I decided to set my next book partially in my home state, Utah. Two days ago, I went on a fact-checking mission. The following pictures are all places I stopped, though they’re not necessarily integral to the story. (I don’t want to spoil anything.)
Much of Southern Utah looks like this. (And I love it.)
Goblin Valley. One of the few national parks where you're welcome to climb on—and erode—the scenery. (Also: the world's best place for a scout troop to play Capture The Flag.)
Me, looking like a hobo. Time for a shave. Also, note I'm wearing a sweater. It may be desert, but it's COLD.
Wild Horse Butte, just outside Goblin Valley. (It may actually be called Wild Horse Mesa. I can't remember exactly.)
Stupid cows standing in the middle of the road. Note that this is a 55mph road. I'm glad I was able to stop in time. Stupid cows.
Capitol Reef National Park. My favorite of all the national parks.
More Capitol Reef. I wanted to stay here longer, but I was late to interview someone.
Mom's Cafe in Salina. Any time I'm within 75 miles of Salina, I make a side trip to stop here. I had the chicken fried steak and a scone as big as my head. (In Utah, "scones" are essentially fry bread, eaten with butter and honey.)
Variant, named as one of Publisher's Weekly's Best Books of 2012. A YALSA Pick for Reluctant Readers. Click here for more information.
Feedback, sequel to Variant, was released October 2nd, 2012. Click here for more information.
Blackout, a new series coming October 2013. Click here for more information.
Going Dark is a novella prequel to Blackout, to be released September 3rd, 2013. Click here for more information.
Oooh, now I want a scone. Too bad I live in Maine.
Since you had the chicken fried steak I can only assume that you only think cows are stupid when they are in the road, or alive. Not when they are breaded and fried and smothered with delicious gravy. We’re going to Capitol Reef for Memorial day and I’m really hoping I don’t need a sweater.
Josi, I took that picture about 10:00am, and I’m guessing it was mid-50′s. It probably warmed up to the 70′s in the afternoon.
Have you ever done the drive over Boulder Mountain? It is the most beautiful drive on the planet, and you get to look out over Capitol Reef. My uncle owns a ranch/vacation home in Boulder on 400 acres. I did a two week writing retreat there last summer, just me, another author, and the deer. It was awesome. I’m thinking of making it an annual thing and inviting a few more authors…like maybe you and Dan, assuming Dan doesn’t move before then, and assuming you have any interest. The house has about six bedrooms and thirteen or so beds and is completely haunted. It also has a hot tub…
I have done that drive many times–gorgeous stuff. And I’m all in for a writing retreat.
Trivia I forgot to mention: Goblin Valley is where they filmed the scene with the rock monster in Galaxy Quest.
My older brother has some great pics of himself and his roommates scrabbling around on the rocks in Goblin Valley. It looks incredibly cool;if we head up there again this summer we will *definitely* be making a stop!
Love Goblin Valley. Make it there once or twice a year. Never been to the cafe though. Will put it on my to do list. I can only assume that honey butter is involved
Very cool! Loved the cows! Seems weird to see them roaming around freely. In PA they’re all on pastures behind electric fences.
Love Goblin Valley, especially with children.