling in

Okay, I’m settling back into PTM. Yesterday, I wrote some, but mostly I was searching sites on the topographical map for the exact setting for my fictional town in 1908. Then I drew a map of the town (not to scale, of course), selecting locations for the school, the four different churches and their parsonages, the butcher shop and the bakery, the restaurant and boarding house, the hotel, the doctor and pharmacy, the ladies dress shop, the sheriff’s office and jail, etc.

Next, I searched through my book of Victorian house plans for just the right home for my characters to reside in on their farm. I tried to see it through the eyes of Karola as she arrives there, a German immigrant, ready to take up her new life. “Are you rich?” she asks Jakob when she sees the fine two-story home. He laughs. “No, I’m not rich.”

In my Bible study (the Early History of Israel) yesterday morning, I came across a verse that was so perfect for God’s direction for Karola. So often I’m amazed at the way He directs not just my life but the lives of my characters. I reread it this morning and rejoiced.

I watched the ladies figure skating last night, as I have faithfully watched all of the skating and much of the other Olympic events. Oh my! What a showdown we are in for on Thursday night.

Now, to work!

Originally posted on Diaryland