August 29, 2016

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.


August 22, 2016

How to Create a Newsletter



HOW TO CREATE A NEWSLETTER


NOTE: This post has been revised since publication due to changes with newsletters. 



I started my author newsletter in 2016, and I love it! Some authors decide not to do one for various reasons, which is just fine. The decision is up to the author. But first, dispel the idea that it’ll take too much time. Once you create one newsletter to email to your subscribers, you can use that format to make another one in just minutes by reusing the template or copying the entire newsletter. And don't believe that you need hundreds of readers either. You can get subscribers to your newsletter without having readers.

Before You Start:
Set up an email address domain. What is this? An email address domain is special, and it’s just for you. After the @ symbol, instead of yahoo.com or gmail.com, it’ll be your website domain. Such as Chrys@ChrysFey.com
You don't need a website, though. All you need is a domain name. It can be one you've already purchased or you can purchase one when you create your email.
Why do I say to do this? Because personal email addresses from Yahoo, AOL, Gmail, and Hotmail won’t work well. These email hosts make it extremely difficult to deliver mass emails. Many of them may not be delivered into your subscribers' inboxes and could bounce because the receivers' servers mark them as spam. If you don’t get a domain email address, you’re taking a risk of being continuously marked as spam, which will blacklist your email address.

There Are Many Sites That Offer Email Address Domains:
·        Zoho.com (free)
·        Hover.com
·        Register.com
·        GoDaddy.com

TIP: Also consider getting a PO Box to input into your mailing address field. A real address is a requirement to send out newsletters to prove it’s not spam.
Now that you have your spiffy new email address domain for the From Sender Address, let’s get started on your newsletter:

1. There Are a Lot of Email Hosts Out There
Do some research, compare the features and prices, make your choice, and sign up!

2. Know What You Want to Name Your Author Newsletter
My newsletter is called Chrys’ Chronicles. Nora Roberts’ newsletter is Nora’s News. It can be catchy or straight forward. This is also what you’ll put in the Subject Line for your subscribers to see.
TIP: In the subject line, also try to include the month or something catchy.
Example: Chrys’ Chronicles - August or Chrys’ Chronicles - My Battle

3. Have a Banner
Make sure your banner has the same feel and graphics as the banner you use for your blog/website, etc. The banner for my newsletter has sparks on it, and so does my banner for my blog. There are even sparks on my business card! Putting your author tagline on your banner is a great branding opportunity, and adding your books’ cover images to the banner is a great marketing opportunity, too.

4. Select a Design/Layout
There are many designs for newsletters that you can choose from. Think about your personality, your blog/website’s look, and try to find something to match it. Plus, check out the layout (single column, two columns) to see if you’ll be able to include what you plan to share in your newsletter, such as images.

5. Build Your First Newsletter
After selecting your design and giving it a name, you need to make it look attractive. Most email hosts let you easily drag and drop the things you want into your newsletter. So, if you want to add text, select the “text” block, drag it to your newsletter’s body, and drop it where you want it to go.
You may have to fiddle around with these tools before you get it to look how you want it to look. Experiment before you start emailing subscribers.

TIP: Include a short bio (even shorter than your 100-word bio) and your author photo at the end of your newsletter. After all, you’re an author and you want people to know about you. Sometimes, I change my photo for fun.

TIP: Also, add a note at the bottom stating your subscribers’ rights to request what data you have on them and to have that data deleted, which includes having a visible unsubscribe button.

6. Share Features
Include social media share buttons at the top of your newsletter so people can share your newsletter. You want them to be able to do this, because if they do, their followers may be interested in signing up.

7. Follow Features
Add follow buttons so people who have signed up for your newsletter can easily follow you on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

8. Add an Extra Button
Some providers allow you to add a button that subscribers can click on. Add a button linked to your opt-in form. This is a must if you allow subscribers to forward/share your newsletters to people they know.

9. Use Dividers
If you have a lot of content, keep it neat and orderly with dividers. These dividers are black lines that separate things nicely.

10. Put the title of your newsletter beneath the banner, in bold.

11. Include a “Welcome Message” and make it different for each newsletter by updating your subscribers on what you’ve been up to.

12. Save It
When your newsletter looks good and has all the content, save it. You don’t have to email it yet. You can keep it as a draft or schedule it to go out later.

13. Create an Opt-In (Sign-Up) Form
Add your banner to the sign-up form. Include a short message telling people what they’re opting-in to, what they can expect to get from your newsletter, and that their data will be kept private. Then select the information you’ll want to ask subscribers for. Also, activate double opt-in if it’s not already set up. Double opt-in means subscribers will receive a confirmation email. This ensures that someone really did consent to sign up for your emails.

TIP: Keep the information you ask for simple. Obviously ask for their email. If you want a first name, make this optional. That’s it!

14. Create a “Thank You” Page.
Once you save the details for your sign-up form, you’ll be able to design the “Thank You” page. Again, add you banner. Include a header such as “Thank you!” Then add a short message of thanks and a note to remind them to check for the email confirmation. You can also add a clickable gift as an incentive. For my newsletter, I direct new subscribers to my free story, Lightning Crimes, on the “Thank You” page.

15. Put the Sign-Up Form on Your Blog and Website
Use the newsletter’s opt-in form link to create a page on your blog and website (yes, both!) so people can sign up. Title this page “Newsletter” or “Newsletter Sign Up.” This is essential. New visitors to your blog/website won't know you have a newsletter otherwise.

16. Share the Link
Share the opt-in form’s link on your social media and blog to let followers know they can sign up for your newsletter.

17. Create a Badge for Your Blog and Website
If you are good with graphics, create a badge to put in the sidebar of your blog and website. Make it clickable by adding the opt-in form’s link.

18. Add a “Newsletter Sign-Up” App to Your Facebook Page
I know MailChimp has an app that allows you to add it by integrating MailChimp with your Facebook account. If you can’t do that, though, search for “Static HTML – Thunderpenny” in your FB search bar.
·        Click on “Go to App” then click “Add Static HTML to a Page.”
·        Choose your page and add the app.
·        Now your page is a newsletter box. Hover over the app image, click on the little pencil icon in the corner, and then click “edit settings.”
·        Change the image. It has to be exactly 111 x 74 pixels.
·        Customize the tab name to “Newsletter” or “Newsletter Sign Up.”
·        Now click the tab and click “edit tab.” At the top, it’ll say Static HTML. Paste in the HTML code for your newsletter. You will get one at the same time as you get the link to your sign-up form.
·        Click “save and publish” then “done editing tab.”
·        Finally, go to your page and test out the tab, even test out the form to make sure it works. If it doesn’t, try pasting in the HTML again.

19. Get Subscribers.
A) Post on your blog, website, and all your social media sites letting your followers know about your newsletter. Direct them to your opt-in form.
B) Do a giveaway where people have to sign up for your newsletter to be eligible to win. I do this all the time and get an amazing response. The giveaway could be in a Facebook group for a Facebook party. Provide the opt-in form’s URL for interested people.
C) Do a Rafflecopter giveaway with subscribing to your newsletter as the first option with the most points. When you do this, link to the opt-in form for your newsletter in the Rafflecopter option and have people enter their email address. Include a message stating if they enter their email address, they are consenting to let you manually subscribe them with that email.
D) Pass around a clipboard with sign-up sheets while doing a reading. Interested people can put down their name and email address.
TIP: If you manually enter subscribers, always keep your sign-up sheets as proof of consent. For Rafflecopter, print out an Excel spreadsheet of all entries.
E) Have a sign-up sheet at your table when you’re doing a signing or at a book event. Add a giveaway as an incentive. Tell everyone who comes to your table that if they sign up for your newsletter, they’ll have a chance to win that prize. Have the prize on your table so they can see it. Or you can be technically savvy by using a tablet and having them sign up using your opt-in form.
F) Include a link to your opt-in form in your email signature.

20. Set a Date Each Month to Send Out Your Newsletter
Try not to do it within the first few days of the month because that’s when EVERYONE sends out their newsletters. Yours will get lost in the mix. I send mine out during the third week of the month. But you don’t need to send out a newsletter every month, you can do it bi-monthly instead. Just please don’t send one weekly or bi-weekly. There’s no point in emailing your subscribers that much, and it could result in a loss of subscribers, as they probably get a lot of emails already.
The day your newsletter goes out, go back to your account, click on the sent newsletter, and check out the stats. Some providers show you how many people opened your newsletter, who those people are, how many people unsubscribed or clicked on something within your newsletter, and emails that bounced.

21. Make Your Newsletter Unique and Don’t Make It All About You
You can highlight one of your books but do it in a way that’ll be interesting to your readers. And don’t just use your newsletter to be all me-me-me or my book this, my book that. Give subscribers something more. When I started to share personal stories, I got emails from subscribers saying how brave I was for sharing those things. That meant a lot to me, and it also told me people were reading and reacting to my newsletters.

22. Offer Occasional Prizes Only to Those Who Have Subscribed
You can give it to everyone (if it’s something easily emailable), do a drawing, or first come, first serve by sending you an email. For a year, I gave away a book (different authors and genres) in each issue and had a Google Form for those who were interested in entering to win. Then I randomly picked a winner and mailed that person the book. I included a card and some SWAG as well.

23. Tell your newsletter subscribers your good news first before you share it anywhere else. This will make them feel valued.

24. Share teasers from your WIP or an upcoming book, announce sales and giveaways, share recipes, poetry, and photos from your life. Make your newsletters worthwhile for subscribers.

TIP: Every 6–12 months, examine your subscriber’s list for inactive people who haven’t opened a single email and remove them. This will improve your open rate and lower your subscriber count if your service is free up to a certain number.


After you put in the effort to set up a newsletter and get subscribers, you’ll have a lot of fun writing and sharing to dozens (maybe even hundreds) of pen pals. A newsletter is a wonderful marketing tool, and it’s a way to build a connection with your readers. Enjoy it! I do.

August 19, 2016

Author Interview with Joe Evener / The Elders



Today I have a guest returning to Write with Fey. Joe Evener shared "Journey to Seras" here years ago, and now he's back for Book 2! Welcome back, Joe!


Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Release Date: September 15, 2015


BLURB: "The Elders" – book two in The Heart of Seras series.

In "The Journey to Seras" we met Julie Ayers, a fifteen year old girl living in the quiet town of Sunset, Ohio. Her world was turned upside down by the arrival of the school’s new teacher, Marcus Campbell. 

Her teacher, Marcus Campbell had a secret. He was a warrior from a medieval dimension searching for the mythical "Heart" - a hero given to the people of Seras to rid their world of impending evil. Marcus’s quest was challenged when he realized that the "Heart" was the vibrant teenage girl. Against his better judgment he convinced Julie to go to his world and begin preparation to face whatever evil laid ahead while keeping his bigger secret, that he is part demon and was once a ruthless leader who terrorized Seras, from his young protégé.

The evil Julie must face was manifested in the form of Queen Pallanex. She was a wandering follower of the Elderess Eryx, displaced by her temple leaders as being dangerous and unholy. Little did they know that was the type of follower Eryx preferred. Pallanex was young, beautiful, and flirty. She seduced the aging Canis, father of Marcus, and became his queen...and his downfall. What secrets does she have? With the help of William, a demonic warrior equal to Marcus and his former comrade, Queen Pallanex has a plan that threatens both worlds.  

In "The Elders," we find Julie Ayer's reeling from her freshman year of high school, and how horribly it ended. Now Marcus Campbell must try to convince her to return to Seras to learn the secrets of Seras from the mysterious immortal, Redderick Bobo. Going back to Seras is the last thing on Julie's mind. She wants no part of Seras, or her teacher. What secrets does Redderick Bobo have to tell? Who were the Elders known as "The Five Lions of God"? Why is Julie Ayers the chosen savior of Seras? 


Only returning to the dreaded dimension will answer these questions and more for Julie. Can she bring herself to forgive Marcus, and return to Seras? The future of Seras and Earth depends on it.

Books Links:


1. What inspired you to write this book?

I started writing this book series in 2005 during my first year of college (I was 41 years old at the time), after being inspired by a freshman writing class which had the first three books of Harry Potter as textbooks, and Classical Mythology 101. While I have always had a vivid imagination, I just had to put the idea I had to paper. I got inspired to the point that it was impossible to ignore. I started to put that together with my love of books, television and movies like "Lord of the Rings," "Gladiator," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Highlander," "The Hobbit" and many others. I came up with an idea in which a normal teenage girl is whisked away into a medieval time by a trusted teacher who has a secret and is really a warrior with an even darker secret. I often joke that if you could picture Buffy the Vampire Slayer being in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, you would get a good idea of what I was putting together.

2. Is this book part of a series?

This is book two of the six part The Heart of Seras series. Book one, "Journey to Seras" was released in 2013. I am currently working on book three, "Revelation." Book four (The Dark Warrior), book five (Into the Abyss), and book six (Journey's End) are all outlined, and just waiting for me to get to them.

3. What movies inspired your book?
I'm a huge movie buff, so there have been a lot of movies that have inspired me: "Gladiator," "BraveHeart," The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series, "Star Wars," and "King Arthur" are the major ones. I'm sure there have been bits and parts from other movies, like "The Terminator," and "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves," and I love Disney movies from my childhood.
4. Which actors would play your hero and heroine in a movie?

Well, I've always had trouble with this. In writing them I have people in mind, for Julie it's a young Valerie Bertinelli (think "One Day at a Time"), but I saw a picture of Danielle Campbell from "The Originals," and she would be a great match. For Marcus, I think Stephen Amell from "Arrow" would be perfect. Now if I could get someone to make my books into movies.

5. Is there a teacher (or teachers) you would like to personally thank for his/her influence?

I would start with my fourth grade teacher, Miss Blatt. She was the first teacher that inspired my love for writing. I wrote two stories called "Super Joe" that I shared in her class. Mr. Pry, my sixth grade teacher was a positive role model. In high school, I had several teachers that were positive influences: Joyce Barker (English/Drama), Ed Foster (Physical Education), and Lou Sartori (History/Motivation).  

6. If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

The person I would most like to give my book to would be J.R.R. Tolkien. He was the master of the genre, and if I could have him read it, I would be on cloud nine. Tolkien created an intricate world, complete with individualized histories, religions and languages. I would love to get his input.  

7. J.R.R. Tolkien is an excellent choice! What’s on your bucket list?

I've checked off a lot of things on my bucket list so far: sing karaoke, do stand-up comedy, get my master's degree, become a teacher, run road races, and write a book. I have travel Europe, and travel across the western part of the USA left to do. Have my track team win a state title. Run a marathon. I would say those are my big four left to do: 1) win a team state title, 2) travel across Europe, 3) travel across the western half of the US, and 4) run a marathon.

8. What is the silliest thing you ever did while writing a story?

I act out scenes all the time, especially the sword fighting. I want to see where the body position is, how to move, and stuff like that. When I was writing book one, I was working in a warehouse…pretty much by myself, so I had time to act out scenes. I'm sure I would have had a lot of explaining to do if someone walked in on me as I wielded a makeshift sword, having an imaginary battle against myself.

9. I act out action scenes, too! If you could write anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have written in some really cool places: Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, cruising the Caribbean, the Outer Banks, Cleveland during the championship celebration, Walt Disney World, and the Bahamas. But, if I had to pick one place where I would go, I would say London or Paris, maybe somewhere in Spain, or Prague. Gosh, I can't decide - it would be exotic, completely different, a different culture and atmosphere, any of those places would get the creative juices flowing in overdrive.

10. All amazing places. Do you listen to music while you write?

Oh yes, I listen to music constantly. If I am writing a fighting scene I will be blaring AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, or Heart. If I need something softer with a little more poignancy I go to The Police/Sting, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Joe Cocker, Seal, or Tom Petty. If I just want to unwind and have fun, I listen to everything from Justin Timberlake, to Earth, Wind, and Fire, Outkast, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Stevie Wonder, anything from the 80s, and so many more. Listening to songs from musicals often get me going to – I love musicals: "Singing in the Rain," "High Society," "Oklahoma," and "Gigi" are among my favorites. My friends, family, and coworkers say I have the most eclectic taste of music of any person they know.    


BIO:

Joe Evener is currently preparing for his fourth year in the classroom, as well as his 23rd season as a girls' track and field coach, and writing his third book in The Heart of Seras series, "Revelation."     

Joe's first book from The Heart of Seras series, "Journey to Seras" came out November 20, 2013. His second book from The Heart of Seras series, "The Elders" came out September 15, 2015.



Author Links:

Thank you for being my guest today, Joe!
Please leave a comment for Joe. :)


August 17, 2016

R - Reviews for the Disaster Crimes Series






HURRICANE CRIMES REVIEWS:

“Hurricane crimes will keep you guessing until the very end. Someone has to die. Beth Kennedy. Donovan Goldwyn. Or a member of the Police Department. As the story progresses, the ending could go in a myriad of directions.” – Stephen Tremp, author of Salem’s Daughters

“The author drew me in and held me tight until the last word. Actually I was hungry for more but was satisfied with the ending anyway. This book is full of mystery, suspense, romance and passion. I would absolutely trade places with Beth Kennedy in order to have time with Donovan Goldwyn.” – Bookaholic Mama

“I held my breath as Beth rescued Donovan and as the hurricane tore at her house. It was fast-paced, never a dull moment. Beth was immediately likable and sympathetic. I especially liked she taught self-defense for a living. I already considered her a strong woman before learning that, but that was a bonus bit.” – Christine Rains, author of Of Blood and Sorrow

"Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey is a pure delight. It is a romance first and a suspense novella second, but both are combined in a perfect formula for a wonderful afternoon’s reading." - Readers' Favorite



DIGITAL LINKS:



SEISMIC CRIMES REVIEWS:

“Seismic Crimes is an action-packed novel that contains a little bit of everything. There's the suspense of a crime-fighting story, the adventure of surviving natural disasters, and the passion of romance. Just when you think the protagonists will get a break, something else happens. The action continues all the way into the last chapter.” – Sherry Ellis, author of children’s books

“The well-choreographed, sexy scenes between the two main characters will keep readers turning the pages as much as the chase and fight scenes do. Fey handles each of these intimate scenes amazingly well, setting a high bar for steamy romance writers.” – C. Lee McKenzie, author of Sliding on the Edge



“From the remnants of a Florida hurricane to a San Francisco earthquake, Fey puts you in the middle of the devastation as Donovan and Beth forge the bonds of new love while tracking a killer across the country in this nail-biting romantic suspense.” - Lilly Gayle, author of Slightly Noble

"The Disaster Crimes series has the potential to be a terrific series that is spell-binding and have readers on the edge of their seats." - InD'tale Magazine

DIGITAL LINKS:

PRINT LINKS:



QUESTION: Do these reviews pique your interest?


August 15, 2016

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 3rd 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 10th 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?