How Travel Changed the Way I Tell Stories

People often ask where my story ideas come from.

Sometimes they begin with a conversation. Sometimes with a person I meet. Sometimes with a simple “what if?”

But more often than not…

They begin with a suitcase.

I’ve always loved traveling. There is something magical about stepping into a place you’ve never been before, wandering streets that have existed for hundreds of years, discovering hidden bookstores, finding little cafés tucked around corners, and realizing that every destination has its own personality.

Every trip changes me just a little.

And every trip finds its way into my stories.

When I visited Savannah, Georgia, I stumbled upon an incredible bakery that completely captured my imagination. The warmth, the smell of fresh pastries, the people gathering over coffee—it wasn’t just a bakery anymore. It became the inspiration behind the bakery in my Drool Worthy series, where friendships are formed, romances begin, and life happens one pastry at a time.

When I spent time in the Outer Banks, I found myself completely enchanted by the small beach towns, the windswept dunes, the quiet mornings, and the close-knit communities. It didn’t take long before I knew I wanted to set an entire mystery series there. Those beaches aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of stories waiting to be told.

One trip to Phoenix, Arizona, introduced me to something I had never seen before: a Book Bar. Imagine a place where you can curl up with a great novel while enjoying coffee, wine, or a delicious meal. I instantly fell in love with the concept, and before long, one found its way into my fictional hometown. Sometimes all it takes is walking through the right door to spark an entirely new idea.

Not every trip directly inspires a setting, though.

Some inspire a feeling.

Attending the Rise Conference in Fort Myers, Florida, reminded me how powerful it is to chase big dreams. It wasn’t simply a conference—it was a reminder that growth often begins when we step outside our comfort zones.

International travel has expanded my imagination even further.

In Spain, I wandered through historic cities, visited centuries-old bullfighting rings, and developed a deep appreciation for authentic sangria. Every meal felt like an event, and every plaza seemed to have a story.

In Portugal, I experienced something I had dreamed about since I was a little girl.

I saw a real castle.

There’s something impossible to describe about standing in a place that has watched hundreds of years of history unfold. It reminds you that stories have always been part of who we are.

Then there was Geneva, Switzerland.

The mountains.

The countryside.

The crystal-clear lake.

The peaceful little villages.

Some places don’t need words. They simply make you stop, breathe, and soak in every moment. Switzerland became one of those places for me.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to explore parts of the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Budapest, and the Netherlands, each offering their own history, architecture, traditions, and charm. Every country teaches me something different—not only about the world, but about the people who live in it.

And that’s really what storytelling is all about.

People.

Travel reminds me that every person has a story.

Every city has hidden corners.

Every small business has an owner with dreams.

Every family has traditions.

Every community has characters just waiting to be discovered.

The more I travel, the more authentic my fictional worlds become because they’re built from little pieces of real places and real experiences.

A bakery in Savannah.

A beach in North Carolina.

A Book Bar in Arizona.

A castle in Portugal.

A vineyard in Spain.

A quiet street in Switzerland.

Individually, they’re wonderful memories.

Together, they’ve become part of my writing.

One of my favorite parts of sharing these adventures is bringing all of you along with me. That’s why you’ll often find travel posts here on the blog and videos on my YouTube channel featuring many of the places I’ve visited. I love sharing the hidden gems I discover, the bookstores that steal my heart, the cafés worth stopping for, and the beautiful little moments that don’t always make it into the guidebooks.

Who knows?

The next place I visit might become the setting for a future novel… or perhaps just one unforgettable scene.

Either way, I’ll probably come home with far too many photos, at least one new notebook full of ideas, and another story waiting to be told.

Because for me, travel has never been just about seeing new places.

It’s about discovering new stories.

And I can’t wait to share them with you.

I’d love to hear from you!

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited? Is there a destination that’s still on your bucket list?

Who knows… maybe it will inspire my next story.