Saddle Springs, Montana, is the setting for my Saddle Springs Romance series. (Click to view the map larger.) When I begin planning a new series, I give the setting a lot of thought. How big is the town? What amenities does it have? How far from a major city (ie: real city) is it? Is there a lake or a river? Where do my characters work? Where do they hang out when they come to town?
So many questions! So many answers. So, I start with a map and plot out where the businesses and residential areas are. The hospital. The schools. And, of course, the local coffee shop.
Here’s a little advertising section for some Saddle Springs businesses. I see I should have created an ad for Java Springs, for Hats Off Motel, and some other places that figure in the series, but these gave me the flavor of the community.
It’s hard to believe we’ll soon be saying goodbye to Saddle Springs! I’m over half done writing The Cowboy’s Reluctant Bride, the final volume in the series. Maybe the cowboys in my next Montana Ranches Christian Romance series will pay an occasional visit…
