I’m going adventuring tomorrow.  Rarely do I go “researching” without knowing precisely what I’m looking for—surprises along the way, notwithstanding.  But, tomorrow I fly to England and Scotland, in search of a story.

Not just any story, mind you, but the story for my next book—the one after Into the Valley of Secrets (working title for the novel I’m knee deep in writing now), which will release a year after Saving Amelie’s June 2014 début.

It’s thrilling to stand on the precipice of the unknown—to fling caution to the wind and rush toward a new experience with eyes wide open.

I’m not going into the pitch black.  I have ideas, mind you—time periods, characters mumbling behind their hands, thinking I can’t hear, conjuring their tales, each vying for first place, or a second book, or a third.

My author friend, Carrie Turansky, is going, too.  Fabulous Tyntesfield, the real-life setting for Carrie’s Edwardian Bride Series, is our first stop.  I expect to see Julia Foster, governess from The Governess of Highland Hall, descending the grand staircase, and Kate Ramsey, heroine of Carrie’s second book in the series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, flying out the door to catch her train bound for London and the season.

Then, it’s traveling the rails north through England’s famed Lake District (site of my current research) to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage:

William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage

and Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm:

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm

—places I’ve dreamed of visiting since I was fourteen and discovered the poet and the story behind Peter Rabbit.

I’ve often read and heard others speak of the breathtaking beauties of the Lake District and its mountains, and fully expect to be swept away, just as was William Blake, author of that beautiful hymn, “And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountains green . . .”

England’s Lake District

At the end of the week, we’ll meet Liz Curtis Higgs, our fearless tour leader, and the rest of our Scotland tour in Glasgow.  Then, it’s off to the Highlands, to explore castle ruins and trek through May gardens in the fellowship of sister travelers—precisely my cup of tea.  Each day will begin with a Bible Study led by Liz from her latest Bible Study book.

It promises to be a grand adventure—one I’m so very grateful for and one that will surely hold a story fit for a new novel.  I look forward to sharing what I learn, will post day by day on FaceBook at CathyGohlkeBooks, and will return in time for the June release of Saving Amelie, eager to hear your news.

God’s blessings,