Choosing the setting for my next novel, Wisteria Drive, was difficult. In fact, its location moved more than once as I struggled to find the perfect place for it to settle down. There were several options but the Montgomerys and I ultimately landed in Florida.
Why I Made the Move
The reason I was so indecisive about where Wisteria Drive set down its roots was because the location of this story is everything. My intention was always to have the warm, sunny, opulent appearance of the setting juxtapose what was happening within the plot. Therefore, a beach-y backdrop seemed like the perfect indulgence for the characters.
The street of Wisteria Drive is also unique in its structure. This strip of road occupies five mansions that are all gated to keep people out and secrets in. I liked the idea of this cul-de-sac baking in the notoriously humid Floridian heat and weighing heavily on our protagonist, Amy Montgomery.
Prior Places
However, Florida was not the first location I considered. Sunny California was high up on my list of possibilities given its dry, intense heat. Ultimately, though, I did not picture the Montgomerys there. This family is the kind that would avidly rage against Californian politics and with “more money than God,” they would not choose to be there if they could settle down elsewhere.
I also considered Virginia during my editing of this story. This was mostly because I am an advocate for “writing what I know,” meaning that I intended to pull on my memories from childhood trips to Virginia Beach to feed this story. However, I decided that Virginia was not flashy enough for the Montgomerys, who needed a place with a character as big as them.
So, Florida it was. Fortunately, I have also visited this state numerous times on brief trips, so I was still able to write what I knew and vividly describe details. It felt like the perfect place, and as I continued to polish the manuscript through editing, I think this story has formed well around the Floridian setting.
Welcome to Wisteria Drive, FL
Wisteria Drive is a trip that has taken a long, scenic route in its development. While many other possibilities were considered, I am confident that Wisteria Drive belongs in Florida…. But does Amy Montgomery?
Find out in Wisteria Drive, available later this year!
Chloe Ruffennach's Stories 