Travel Inspires Magic in Fantasy and Beyond
“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” — Ibn Battuta
Every great story begins with an inspiration. For fantasy and urban fantasy writers, travel is often the spark that ignites new worlds, characters, and adventures. Consider J.K. Rowling strolling through Edinburgh's winding streets, letting the medieval charm seep into the magical hallways of Hogwarts, or Diana Gabaldon wandering the Scottish Highlands, her imagination building the vivid, immersive world of the "Outlander" series. Ernest Hemingway's adventures in Spain and Paris shaped timeless classics, while Agatha Christie turned her travels aboard the Orient Express into mysteries that still captivate readers today.
Travel breathes authenticity into storytelling, blending the familiar with the magical, allowing readers to explore new worlds that feel vividly real. My own journeys have often had this transformative effect, igniting the spark that brings my fictional worlds to life.
Every element of the city seemed to whisper a tale, fueling my imagination as a fantasy author.
Switzerland's Special Charm
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” — Henry Miller
In February 2024, I traveled to Switzerland for a special family event—the wedding of my relative Ekaterina, affectionately known as Katya. Katya is not only family; she's also the creative talent behind the original cover art for my short story, Elf’s Tears, and the model for my Dark Streets series covers. This deeply personal connection made the trip unforgettable.
One particular incident from our visit to Visp perfectly captures the blend of joy, confusion, and humor that travel often brings: Picture us frantically rushing through picturesque streets, convinced we were minutes late for Katya's wedding at the Rathaus. Imagine our embarrassment turning into joyous laughter when we realized we were actually two hours early! Moments like these don't just create memorable anecdotes—they subtly enrich my storytelling, bringing genuine emotions and relatable human experiences into my fictional worlds.
A Setting that Writes Its Own Stories
“Every city has its secrets. Every city holds possibilities.” — Kate Milford
Zurich, in particular, enchanted me immediately. Its medieval charm and contemporary elegance, winding alleys, quaint riverside cafés, and scenic views along the Limmat River painted a perfect canvas for Katy Brown’s next adventure in The City of Swords and Fangs. Zurich didn't merely serve as a backdrop; it actively shaped scenes and encounters that brought depth and intrigue to Katy’s journey.
Imagine strolling beside Lake Zurich at twilight, the water reflecting a hundred city lights—perfect for a moment of revelation. Picture a secluded café tucked within Zurich's narrow medieval streets—ideal for secret conversations or subtle betrayals. Zurich provided these rich textures, effortlessly weaving itself into the narrative and inviting readers to experience the city's magic through Katy’s eyes.
Behind-the-Scenes
“You can't rush something you want to last forever.” — Unknown
Turning inspiration into compelling stories requires careful nurturing and patience. While my trip to Zurich sparked countless ideas, the writing process itself remains deliberate and thoughtful. Each interaction, magical encounter, and emotional development is carefully crafted, ensuring that the story feels authentic and emotionally satisfying. The recent "Ask Katy" contest was particularly helpful, as your insightful questions encouraged me to delve deeper into Katy’s character and her world, shaping scenes and emotional nuances I hadn't fully explored before. Although I may not be the fastest writer, your continued enthusiasm and patience inspire me every day, reminding me why each detail matters.
To make your reading experience even more immersive, I'm working on creating a detailed map of Zurich, pinpointing significant locations in The City of Swords and Fangs. This map will include special spots like the charming little square where Katy resides, inviting readers deeper into the magic of her world.
Explore the galleries, lose yourself in the magic of Zurich, and thank you for joining me on this journey where travel and storytelling beautifully intertwine.
