Guest Blogger: Jennifer Shirk

Hi, all! Jennifer here!

Thanks so much to Carol for hosting me today! This is so much fun to be somewhere else for a change. :-)

I'm sitting on my deck right now--although not for long because it's getting HOT. But I'm staying somewhat cool with my favorite summer cocktail: the pineapple chili margarita! (try this recipe. You won't be sorry) 

Anyhew, being out here brings my mind to SETTINGS in stories we write. I tend to place all my romances in seaside surroundings. Why? Probably because I love the beach--and also because I live by the beach. (I go with what I know)

BUT... settings not only create at atmosphere for the reader but it can be used as a marketing tool as well. I know writers don't like to think that far ahead, but that's what I've decided to do now. Writing stories set in fake beach resorts give me an advantage in my home town because I actually live in a beach resort. When I do book signings people tend to pick up my book since it involves an area similar to where they're vacationing, regardless of the genre I write. 

Now, I'm actually thinking of taking this to a new level with my next book and use the REAL setting of my hometown to create an even bigger marketing tool. I'm counting on my local book sellers wanting to help market a book that is set where people are on vacation. (at least that's what they've told me! :))

So think about your setting for more than just your story. Your setting can also help promote your book.

My recent book GEORGIE ON HIS MIND is set in a beach town and Booklist recently had this to say about it:
"It’s the mature way Walt responds to Georgie’s shenanigans that make this romance a standout. Shirk’s novel is as breezy and charming as Georgie’s seaside surroundings, and her sweet love affair with Walt will linger in the reader’s mind long after the tale is told." From Booklist --Courtney Jones

Georgie Mayer has no boyfriend and rarely goes out. In short, she needs a life. Since she's graduated college and returned back home, her brother's protectiveness has been in overdrive, and she hasn't been able to have any fun, never mind get a date. 

So what's a poor particularly attractive girl to do in a situation like this? The only thing she can do: find him a woman!

He'll thank her for it in the end. That is, if his best friend Walt Somers would stop interfering with her plans. The handsome pharmacist has made no secret that he doesn't approve of what she's up to. Unfortunately, having Walt hanging around does strange things to her mind, and suddenly she can't help but take a healthy interest in him. But how can Georgie entertain thoughts of the two of them together when Walt still treats her like his best friend's little sister?

Avilable thru Amazon and a library near you. :-)

Thanks again for having me, Carol!

WRITERS:Do you live in an unusual or popular town? Have you thought about creating your own book around that setting?

READERS: Do you have a setting you prefer in books you read? 

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Thanks so much, Jennifer, for being my guest today on Under the Tiki Hut. I know everyone is happy to see you!