What is it
about a tropical island that makes it such an appealing setting for a romance novel?
I’ve just returned from a week staying on the
small island of Nusa Lembongang, near Bali in Indonesia.
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| Mushroom Bay |
I can attest that the
exotic setting, the heat, the lush tropical growth, the beautiful azure sea,
all contribute to an all-round relaxed sensuality. The fact it’s too hot to
wear much clothing also helps!
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| The lumbung where we stayed at the Hai Tide resort |
There were
some beautiful young honeymooners at the island while were there. It made this
romance writer’s heart melt to see them so blissed out together—and also happy
my husband of twenty-eight years and I were able to spend some relaxed, stress
free time together.
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| View from our room |
Perhaps what makes a tropical island so popular for
real-life romance is what works in a romance novel! What do you think?
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| So romantic eating on a beach watching the sunset - and not having to cook the dinner! |
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| Tropical flowers add an extra layer of appeal, here a heliconia |
I’d love to see your thoughts on why or why not a tropical island mades a good setting for a romance novel!
Hi Kandy
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to stay and yes it is so romantic the sea the setting it seems so serene made for couples to come together in love and talk and reflect can't wait to read this one when it is written :)
Have Fun
Helen
You know Helen, when you reviewed my Conveniently Wed to the Greek, you mentioned that the story "took me to Greece". I've really kept your comment in mind when I'm writing settings!
DeleteI hope you enjoy a trip to this beautiful Indonesian island when you read my story set there. I'm enjoying writing it because it takes me back! (Not to mention I'm getting very fond of my hero and heroine.)
Kandy, I'd love to read your romance set on a tropical island. It's the sort of location I really enjoy! Maybe I need a research trip...
ReplyDeleteA research trip sounds like a wonderful idea Annie. Nothing like authenticity, is there!
ReplyDeleteApart from the actual research, I think some time away from our everyday environments really helps trigger our creativity. Not just in the beautiful environment but in the people watching too.
I think a tropical island makes a great setting, Kandy. All that tropical heat to spice things up. And I agree - time away from your usual environment definitely gets those creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, I think there's also an element of being away from people who know you with - for a romance novel, I'm not necessarily saying real life! - a consequent lowering of inhibition.
DeleteTropical islands are so alluring because it's not what we experience every day. It's the stuff of fantasies for many people....throw in a handsome, hot hunk, a beautiful heroine and sultry nights on a beach, and you will have me reading non stop!
ReplyDeleteI reckon you've summed that up perfectly Laurie! Thank you.
DeleteTropical islands are so special, Kandy, very different to home. So relaxing. I've set a book in the Cook Islands and the readers loved it. These are not your everyday places for most of us.
ReplyDeleteThe Cook Islands sound lovely Sue! I think that's the thing, isn't it that tropical islands are not everyday, are escapist and with a big element of fantasy.
DeleteThe perfect pictures to look at while it's grey and dreary outside!! I'm going to pretend I'm there for a few minutes :D
ReplyDelete