Weather

By: Brenda Margriet

There's a reason why weather is a popular topic for small talk. No matter where we live, the possibility of sun, rain, snow or sleet affects what we do and how we feel.  For example, we are past the mid-way point of April, and here in Northern British Columbia there is still snow on my lawn. A lot of snow. While this isn't totally unusual, it is still annoying, disheartening and a reason to rant.

Do you pay attention to weather in the novels you read? Does it affect your feelings about the book itself, or a specific scene?  Or do you not notice it at all, and simply register it as a background element?

“It was a dark and stormy night” is a much laughed at, cliched opening line. But those seven words immediately give you a sense of what to expect in the rest of the novel.  They speak of gloom and danger and suspense. If the story doesn't live up to those emotions, evoked by those seven words, we might feel cheated and confused.

Writers also use weather to compare and contrast. Perhaps the scene is at a graveside, during the funeral of a much-loved mother and grandmother. Instead of choosing to have the weather reflect a sombre mood, the author might portray the day as bright and cheerful, either as a way to taunt the mourners with the delights of spring, or support them in their grief with the promise of happier days ahead.

In my current release, MOUNTAIN FIRE, I knew a forest fire was going to play a role in the story. So every once in a while I had a character mention how Spring had been unseasonably warm, or how the snow pack in the mountains was below average. These hints laid the groundwork for a dramatic scene with my heroine, June.

Take a minute to look at the weather in the novel you are currently reading. You just might find yourself exploring different depths and layers of the story. I'd be interested to reading your thoughts, so feel free to leave a comment.

Maureen has been kind enough to allow me to visit next Sunday, April 28^th, as well.  I'll be discussing settings – does where a story takes place influence what we think of it? I look forward to chatting with you then!

 I am thrilled to announce my debut romantic suspense, MOUNTAIN FIRE, is now available from The Wild Rose Press.

Synopsis:

A mountaintop mystery leads two conservationists to dangerous obsessions and violent passions.

Natural resources student June Brandt climbs Longworth Mountain for some alone time. But when Conservation Officer Alex Weaver arrives to look into the death of a grizzly bear, June is caught up in the investigation--and fascinated by Alex.

Alex is attracted by June's competence and coolness under fire--as well as her lithe body and honey-blonde hair. Although their mutual interest in protecting the natural wonders of the area brings them together, they soon realize they view love from very different angles. He offers passion and pleasure, but June wants more.

When one of Alex's colleagues is murdered, June and Alex must work together to find the poacher before other lives are lost. And Alex must look deep inside to discover if he can give June what she deserves.

For an excerpt and to find out where to purchase MOUNTAIN FIRE in digital or print formats, visit www.brendamargriet.com

Bio:

Brenda's love of books began as a child. She ran into the living room holding "Old Hat, New Hat", tripped and smashed into the corner of the coffee table. The book sustained a deep gouge in its cover, and Brenda has never forgotten its sacrifice.

As a teenager, she saved babysitting money to buy a typewriter. It had an electric keyboard with manual return, and cost more than $300. She clacked away at that for hours.

Her first finished novel was still decades away, even though many others died on the page in the intervening years. It wasn't until her husband bought her her very own laptop for Christmas 2010 that she managed to type "The End" on what would eventually be MOUNTAIN FIRE.

Brenda lives in Northern British Columbia with her husband, three children (all of whom are taller than her) and various finny and furry pets. By day she is Creative Director at the local television station, and by night she pecks away at her works in progress.

Learn more about Brenda on her website www.brendamargriet.com.