Like finding treasure in each novel, I include unique places the reader probably has not visited, adventures my reader most likely has not experienced, and historical facts about our zany world that were not in our text books. When a fellow author accused this writing style was a carry-over from being a homeschool mom, I assured her I was this way long before homeschooling.
In suspense novel, Chasing Sunrise, I take the reader scuba diving along the wall off the coast of St. Croix. While scuba diving is fairly commonplace, diving the wall is akin to plunging down an elevator shaft. The majestic formation drops some 3000 feet below the ocean surface.
Chasing Sunrise Setting
With the island as the setting, I included the historic sugar mills, rum production, the seven flags that flew over St. Croix, World War II sonobuoys, sea glass, how to crack open a fresh coconut, mocho jumbies, Alexander Hamilton, and crab races.
Pivotal to the plot, our characters experience Hurricane Hugo, the category four Cape Verde tropical cyclone that decimated 95 percent of the island in 1989. International killers and the killer hurricane descend simultaneously on the island. Unable to save the life of someone he cared about earlier, will our hero’s skills be enough to protect those he loves on the island?
Native to the island, the manchineel tree is deadly to everyone except a species of land crabs. St. Croix is the only United States-owned soil where Columbus landed, and he quickly discovered the danger of the manchineel after several of his men ate the fruit and died.
Chasing Sunrise’s Manchineel Tree
Michael examined the extent of the damage. “If it’s so dangerous, why not get rid of the tree?”
“That’s just as dangerous.” Jake shook his head. “Maybe more. Standing beneath the tree during rain may cause blistering. Cutting the tree gets the poisonous sap everywhere. Burning the tree causes blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. Inhaling the smoke blisters the nose, mouth, and respiratory system.”
“Nuisance,” Michael groused.
Discovering the tree and its parts contain strong toxins, what’s an author to do? Of course, I let our military pararescueman leverage the tree as a weapon against the unsavory bad guys.
Exploring, learning, and researching are perks of being an author. The fun is multiplied by weaving in the lesser-known history of places like St. Croix. Chasing Sunrise becomes an experience for my readers.
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