She was not a fool. she was a writer.

Four years ago, when I began working on my current WIP (work in progress), The Coven of Ravens, I wanted to create a world much like our own but filled the Magic and where the normally unexplainable might have some explanations. During early development, I found myself drawn to Italy as a source of inspiration for a central setting. I can't trace this phenomena back to a moment or a pivotal day where I knew that this was a culture I wanted to explore. It was like I awoke one morning and felt like I just had to be there even though I couldn't find a way across the ocean. Despite the mysterious origins and the sudden calling, I felt in my bones that an Italian inspired country would be the perfect backdrop for a fantasy horror story about witches, the journey of processing trauma, and telling personal truths.

It goes without saying, the research process for this project has been quite an interesting one. If I could describe it in anyway, I would say it's like being given the materials and supplies needed to make a desk but without a blueprint and being left to your own devices. While this has, in some aspects, been helpful for letting my imagination go wild and get more creative with lore; I felt like there was something missing.

Which is why I'm so excited to announce that I will be in Italy for about five and a half weeks thanks to the Study Abroad program with Texas State. Three weeks set in the Amalfi Coast and the remainder set in Rome. During my time, I will be immersing myself in a culture that I deeply admire, explore Italy, learning more of the language and relationship with magic, and of course collecting notes and visiting locations that would be detrimental to making my series great.

In order to achieve these goals and beyond I intend on being all over the map. However in order to perfect this draft and all future ones there are specific places that are absolute must visits. These locations include:

• Rome

• Pompeii

• Vatican City

• Benevento

• Triora

• Polignano a Mare

I am thrilled to be on this trip and I can't wait to share what I learn.