Chrys' Top 13 Blog Post Picks / Thursday 13

 

This is another contribution to the Thursday 13 blog hop in which participants create a post with some kind of list of 13 things they want to share. The skies the limit.

Last month, I shared the 13 most-viewed posts of all-time on my blog. It's always interesting to see which posts take off, and which posts don't. It's just like with other forms of social media. We may love a picture we share on Instagram, but because of the algorithms, that day's traffic, planet alignment, you name it, the post you love may not get any love.

That's why I'm sharing 13 of my personal favorite blog posts of all-time. BTW, I've been blogging since 2013. It was nostalgic (sometimes bittersweet) to look back at the posts on this blog.

My Top 13 Blog Post Picks:

1. Honoring the Victims of the Salem Witch Trials (2022)

2. How to Respect and Support Indigenous Peoples (2021)

3. Homeless Care Packages (2022)

4. NOT INADEQUATE / A Post about Self-Defense and Abuse (2020)

5. Writer’s Burnout Part 1 (Speak) (2018)

6. 10 Things All Authors Should Know (2021)

7. Florida & Seminole History (2021)

8. Writers. Should. NOT. Tell. Other. Writers. What. Tense. Or. POV. To. Use. It's. NOT. Your. Choice. (2020)

9. Don't Shame Readers for What They Read (or Writers for What They Write) (2021)

10. Bullying Awareness Project (2015)

11. Body Literacy Book Recommendations (2022)

12. Traditional Publishing - Pros and Cons (2021)

13. Writing About: A Wound (2013)

It was not easy narrowing this list down to 13. I had maybe 5 others posts I collected while making this list that did not make it.

NOTE: Comments are closed to these posts, as is the case for all of my older posts. I close the comments to every post about a month after they go live to prevent spam attacks.

My Blog's Top 13 Posts of All Time / Thursday 13

 

During the A to Z challenge, Liz A. posted for a small blog hop called Thursday 13 in which participants create lists of 13 things to share. It could be anything. I love lists, so I thought I'd join in a couple of times this month for fun. I’m sharing a list of the most-viewed posts on my blog.

MY BLOG'S TOP 13 POSTS OF ALL TIME:

(based on views)

1. Writing About: A Car Accident - 77.3K views

2. Writing About: A Kidnapping - 15.4K views

3. Writing About: A Wedding - 11.8K views

4. Writing About: Witches - 7.35K views

5. Writing About: A Plane Ride - 6.43K views

6. Protagonist vs Antagonist - 6.27K views

7. Ad Astra Interview / Olivia and Fiona Discuss Banned Books and Intersectional Feminism - 4.01K views

8. New Release Marketing Conclusions - 3.94K views

9. Writing About: Torture - 3.56K views

10. Writing About: A Foot Chase - 3.34K views

11. Writing About: School - 3.25K views

12. Writer's Burnout Part 10 (No Stress) - 3.25K views

13. Dear “I’m Still a Nobody” Author - 3.02K views

NOTE: Comments are closed to these posts, as is the case for all of my older posts. I close the comments to every post about a month after they go live to prevent spam attacks.

It's always interesting to see what posts get the most views. My Writing About feature, which I did for a few years here on my blog, obviously was a hit. I wonder if I should revive it. Back then, the posts were about topics and characters and scenes I'd written about at the time. I've written a lot since I stopped the feature.

If you'd like to check out my Writing About feature, you can find the archive on this page: Writing About. There's sections for Characters, More on Characters, Disasters, Supernatural/Paranormal/Fantasy, Crime, Romance, Places, Seasons, Holidays, and Other.

Best of Write with Fey 2016

OPTIONAL January 4th IWSG Question: What writing rule do you wish you'd never heard?

Reminder: The questions are optional and meant as a prompt if you struggle with what to post. You don't have to answer a question if you don't want to. :)



At the end of every year I like to provide links and summaries to some of my favorite posts that I shared on my blog. These posts are the ones that got a lot of engagement from readers or was one that I particularly liked because of the information it offered, or because it was simply fun.

Enjoy!

The best blog post from Write with Fey 2016:

Writing About:

1. A Hostage – A list of things to consider when writing about a character who is a hostage.

2. A Tsunami – This is the disaster for Book 3 of my Disaster Crimes series, and it was the hardest Writing About post I’ve ever had to write.

3. Oahu, Hawaii – Tsunami Crimes is set in Hawaii, so I shared 10 things I learned about Hawaii while writing this book.

4. Wrestlers – The most fun characters I’ve ever written about were wrestlers, because I really got to be creative with their looks and names.

5. Domestic Violence Awareness – I created this post to create awareness for domestic violence. I share warning signs and talk about the different kinds of abuse.

6. Zombies – In this post I shared do’s and dont’s that zombie fans say can make or break a zombie book.

7. Stalkers – Stalkers are scary. I share tips to remember if you ever write a story about a character being stalked.

8. Blizzards – What do you need to know if you write about a blizzard? I offer 10 pointers.

9. Wildfire – I’ve experienced wildfire. In this post, I share my memories of this disaster.

10. Halloween – This is my favorite holiday! I couldn’t resist delving into this day with all of its fun. A story set during Halloween should incorporate at least one of the things I highlight in this post.

Character ER:

1. Body Language – To add depth to a character’s actions and emotions, include body language.

2. Diet and Food – We don’t often think about a character’s diet, but so many people in real life eat special diets.

3. Flaws, Fear, and Weaknesses – Make your characters realistic by giving them flaws, fears, and weaknesses.

4. Habits and Quirks – Habits and quirks can bring characters to life and make them memorable.

5. Your Character's Pain – We experience physical and emotional pain more often than we’d like. Our characters should experience pain as well.

Marketing:

1. 100 Marketing Tips – Every marketing tactic that I know. Includes a FREE pdf.

2. How to Create a Website – All writers should consider having a website. I provide a list of items that all author websites should have.

3. How to Design a Business Card – I offer steps and tips to help you craft a unique business card.

4. Twitter for Writers – This post includes a list of hashtags all writers should know.

5. Instagram for Writers - 20 Instagram Ideas – Writers can get creative with marketing their books and sharing their writing process on this app.

6. How to Create a Newsletter – A step-by-step guide to creating a newsletter and getting subscribers. Includes a FREE pdf.

Other:

1. Harry Potter Wand Art Project – Do your kids love Harry Potter? Help them make their own wands!

2. Turtle Bread Recipe – This is a bread in the shape of a turtle. It’s yummy, and it’s fun to bake with kids.

3. Pine Cone Ornaments – Use these natural decorations as ornaments around your house or for your Christmas tree.

4. You Might be A Bully If – A list of things that bullies do. If you do any of these, vow to make a change today.

5. If I were a Mobster – This was my first ever blogfest for 30 Seconds Before. Participants got to turn themselves into Mobsters. It was fun.

6. Homemade Dog Treats Recipe – Last year, I made dog treats for all of my families’ dogs, and they were a hit.

A big thanks to everyone who visits, follows, and comments on my blog. I do all of this for you! Next year, my blog is going to change significantly. There won't be any more posts about writing, publishing, or marketing. But a couple of my monthly planned posts can still help writers. I hope you'll stick around to see what I have in store. :)

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

Chrys Fey

Writing About: Christmas

Christmas is a fun, festive holiday. I read Christmas stories during any time of the year to enjoy this holiday again and again. Everything about it is warm and uplifting. And there are so many ways that you can include Christmas in a novel or spin a full-out Christmas story.

Here are a few things you can add to your story:

1. Decorations

People go all-out, even getting into competitions with neighbors. Outdoor lights on the roof, nativity sets on the lawn, and blow-up lawn decorations are all the rave. And that’s just outside. Inside there can be nutcrackers, garland along banisters, miniature villages complete with people, cars, and even fake snow. Then there’s the Christmas tree. Trimming it if it’s real or taking it out of the box if it’s fake. Putting lights, bows, ornaments, tinsel on every branch, and a star or angel at the very top.

Take a moment to describe the pretty decorations of your character’s house, mention a friendly competition among neighbors, and the craziness of decorating a tree. A tree that cats can climb into, dogs can knock over, and children can decorate with homemade ornaments made of Popsicle sticks.

2. Goodies

Christmas is one of our most fattening holidays. There’s pies, cakes, cookies (dozens and dozens of different kinds), chocolates, candy canes, fruit cake, fudge, and hot chocolate. Mention a few of these goodies during your fictional festivities. And if your character is a woman who worries about her weight, have her fret about the calories…as she stuffs fudge into her mouth.

3. Santa

There can’t be a Christmas story without Santa! Especially if there are children. Have your character bring his/her kids to see Santa at the mall and write Santa letters. The children can ask questions about Santa and his reindeer, as we all know kids are naturally curious. You can even let the parents use little threats like “If you’re not good, I’ll tell Santa.”

4. Christmas Shopping

Everyone does Christmas shopping (if they celebrate Christmas). Show how packed the stores are whenever your character goes shopping, and how short-tempered everyone is as they elbow in to get the last toy. Have your character fret over what to get for their partner or new boy/girlfriend. In Seismic Crimes, I share a brief Christmas shopping moment.

5. Fun

There is so much fun that people can do during Christmas: picking out a Christmas tree, baking, ice skating, sledding, building a snowman, snow ball fights, Christmas parties, parades, pageants, ballets, tree lighting ceremonies, candlelight church services, and so much more. Add one or two of these to your story.

6. Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, have the kids in your story put out a plate of cookies for Santa with a glass of milk. I used to put out a carrot for Rudolph. Growing up, my family also opened presents on Christmas Eve. If there aren’t kids in your story, you can have your main character go to a Christmas party and meet someone, or do a gift exchange with his/her new boy/girlfriend. This can be a cozy scene any way that you write it.

7. Christmas Day

If there are kids, have them wake up extra early excited to see what Santa brought. If your character doesn’t have kids, this could be a nice morning for them to cuddle before they head off to see family. Or if your character is single, he/she can throw him/herself a pity party before visiting mom and dad. (Note: This last one is not me stereotyping...it's just an example. You can do whatever you want.)

The possibilities are endless. It can be light and fun, sad (if this is the first Christmas after someone’s death), filled with family drama, or dark if you’re writing a murder mystery. Think dead bodies under Christmas trees with bows stuck to their foreheads.

QUESTIONS: What do you like/dislike about Christmas? Does your family open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Share a Christmas memory with me.

SHARE: I don’t know much about Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, share some highlights of these holidays in your comment. I welcome it all. :)

Writing About: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that doesn’t get a lot of play in stories, because there’s not much build-up to it like there is with Halloween or Christmas that have decorations and fun activities. Since Thanksgiving is smack dab between these holidays, it gets even less attention. But this holiday can get fair play in your story if your character stresses about cooking a turkey dinner, traveling, or having the family together.

Since this holiday is all about food and family, you need to utilize both.

1. Food

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is an all-day thing. The wife (usually) has to get up early to start the turkey. Then you have to prep the dressing and mashed potatoes. As the day goes on, more food needs to be prepared. Your character can dish our orders to her kids and husband to help her. Or she can stress over the turkey, have a meltdown in the kitchen, or even burn something.

Foods – Turkey, ham, Tofurkey, salmon, stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, green bean casserole, candied yams/sweet potatoes, crescent rolls, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, brisket

2. Entertainment

The Thanksgiving Day parade, National Dog Show, and football games are the three main sources of entertainment on Thanksgiving. You can describe the kids anxiously waiting for Santa at the end of the parade, and the guys cheering over the game while your heroine slaves in the kitchen.

Or maybe your characters have a tradition to watch a movie on this day like Gone with the Wind (couples) or The Santa Clause (a family).

3. Family

This day is all about family coming together. Let your MC spend time with his/her loved ones. You can even add in some family drama. We all know every family has plenty of drama to go around, and on Thanksgiving things can get heated.

Or you can use this opportunity to show a happy family truly thankful to have each other after the obstacles you (as the writer) put them through.

***

Thanksgiving got a little blimp in Seismic Crimes, but I think I did a good job including the highlights of this holiday while making it fit my characters.

EXCERPT:

Thanksgiving morning, Donovan woke to the smell of coffee and French toast, the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon was having a love affair with the fragrance of Colombian coffee beans. Beth made breakfast in his high school basketball jersey with the Thanksgiving Day parade on in the background.

Since neither of them had to slave over a feast, Donovan watched the football game with Beth, and he was pleased to learn she was fluent in the ways of football. She knew what first down meant, understood a referee’s call, and knew the main players by name.

“I had no idea you were a fan,” he said during halftime.

“Yup,” she said as she took a swig of soda. “I had to find some way to bond with my dad, being an only child and all. I wasn’t interested in fixing up cars, which in hindsight would’ve saved me a lot of money on my piece of crap car. So, I started to watch football with him when I was eight. I fell in love with the game.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but Donovan thought it was amazing.

When it was time to eat, they put together a simple meal and sat down to eat. In the middle of the table were two cornish hens, a box of turkey dressing, a can of cranberry sauce, and instant potatoes with a glob of garlic butter to make up for the bland taste. It might’ve been simple, but it was better than what Donovan did last year when he ordered Chinese takeout.

***

Later in this scene, they even share what they are thankful for. 

To read more:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / KOBO / The Wild Rose Press

QUESTION: What do you eat on Thanksgiving? I’ll add it to my list. :)

Writing About: Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it and the fact it occurs during my favorite season (autumn) makes it all the more special and fun.

Halloween stories are a blast to read and write. Even a chapter or two is fun in a novel. I admit to being drawn to stories about this spooky, exciting night. I’m cackling like a witch just writing this post. So here are several things to consider for your Halloween story.

1. Decorations

Halloween is a holiday that lets us transform the inside and outside of our houses with plastic skeletons, spider webs, scarecrows, foam tombstones, fake blood and orange lights. The character in your book could decorate their house of visit someone who has a decorated house. For a children’s or YA book, the parents can surprise their kids with a haunted house when they come home from school.

2. Goodies

Who doesn’t dropkick their diet when Halloween comes? It’s impossible to buy candy for trick-or-treaters and not steal a piece or two…or ten. Then there’s the other yummy goodies like caramel apples, popcorn balls, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice coffee…pumpkin anything. Which I personally love.

3. Pumpkin Carving

A trip to the pumpkin patch and a fun carving scene is a must for a family-oriented Halloween story. Describe slicing into the pumpkin’s thick flesh, scooping out the stringy guts, the smell of the fresh pumpkin and picking out the seeds for baking.

4. Scary Movies

It’s not Halloween without scary movies. For a romance story, imagine your couple cuddling on the couch with a bowl of popcorn while they have a  Michael Myer’s marathon. This would be a cute date night.

5. Fun

Halloween is full of fun activities. If you write a story centered on this holiday consider adding one or more of these: hayrides, corn mazes, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, fall festivals and costume parties. The last two are perfect for adult stories. Imagine your character going to a fall festival with friends and meeting someone. And at a costume party it could be a mystery. Who’s behind the mask?

6. Costumes

Kids are all about the costumes, so if there are kids in your story, a couple of discussions for what the kids want to wear and a scene showing the mom putting it together are nice to include.

7. Trick-or-Treating

If your MC has kids, trick-or-treating should be a scene. Show the kids in their costumes. This is always fun to describe. Then write about the candy-seeking shenanigans: going door-to-door to beg for candy, plastic pumpkins full of candy and aching feet after walking around the block.

So now that I laid out the highlights of Halloween, go write a scene! Not for a book but for a fun prompt. Go ahead!

QUESTIONS: What do you like/dislike about Halloween? Do you dress up? I do because I’m a big kid at heart.

Writing About: Reapers

In one of my works-in-progress, I have a reaper as a character aka a grim reaper. This character is creepy and indestructible. Death follows in his wake. His targets don’t stand a chance.

If you ever find you need to add a reaper to a supernatural story, here are a few things to consider:

1. Appearance

Reapers usually wear long, black cloaks with hoods to cover their skeletal bodies. They can be wrapped in shadows. Their faces can be darkness or a skull. And they generally have a sickle, but you could always do a twist on his weapon of choice as well as his appearance. Make this reaper your own! Make him (or her) not even appear like a reaper at first.

2. Darkness

Wherever reapers go, gloom dominates. You can describe clouds rolling in to hide the sun, the lights going out in a room or house, and darkness clinging to the reaper like a black fog swarming around his feet.

3. Cold

Death is cold. Dropping the temperature whenever a reaper is around is a good idea. Icy breath can float from your characters’ mouths, and they can break out in gooseflesh. Frost can cover the ground, and windows can fog up. Stretch your imagination.

4. Death

A reaper’s job is to kill and take souls. Have the reaper target people. Then show how he kills them, collects their souls, and then reveal what he does afterward with the souls.

5. Victims

Who does the reaper target and why? Let us get know some of them, especially if one is your main character. We need to feel connected to your characters so we can worry about their safety and root for them whenever the reaper gets close. And we also need to be invested in case they are hurt or killed.

Reapers aren’t just for Halloween. You could write any kind of story with reapers, during any time of the year and for any holiday, even Christmas. Think about it.

QUESTION: If a reaper (aka Death) had a human name, what do you think it’d be? (Pretend this is for a story.)

Writing About: Stalkers

Having a stalker is truly frightening. A stalker can target someone for any reason. And anyone can be stalked: celebrities, women, men, and children. A stalker can be an ex boy/girlfriend, a jealous coworker or friend, an estranged family member, or a stranger. Stalkers don’t just come in the big cities but anywhere in the world. Wherever people live, stalkers lurk.

Some things to consider if you ever write a story with a stalker in it:

1. Who is the stalker?

Sometimes, in real life, this isn’t known right away, but other times the person lets the victim know by confronting them. Decide when your stalker will reveal him/herself: right away or after some cat and mouse mind games.

2. Why is this person stalking your character?

As I mentioned, anyone can be a stalker and for any reason. Perhaps a bad breakup triggers it or road rage makes your character a target. Even envy, such as for someone’s beauty, money or talent, can be a driving force that makes the stalker want to be with your character or just be your character.

3. What does the stalker do?

There are an infinite number of scare tactics that stalkers employ, such as harassing phone calls or notes left on the car or on the door. They can follow your character in their car to and from work or when they go for a jog around the block. Taking pictures, sneaking into the victim’s house, and leaving threatening images and tokens are all things stalkers do. Nothing is too bizarre.

4. How does the victim deal with this?

Being stalked is scary and greatly impacts the mental state of the victim, leading them to suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders. They can have a hard time sleeping at night due to fear, and they can look over their shoulder wherever they go. 

Perpetually checking to make sure the windows are closed, blinds and curtains are shut, and doors are locked is very common. Taking self-defense classes, buying a stun gun or real gun, and even adopting a dog for extra security are all things they can do. A victim of a stalker is never at ease, so you have to show that throughout the story.

TIP #1: Show how this changes your character’s other relationships. Although the stalker is targeting one person, this also hurts their loved ones. Relationships can get strained and even go out the window due to the victim’s fear.

TIP #2: Consider how you’d feel or what you would do if you were in your character’s shoes.

Always make sure that whatever you write is realistic. Try to talk to people who had been stalked, read real stories and accounts, and even watch movies based on true events.

QUESTION: Did you watch the show Stalker while it was on? It only had one season, but it was pretty intense.

Writing About: Blizzards

Another disaster I highlighted in my 2015 A to Z Challenge was blizzards. Most northern states and Canada experience blizzards and snowstorms. The threat of a blizzard arises every winter in these places, so it’s not a stretch to think a fiction story set in the north during the winter may include at least a snowstorm that cancels school for a day or two, but with our current hostile weather a strong blizzard isn’t out of the question.

Now if you write a blizzard into your book it should either be a major plot or at least last for several chapters (3-4).

Here are a few things to remember if you ever write about a blizzard:

- Weather Reports

Your characters should tune into the weather every morning and night. Even if you don’t detail a whole weather report, you can have your character hear something in the background or tune in for the highlights.

- Storm Preparations

Your characters should be ready for a snowstorm with a stock of firewood, water, canned goods, blankets, and warm clothing. Snow tires and shovels are also a must. Plus, a generator since snow and ice can knock out power easily.

- Blizzard Names

Just like tropical storms and hurricanes have names, blizzards also have names. To make the storm real and to give it personification, give the storm in your story a name. You don’t even have to follow the name already selected and waiting for a storm, but come up with your own, as I did with Hurricane Sabrina in Hurricane Crimes.

- Snowfall

Describe the snow as it begins to fall and have your character watch it get higher, creeping up the porch steps, burying the mailbox, and turning everything white.

- Snowdrifts

Wind is a big factor in a snowstorm. When the wind is strong, the falling snow can be piled into drifts that can cover houses.

- Cold

During a blizzard, endearing the cold is probably the hardest part. Even if you have a fireplace, the house is still incredibly cold. You have to bundle up and move around to stay warm. Have your characters do the same.

- Boredom

The next biggest hurdle after dealing with the cold is overcoming boredom. When you’re trapped in a house with no electricity and you have to wait days for it to stop snowing, cabin fever sets in. Card games and board games are popular time killers. Reading, writing, and drawing by candlelight (or electric lanterns) are also activities that’ll take up time. Have your character struggle to find ways to take up the time. And if they’re not alone, this would be a good opportunity to share family moments or let new lovers get to know each other more.

- Digging Out

Once the blizzard passes, it comes time for the digging out process. This is never fun or easy. It takes a lot of time and effort to dig a path from the door to the driveway. Then, of course, the driveway has to be shoveled. But you won’t be going anywhere until snowplows clear the streets. And when it gets warm, lets not forget all of the melting snow...flooding.

Blizzards can add excitement to a winter story and give your characters a chance to bond. You will also have fun bonding with them while you write these scenes.

QUESTIONS: Have you ever been in a blizzard? Tell me about it. Is there a detail not in this post that is important? Share it.

Writing About: Michigan

I was born in Michigan, but I was raised in Florida. I don’t know as much about Michigan as I’d like, but I feature Michigan as a setting briefly in Seismic Crimes and it will be the main setting in another Disaster Crimes book. For that reason, I am bringing to you a post dedicated to this state.

Here are a few things to keep in mind or use if you ever write about Michigan:

1. The Mitten

Michigan is known as “the Mitten State.” Have you ever looked at the map of Michigan? Take a look now. The state is in the shape of a left-handed mitten with a thumb and the pocket for the other four fingers. “The Mitten State” is a term of endearment from Michiganders and is the most popular nickname for Michigan. Your characters can use this term, too.

2. Mackinac Bridge

Also known as “Big Mac” and “Mighty Mac,” the Mackinac Bridge is the 3^rd longest bridge in the US. This suspension bridge is spanning the straits of Mackinac and connects to the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. It is the 10^th longest suspension bridge in the world. Before the bridge, people had to use ferries to go between the peninsulas. Every year, they do a magnificent firework show behind the bridge and there’s even an annual bridge run!

3. Mackinac Island

A great place to set a story or even a chapter or two.

Mackinac Island is known as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” and is known for their vistas and carriage rides (motor vehicles are prohibited). There are many restaurants, shops, and pubs that contribute to an active night life. There are also many activities, making Mackinac Island a great place for your characters to go on a day trip, vacation, or wedding venue. (Heck, it’s great for real life, too!)

4. Pop

In Michigan, and many northern states, the carbonated drink is called pop. Not soda. Not even soda pop. Pop. Though some probably call it soda, pop is definitely the favored term for folks native to the north, so make sure your native Michiganders say “Pop” even when ordering at a restaurant. Or your MC can find it funny if he/she is not from Michigan.

5. The Great Lakes

Fresh water lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario. These lakes form the largest group of fresh water lakes on Earth. They possess rolling waves, strong currents, and great depths. Your characters can experience many fun activities on these lakes such as sailing, paddling, fishing, and swimming.

FACT: Lake Superior has claimed many ships and lives. The stretch between Munising, Michigan and Whitefish Point has been called “Graveyard of the Great Lakes” and “Shipwreck Coast.” Wouldn’t that make a good idea for a ghost story or mystery?

6. Cities

As with any state, Michigan has several note-able cities that would make good setting for different reasons.

Detroit – The most popular city in Michigan. Detroit’s Metropolitan area is known as “Metro Detroit” and is home to 4.3 million people. Detroit is also home to a lot of violence, crimes, and segregation/discrimination. I imagine cop stories and redemption stories set here.

Grand Rapids – Second largest city known as “The River City,” “Beer City,” and “Furniture City.” Here you can find mixed forest and farmland; a flat, narrow river valley surrounded by steep hills; and Kalamazoo!

Ann Arbor – Home to the University of Michigan, which makes it a good setting for a NA college story. Nicknamed “Tree Town” for the dense forestation of its parks and residential areas. The city contains more than 50,000 acres that change gorgeous colors in the fall.

FACT: Reportedly named after the wives of the two founders who both happened to be named Ann and the shady area under a group of trees (called an arbor) where the women liked to sit together.

7. Seasons

Whenever your story is set, try to include some of the characteristics for Michigan during the time of the year.

Winter – lots of snow and possible blizzards.

Spring – snow turns to rain, birds return, flowers bloom, and grass becomes green.

Summer – the time when Michigan comes to life with activity.

Autumn – cool and crisp weather perfect for fall activities.

The annual temperature throughout Michigan is apparently 50-60.

8. Unique Words and Phrases

Here’s some “slang” used by many Michiganders that could be fun additions to include in dialogue for the native folks in your story.

Pasty – a meat and veggie filled pastry dish.

The Thumb – the thumb shaped area of the lower peninsula.

The U.P. – upper peninsula

Fudgies – tourist

A cole one – a cold beer

9. University of Michigan

Located in Ann Harbor is a public research university and the state’s oldest university. Home of the Wolverines, whose biggest rival is Ohio State (the Buckeyes).

10. Fun

So what sort of activities can your characters do in Michigan when you’re not causing them grief, making them cry, or what-not? A lot.

Outdoors - Hunting, camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking

Sports - Golf, football,

Visit -  vineyards, farms, floweries, lighthouses

Travel – waterfalls, lakes, Mackinac Island

Snow Activities – ANY and ALL

QUESTIONS: Do you live in Michigan? Have you ever been to Michigan? What do you love the most/least?