Set in modern day Maryland horse country, New Wings takes place primarily in Rising Sun, MD. I grew up in MD, not far from Rising Sun, in the small town of Elkton. I often scrimmaged Rising Sun in volleyball during my high school years since I went to a private school in the next door tiny state of Delaware. (When my sister went to college in Missouri, people would ask what state Delaware was in. Yes…it’s that small…or…those people never looked at US maps!)
Rising Sun sits at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay and is one of my favorite areas in the country. Although the story takes place in an actually place, many of its scenes take place in fictional locations that “could” or do exist in and around that tiny town.
References to Rehoboth Beach come from my childhood memories of going there each summer. Delaware pretty much migrates to Rehoboth each weekend from May to June.
The opening scene actually happened to a friend of mine, although not on Hopkins Rd as depicted in the story. I use to drive this secluded, curvy road back and forth to school each day. And yes, I would get creeped out quite often when on this road in the dark and let my imagination get the best of me.
The scene near the goose pond came from an actual pond on this particular road where I would stop and gaze at the scores of geese that use to make their home there each fall.
The Charcoal Pit was actually located in DE, and my family frequented it many Sunday nights after church.
The music festival scenes resemble an real festival that takes place in the Elmira, NY, sponsored by imatter (anti-suicide organization). For more info go to: www.imatterfest.org
If you have questions about any of the locations in the book, please comment on this blog and I’ll be happy to give you the backstory and any fun trivia for your enjoyment!
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