wordsfromanneli

Thoughts, ideas, photos, and stories.

How Orion’s Gift Came to Be

38 Comments

While camping in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, I noticed a woman sitting alone in a van parked near the beach. I never saw her get out of her vehicle.  For several days, she sat in the driver’s seat most of the time, listening to audio tapes and chain smoking cigarettes.

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The beach was beautiful, the sun shone every day, the water was clear and inviting, the place was a paradise. Why would she not get out and inhale that fresh air, go for a walk or a swim, or enjoy this little bit of heaven? I certainly did.

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It puzzled me and I wondered what her story was. Her plates said San Diego. I mulled over many scenarios. Why was she alone? Why did she never get out of her van? Was she trying to kill herself with her own first and secondhand smoke in the enclosed vehicle?

The seeds  of a novel were germinating in my head. A California girl comes to Baja alone. But why? I would make her health-minded, young, and beautiful. Yes, Sylvia was taking shape in my head.

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She would need to find a love interest, but who would be down here on his own and why? Men come to Baja alone, looking for … something ….

Each of the characters had good reasons for being on the run, but would that interfere with them starting a new relationship? What if the attraction were so strong, they couldn’t resist?

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But what if their past troubles are coming after them? Will the new lovers stick together? Will they panic, split, and run to escape their pursuers? And what about that drug runner looking for revenge for a slight on the road?

sunset at La Perla

Life could be so perfect, if only those nasty people from their past weren’t coming after them.

For a gripping story of love and suspense wrapped up in a Baja adventure, why not download Orion’s Gift from amazon.com or smashwords.com today?

Cover design for Orion’s Gift is by Anita B. Carroll. Thank you, Anita for a great cover image. You can contact Anita at anita@race-point.com

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Author: wordsfromanneli

Writing, travel, photography, nature, more writing....

38 thoughts on “How Orion’s Gift Came to Be

  1. Marsha's avatar

    Oh my, so many cherished memories of extraordinary camping on Pablo’s Las Perlas beach in Sea of Cortez, Baja. Campfires and storytelling by Anneli, under a canopy of star-studded skies.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Lynette d'Arty-Cross's avatar

    A gorgeous spot, Anneli, and I very much like how you segued into the plot for your novel. I will soon have time to read recreationally!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Jennie's avatar

    Wonderful story of how the book came to be. Beautiful photos!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Grant at Tame Your Book's avatar

    Beautiful, Anneli. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. belindagroverphotography's avatar

    That solitary figure on the beach inspired quite the tale. Sounds like an exciting read, Anneli!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. kagould17's avatar

    There is a story to be told here, for sure. You likely did well not finding the answers before you developed your version Anneli. Happy Sunday. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    • wordsfromanneli's avatar

      Sometimes the imagining is more fun than finding out the real story. BTW, I never did find out what this woman’s story was. One morning she was gone after spending two or three nights at that beach alone. She didn’t seem to want to be disturbed so it wasn’t easy to make small talk.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    What a prelude to your novel, Anneli, and your photos are gorgeous! I’m adding your book to my list. I haven’t been reading much because of working on my book that will be released later this month. But I look forward to reading yours! The story sounds intriguing.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Ursula's avatar

    It is an exciting book to read, I enjoyed it a lot. Beautiful pictures, I would love to be at the beach there right now!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. John's avatar

    Beautiful photos and a wonderful story! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    I loved this story. Did you ever ask her why she sat there, forever? I bet there’s more to her story, maybe exactly like yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Lori's avatar

    Oh, yes. I read this one. Very intriguing. It was very interesting to learn where you came up with the idea. I love hearing about where writers come up with something. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    I enjoyed this read and it was fun to learn about what inspired it, Anneli. Great photos too. I’d love to take a trip down there and spend some time on the white beaches. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  13. 100 Country Trek's avatar

    Anneli this is was such an amazing area in Mexico . Beautiful image Anita

    Liked by 1 person

  14. bigskybuckeye's avatar

    I appreciate reading about some of the background behind the writing of this novel.

    Liked by 1 person

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