Angel of death – Behind the scenes part 3 World and locations

Greetings and a warm welcome to the third installment of 'Behind the Scenes.' Today, I'll be immersing you in the intricate world where my characters dwell and the tapestry of locations that set the stage for our story. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and hopefully, relish this behind-the-scenes tour.

Let's embark on a journey through the tapestry of locations that form the backdrop of our story. The main stage is set in Colorado, USA, where the majority of events unfold. Next, we delve into Briyah, Azrael's ethereal 'home,' a creation borne of pure imagination. Then, there's Croatia, and more specifically, the enchanting region of Istria. In the first book, only a small fraction of the story unfolds here, but fret not; we'll be revisiting this charming locale. Lastly, we traverse unnamed locations, the stage for heart-pounding action sequences that drive the narrative forward.

While character creation flowed organically for me, shaping the world they inhabit was a more complex endeavor. Hours upon hours of research were devoted to this task. Finding a fitting abode for the angels alone took several exhaustive sessions, until I stumbled upon the name 'Briyah'—a foundation upon which I could build.

From there, envisioning expansive fields, a regal palace, monumental gates, and encircling walls became an exercise in pure imagination, each element crystallizing in my mind's eye. It wasn't without its challenges; it took several iterations during the writing process to capture it perfectly. But in the end, there it stood—vibrant and resplendent.

As the narrative progresses, a plethora of locations unfolds, serving as the backdrop for thrilling action sequences. I deliberately chose to keep these places nameless and free of explicit geographical references. This decision was made to grant readers the creative freedom to envision their own mental landscapes, essentially becoming co-authors, shaping the narrative's world through their imagination as they progress through the story. To be honest, while there are subtle hints for orientation, avoiding specific designations allowed me to steer clear of potential sensitivities linked to geopolitical contexts. As the author, I believe that's not the essence of my writing or my books. For me, offering explicit locations seemed entirely unnecessary.

Next on our journey, we find Croatia, my beloved homeland. Why did I decide to set parts of the book there? It was a choice steeped in my Croatian pride. Istria, the home of the 'stancija,' holds a special place in my heart and is my second favorite destination in Croatia. As you dive into the book, you'll discover hints that guide you toward its location. People that live there, reading description will get pretty clear image which location, and which towns are near. Yet, I adopted a similar approach here—omitting specific names. Why, you might wonder?

At the time of writing the first book, I wasn't entirely certain which town should house the story. Thus, I left it unmarked. Rest assured, in the second book, the location receives its rightful name. And you wont have to wait long to find it out.

This particular setting was a breeze to conjure as a scene. Having spent time there, it's familiar territory for me, making it easier to paint with words.

Last but certainly not least, we venture into Colorado. The decision? Well, it was a bit of an enigma. I was in search of a quaint, picturesque rural backdrop, and for some reason, Colorado just settled into my mind. Well not just, so, not long ago I watched a series about ranchers’ family, and I liked it a lot. Series plays, I won´t say where, but it´s in Colorado. I suppose that´s why I choose it as location, it was freshly in my mind.

One of the most important guiding principles I had in creating this location was to make it a 'Small Town.' It had to be a place where everybody knows everybody—a close-knit community that you can only find in such towns. This community, with its mostly small population, is the heart and soul of these places. These close-knit communities possess something truly extraordinary. That magic, that sense of belonging, is something you can't replicate or experience in big cities.

Another reason for choosing a small town is the sensory experience it offers—the scents and sounds. In the spring, you're enveloped in the various scents of blooming flowers and grass, all mixed with the still-fresh air. The birdsong serves as the soundtrack, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Then there are the summer evenings, where you can smell the freshly cut grass, hay, the scents of animals, all mingling with the fragrance of flowers and different blossoming trees. The sound of crickets, perhaps the distant call of an owl, and the neighing of a horse in the stable, or the gentle mooing of a cow—it's a symphony of nature. Who needs concerts when you have all this? I bet you can´t tell that I´m small town guy. Ha, ha, got you.

But, here's where it gets interesting. Despite my vision of this town being crystal clear, I faced a considerable hurdle—I have no firsthand experience of Colorado, having never set foot in the USA. So, I found myself in a bit of a bind. I hold an exact image of this town in my mind, I know it exists somewhere in Colorado, there is no doubt. However, despite my diligent efforts—extensive searches on Google Maps, sifting through countless images on the web, even hunting for towns going town home pages one after another—I came up empty-handed. The town remained elusive, and a name eluded me.

When it comes to the central setting in the story, it's as vivid as a painting. I see the houses, the charming shops lining the main street, and the quaint park, with houses mirroring it across the street. There's the café where Azrael and Aiden meet and start to get to know each other, the bakery where Aiden took Azrael after she stumbled into him, almost knocking him to the ground, and Becky's flower shop—they're all there, alive in my imagination. I can even envision the residents who call this place home, going about their daily errands, children playing in the park, cars driving by, and even the field where Aiden took his first ride on his horse. All I need is a little assistance to locate it. So, I've hatched a plan. I'm considering holding a competition, reaching out to those who reside in Colorado, to gather their recommendations. And finally, to find that place where I've already spent so much time, even though I've never set foot there.

I understand if this sounds a tad unconventional, or perhaps, you might think I've lost my marbles. Well, maybe I have. No, no maybe, I have lost it. But I can't simply let it hang, unresolved. It's a puzzle I'm determined to piece together.

Wow, how time flies when in such great company. I really enjoyed your company and thank you for allowing me to share this part of the story with you. It got a lot longer than I thought it would be, sorry about that. I hope to see you in the next part of 'Behind the Scenes.'

Thank you,

Kind regards, Tihomir.