Category: Travel

Hi all,

I’m guest blogging over at Lois Winston’s blog here http://www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/2014/04/travel-with-serena-new-orleans-with.html today. The blog includes travel info on New Orleans and how I used the “off the wall” places to write / set Water’s Blood.

Enjoy and take a chance to see the city sometime if you haven’t already!

Research and Travel

by Elaine Calloway

I am one of those writers who likes to go to the places I write about in books. Many may disagree, may say that it is too expensive and it can’t be done, and that is certainly a viable reason. One can study the Internet, books, maps, magazines, and gather intel to work.

For me, however, I find there’s nothing like my own bizarre impressions when I visit a place. And it doesn’t always need to be an extra trip expense. RWA Nationals was in New York City a few years back. I went a few days ahead of time, met some friends there, and we explored the city. Doing so gave me a great feel for Raging Fire, my latest book release about a Fire Elemental stationed in Manhattan.

All those day-to-day things that magazines, books, and the Internet may not tell you are at your fingertips when you do your own travel research. Actually feeling the quiet air early on a Sunday morning along Fifth Avenue; this is in vast contrast to the madness and mayhem of Times Square any time of day. Being part of an eclectic city that never sleeps, feeling its pulsing heartbeat into the wee hours of the morning. All these things and more helped me write Raging Fire with more ease.

Not everyone can travel to the setting destination, however, my recommendation is that if you can do it, it’s worth it to get that extra sense of the place.

Elaine Calloway is currently writing The Elemental Clan Series. Book Two, Raging Fire, which is set in Manhattan, released on August 18 and is available in ebook and paperback. Look for books three and four to release in late 2013/early 2014 respectively. When she isn’t writing about the living, the dead, and the eerie in between, she enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with friends.

Water’s Blood, Book One – https://www.elainecalloway.com/waters-blood-book-one/

Raging Fire, Book Two – https://www.elainecalloway.com/raging-fire-book-two/

Hey all, Yes, today is #SuperBowlSunday. And as usual, I don’t even know who the teams are that are competing. BUT I do know that the game is being held in New Orleans, my good ole hometown. They’ve been rebuilding the airport and adding lots of venues for years now, which makes me happy because the airport used to be a ghost town in terms of places to eat, drink, hang out before a flight. Those of you who are lucky enough to be IN New Orleans (#NOLA, as we locals affectionately call it) might want to check out some local things – – 1. Frenchmen Street on the edge of the Quarter has far more variety, music, and atmosphere than Bourbon Street ever had. And it’s classier. 2. Best Bloody Mary in the city? Flanagan’s Pub on St. Philip Street. 3. City Park in Mid-City is a beautiful place for a picnic, to hang out, or to enjoy a Cafe Au Lait at Morning Call. And if you’re like me and only watch the Super Bowl commercials, take some time to read a good book. (Even mine, should you want to!) Happy Sunday all :)

Hey all, Today concludes the 3-part series on New Orleans that I have been guest blogging on Petit Fours & Hot Tamales blogsite. Many thanks to the Petit Fours & Hot Tamales Group for having me guest blog this month. Turns out, these posts have ideal timing since we are coming up on the Super Bowl, which is hosted in New Orleans this year. So read about my good ole hometown and enjoy! Part One was on Food & Drink in New Orleans. Part Two was on Things to do as a Family in New Orleans Part Three is on the Architecture of the City – types of styles, what to see, what to avoid, etc.

Hello all, Last Friday, I guest blogged about the food and beautiful sights of New Orleans, my original hometown. Today’s guest blog is about things to do as a family. The Crescent City, affectionately known as NOLA to many (NOLA = New Orleans Louisiana), is known for its French Quarter drinking and Bourbon Street decadence. So what happens if you take a family trip there? Is there anything to do with the kiddos? Of course! New Orleans never disappoints. Read my guest blog here for suggestions on family activities.