Revisiting a Setting Inspiration: How a Simple Walk Turned into a Fruitful Experience

Revisiting a place that inspired a setting in your novel can be quite beneficial, as I learned the other day.

I often walk in a large park that inspired the setting of my Allegiance series. North of Boston, this state-run recreational area boasts two lakes, a large forest, many unpaved paths, and two paved paths that loop around the woods, the “inner loop” and the “outer loop.” Lately, halfway through my walk on the inner loop, I sit awhile on the shore of one of the lakes. I take in the view, most times imagining scenes in my novel.

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How my fruitful, uplifting experience began.

The other day I was particularly pleased to have sat on the lake shore a mile into my usual walk. Days before, I’d worked on a scene where my MC and his friends lifeguard “here”—a fictitious version of this lake. On this particular day, the tall lifeguard chairs, which previously stood bare on the sandy shore, now popped with color. Red-and-white umbrellas (closed under the overcast sky), darted up from the back of each seat. With the umbrellas, blue flags waved in the wind. Posts behind the chairs held red discs that stored ring buoys. Such details could enliven my scene.

Seizing an opportunity

About to leave the beach and continue my walk, I spotted a lifeguard standing by one of the tall chairs. He hadn’t been there earlier. No one else was on the beach or in the water—it was a cool, windy day. So I seized the opportunity to speak with him, hoping he might answer a question that arose while I wrote a scene in which my lifeguarding characters rescue a drowning victim. 

I said hi and asked, “Can I ask you a question?” His consent sparked a great experience that still makes me smile. 

First-hand information

I asked a question whose answer I couldn’t find on the internet. This led to another question, and soon another lifeguard joined us. I briefly explained to him that I was writing a young adult novel whose setting was inspired by this place. I told the two of them about the scene, then figured I’d fact-check myself by asking them more rescue questions. 

During this spontaneous “interview,” the second young man answered another question I drummed up about how a rescue is carried out, specifically who does what. During this explanation, he pointed out equipment I hadn’t noticed earlier, a surfboard. He said sometimes he uses it for a rescue, but which tools they use to rescue a person from the water “depends on the situation.” The first young man explained how a flotation tube could be used in a particular situation. 

I was so interested in what these young men said; they really impressed me! These are the unsung heroes of young adults—and my community. I’m proud of these role models. They come to work knowing they might have to save a life. And they’re prepared to do it. 

Personal connection

At the end of our conversation, I told the lifeguards my first name, shook their hands, and thanked them. I was so grateful for their time and input. Had I awakened that morning knowing I had to interview a couple of lifeguards, I would have been nervous. However, by revisiting this inspirational place in my community, I’d set in motion a series of actions that led to an organic, information-obtaining conversation.

Things that helped the conversation flow:

• I’d already written the scene, so my questions were specific.
• I used to work as an emergency nurse.
  • The lifeguards didn’t have to waste time explaining details about equipment and victim conditions.

Warning: Don’t ask an on-duty lifeguard non-urgent questions. Stealing a lifeguard’s attention unnecessarily can be hazardous. My situation was unique: I was on a small, empty lake beach, the lifeguards weren’t busy, and I asked for permission to ask a question.

Important Considerations for a Spontaneous Q & A

Based on my experience at the lake, I’d consider the following good advice for an impromptu discussion with an expert:

• Assess the situation. (“Read the room,” so to speak, and be aware of nonverbal cues.)
  • The beach was empty, no one was swimming, and the lifeguards didn’t appear busy.
  • I was not stealing the lifeguards’ attention from swimmers or other beach patrons.
  • The young men answered my questions comprehensively, signaling this was an okay time for them. (Thankfully!) Nevertheless, all of our gazes often shifted to the water, considering we spoke of its depth and rescue scenarios.
  • A third lifeguard guard eventually stood on the shore, on duty and not involved with the conversation.
• Introduce yourself and ask if it’s okay to ask a question.
  • I said hi and asked if I could ask a question. Thinking this would be a one-and-done exchange, I initially did not introduce myself; however, at the end of the conversation, I introduced myself and shook hands with the lifeguards.
• Be efficient.
  • After receiving his permission to ask a question, I asked the lifeguard a specific yes or no question about a piece of equipment I was familiar with. A longer conversation ensued only after his acting supervisor joined us and I explained to him what I’d asked the other young man.
    • Realizing how well-trained they were, I was sure they would have ended the conversation if this had been a bad time to talk.

Only a fiction writer would think this.

As I spoke with the lifeguards, I couldn’t help but compare them to my MC and his best friend. Two pleasant, intelligent young men with a common interest and distinct personalities. Just thinking about these two (real) lifeguards brings a smile to my face. Talking to them was almost—almost—like connecting with my own characters. The funny thing is, the young lifeguards had similar features and personalities as my MC and his best friend, even similar personalities and, for all appearances, ages. (Although the lifeguards’ traits, as they relate to my characters, were flipped.) These similarities validated, for me, the relatability of my characters–one more reason why I’m glad I mustered the nerve to approach a lifeguard (on an empty beach!) and say, “Can I ask you a question?”

Conclusion

By revisiting a place close to my heart and my story, an opportunity arose to get answers to a question. And I seized that opportunity. Because the conditions were right—the beach was empty, the lifeguards engaging—I learned what I needed for a scene, which also helped me fact-check what I’d already written. But that’s not all. Ultimately, I connected more with my characters and got to meet impressive young members of my community.

Inside scoop: the Allegiance series:

When I wrote The Breakheart Militia, I never imagined renaming it and turning it into a series. Now Secrets of Allegiance, the realistic, patriotic YA action-adventure is the third book in the Allegiance series. The second is Trials of Allegiance; the first, Pledges of Allegiance, whose first draft I’m currently finishing up.

I look forward to sharing more details about this series in the future. The patriotic action-adventure realistically portrays Wade Hendrick from when he first arrives at Camp Allegiance at age thirteen to when he’s mastered his elite training at eighteen. The story also depicts the ups and downs he experiences with his love interest.

All this happens while the teen’s city and nation deteriorate under a rogue president bent on handing the country over to Gloco, a mob of oligarchs acquiring countries all over the world. Avoiding the violence of such a takeover will likely become a priority for Wade, but that won’t matter. Because in times like this, his connection to Camp Allegiance and the secrets it holds will likely guarantee, at one point or another, a confrontation with the enemy.