Here's Misa:
I wrote Living the Vida Lola, the first book in my mystery series, without having to do anything outrageous. I visited the marina, took notes and pictures of the boats docked there, the rickety steps leading to the water, the color of the metal rooftop. Tattoos figure prominently in the book, but I didn’t actually go out and get a tattoo. A belly button piercing has a starring role, but no, I didn’t go out and get my belly pierced, either.
In book two, Hasta la Vista, Lola!, there’s identity theft. I didn’t go out and steal anyone’s identity (though I did become WAY more cautious about my own papers and private information as a result of my research) and no one stole mine. So far, so good.
Then came the planning of book three, Bare Naked Lola. Much of it takes place in a Nudist Resort, although I won’t reveal just what Lola’s willing to do, or how much clothing she’s willing to take off to solve a case. What I couldn’t quite research from the comfort of my own home was just what it was like to be in a nudist resort.
What’s a good girl to do?
Visit a real, live nudist resort, of course. And that’s just what I did. The place I visited was truly unique–and has the additional infamy of being the hiding place of Cary Stayner, the Yosemite Killer from 1999. Not a pleasant claim to fame, but it certainly makes for colorful history.
So, back to my story. I visited this nudist resort. They were quite accommodating, actually, bless their naked hearts. I saw a day in the life of nudists. Some do it part time, some 24/7. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much skin in one place!
The thing about being a writer is that you never know what exciting adventure your story will take you on, and ultimately take your readers on. Ever hear of a little concert called Woodstock? My nudist resort has Nudestock. Seriously! I don’t think I could have made that up. I learned so much about how nudists live–and Lola gets to tell the story in the book I’m currently writing. So, tattoo or belly piercing? Nope, not necessary to experience. But seeing how the nude live? Yes, that’s something you have to see in order to get it right.
So here’s my question. What crazy thing have you good girls done that you never thought you would?
Misa Ramirez is the author of the Lola Cruz mystery series: Living the Vida Lola (January ‘09) and Hasta la Vista, Lola! (2010) from St. Martin’s Minotaur / Thomas Dunne Books. A former middle and high school teacher, current instructor at Southern Methodist University’s Continuing Education program, and active CEO and CFO for La Familia Ramirez, this blonde-haired, green-eyed, proud to be Latina-by-Marriage girl loves following Lola on her many adventures. You can find her at http://www.misaramirez.com or http://chasingheroes.com and on http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com
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27 comments:
I love this! The Lola series sounds like it would be just my cup of tea! The characters sounds like she has an edge to her and the books sound like fun.
As for what I myself would do in the name of research...well... My character Sasha Jackson is a novice PI and she still needs to supplement her income until her PI business gets better established. So, for now, she works part-tme at a phone sex line! I would have been willing to actually call places like that, but they're so expensive, I decided not to. The Internet and certain periodicals told me enough ;-)
Jill
"Blood and Groom" is now in stores!
www.jilledmondson.com
Wow! This series sounds FANTASTIC! And you are so much braver than I am...I'm not sure I could visit a nudist colony. Well, maybe I could visit one, just not sure I could participate in one. Guess that's quite a distinction there. As far as crazy things...I've hopped a moving train in my early teens (admittedly, it was a very SLOW moving train, but it was still moving!) and I have been bungee jumping. I'd love to go hang gliding but haven't yet!
Anonymous...on your ds while running? You go, girl!!!
Jill, Lola does have an edge to her, but it's a sexy, sassy edge. ;)
***Now, remember, anyone tempted to go out and buy your own copy of Living the Vida Lola or Hasta la Vista, Lola!, it's currently not available on Amazon due to the skirmish between them and Macmillan. It's everywhere else, though!
There IS a distinction, jessica, between visiting and participating! Oh boy is there one! Glad Lola Cruz Mysteries sound good to you!
You're more adventuresome than I am, Misa. A nudist resort! Oh my. Did you, ahem, partake?
For those of you who haven't read Misa's books, you HAVE to. Just have to. Lola is awesome. Free shipping over at mysterylovers.com!
Oh, free shipping? That's great! See, we CAN live without Amazon. ;)
As to my level of nudity, well...
Hi, Misa! Just me... you know the drill by now. Dropping to say thanks for the heads-up about your appearance here today. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you, of course.
(Hey, Heather, nice plug for Mystery Lovers -- that's my local indie store. Misa, think we can get you hooked up with them to do a personal appearance?)
Got kicked out of a bar for starting a bar fight...laughable if you know me now. Actually, pretty laughable if you knew me then, too.
BTW, I am going to have an awesome Spring Break thanks to all of your book suggestions over the last few days...can't wait to meet Lucy and Lola. Makes staying with the inlaws for a week(even though it's at the beach) almost bearable!
Having read the first book in the Lola series, I can't wait for the second book to arrive in my mailbox.
I would call that dedication to your book and your readers. WOW. It's always good to have some insight into the background of a book.
That's me, Mason, muy dedicated to my craft and writing the most authentic book possible!!! Anything in the name of research...except a belly button ring... tummy's just not flat enough for that anymore--not that it ever was!
Hiya Susan! Where IS MLB?
Shannon, Lola will DEFINITELY keep you company on those long beach days! Go online to Mystery Lovers Bookshop NOW!
Dru, can I just say, you're awesome!
Misa, I live in the Dallas area too! Are you planning any local appearances?
Oh, hey pinkcypress! Yes, book release EVENT at the Denton Barnes and Noble on Friday, Feb 19th from 6-7:30. Everyone's welcome! Refreshments will be served!! And Lola Cruz Mysteries, of course.
Let's see, also a book signing at the same store on Feb 20th from 2-4 with 4 other awesome authors including Wendy Lyn Watson (I Scream You Scream), Rosemary Clement-Moore (Highway to Hell, Prom Date from Hell...), and Suzanne Crowley (The Stolen One).
Doing the Fort Worth Library Day this Saturday.
I'm around for sure!!
these books sound like so much fun! I'll have to check them out. :)
Krista
Yes, yes, yes, Lover of Books! Hope you do, and Love them!!!
Hola, Lola! Glad you stopped by Cozy Chicks. Your series sounds great! I wish you and Lola Buena Suerte! Hope my Spannish spelling memory is still good. :)
Thank you, Maggie! We need all the good luck we can get!!! Thanks you for hosting me today!
Not quite sure I could even visit a nudist colony! Yikes! But your books sound awesome. They were already on my TBR list, so I'll get to them someday. Good luck with the rest of your work.
WOW!! I love that you visited a nudist camp! I wouldn't have the guts to do that! I can't wait until I get my copy of Hasta La Vista Lola this week!!
I thought you got your copy, Tonya!
Signlady, I never thought I would have the guts, either! Glad the Lola books are on your list. =)
Thanks for hosting me yesterday, Cozy Chicks! It was a lot of fun. Happy Reading!!!
Okay, this isn't technically MY being a bad girl, but I was with a bad boy who eventually became my husband. We were in a disco with one of those glittering balls hanging from the ceiling. He and his roommate decided to steal it. Just because it was there. I remember running down the street after those stupid young men carrying said glittery ball thinking, "Is this the right person for me?" Apparently yes. Sigh.
Sounds like a great series, Misa :-) I will definitely give it a try!
Sarah
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