Research...isn't it fun?

Gosh, I am having such a good time!

I tend to dream a lot--vivid, plot-line, character-type dreams. Many turn into inpiration for novels.

The most recent is sending me to an area of the world I really wish to visit; the Scottish Highlands. The more I read and research, the more I want to go!

And, praise be to my online writer friends. Usually, if I need to know something, someone is on this forum--or, one of the others--who knows a great deal about the subject.

I appreciate you all. Just had to say it...er...write it.

Is it no small wonder that writers turn into such nerds? We live to learn little tidbits about so many things.

Oooo Rhett, the Scottish Highlands! Where's Jenny? She lived there for over twenty years and her latest novel is set there.

The Power of Persuasion is set in the West of Scotland, not quite in the Highlands.

The Duke of Argyle's estate is in the southern most part of the Highlands and I met the ghillie a few years ago when my brother, George, and I went for a walk in the hills close to Inveraray (near the castle). We had wandered off the path to take in the views over the craggy west coastline.

We were stunned when we heard a shot ring out and froze on the spot. In the near distance we could see someone carrying a gun. As we made our way to the path, he was within easy distance, walking towards us and we met on the path. He told us not to stray from the path because we might be mistaken for deer and be shot at. He had fired a shot into the air to warn us.

He had walked twelve miles that day across the estate and continued his walk with us along the path back to the main road. My brother soon fell into a conversation about fishing and the ghillie offered him a day's free fishing on the estate!


http://www.inveraray-castle.com/Pages/content.asp?PageID=77

It's true Rhett - my new novel came to me in bed one morning. Shelagh what a beautiful story and that picture says it all. Love that the guy get called the ghille...
Have to also give some credit to George for the Highlands, and that book series by Diana Gabaldon; there is an author who has done a lot of research and made it really come to life in her books. Have fun with it Rhett!

Pam, meet the Scottish Ghillies:

http://scottishghillie.com/MettheScottishGhillie.aspx

http://www.visitdunkeld.com/salmon-fishing-scotland.htm

See one in action!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1067909038803359790

Thanks for that Shelagh! I just love that you can offer these follow up pieces for us. I had a look at the site, and he has pics from fishing in Canada at Cold Lake, just a few hours from where I grew up. It is a small world!

Who knows, you might snag a Scottish Ghillie without having to leave home! LOL! (I added a video link after you posted.)

You girls are making me homesick!
Now if someone would only tell me how to paste my photos in, I'll get my own back on all of you!

Hi Jenny,

Click on the link and upload your photos. Please!

Hi Shelagh

The link you posted doens't work!

LOL! You have to click on the "servimg" icon at the top right of the "Quick reply" box!

My brain hurts....!

Ok, for the thicky amoungst us, I've uploaded my photo - now what?

Castle Stalker

and another....


Arisaig

and one more...

Laggan - the only inland loch with a sandy beach

Beautiful photos! Not so daft as you look!

Shelagh, I won't tell you how long it took for me to work it out...


Not the Old Man of Hoy, but the sea stack at the end of Sandalwood Bay, near Lochinver.

And Loch Hourn, where Chasing the Sandpiper, my current WIP is set.




And Loch Nevis, a little to the south.

And just for Rhett, in case she needs another castle.




This time Ardverakie, which was used in the BBC production Monarch of the Glen

Okay, so now I REALLY want to go! Thanks to Jenny for her input. I have a reading list now, so I will get busy. Before, I pulled from my experience. This time, I will have to learn from scratch.

It will be great to learn, though, as both sides of my family have roots in both Ireland and Scotland.

It will also help me know just where I plan to visit in the future.

Um...and, can I just go ahead and move there?!


Somehow, I get the distinct impression that I will feel right at home in the Highlands. Though the mountains of North Carolina aren't as impressive, I still feel a sense of deep peace when I am there. It makes me wonder if, on some level, we carry the imprint of our ancestors. Yet, another point to ponder...for me, and for my characters.

oh I need a holiday (or would that be a hillyday). Those pictures are stunning Jenny, and Rhett, if you want someone to carry your bags or anything while there...I have had practice on driving on the wrong side of the road before.

I do miss the Rockies...

Jenny those are great photos. I have long been enamored of Scotland and Ireland as well, Rhett. Parts of my bloodline too. Perhaps the genetic imprint theory bears some investigation!

And now I know what a ghillie is! Thank you wikipedia!! LOL

You will need lots of help when you move Rhett. I will offer my assistance as well. I don't walk very fast, but I am strong enough to carry bags!

And I'll be tour guide! Shelagh can be my assistant. Sorted!