On Location--Evershade

Evershade and the surrounding kingdoms are inspired by actual locations near my home. The Ozarks are filled with woods, fields, creeks, caves, bluffs--all nestled amongst a network of hills and hollows. One particular grove of trees caught my eye several years ago, and it has since become the heart of my beloved book series.

The unique feature of this grove is that it has a high bank stretching up behind it. In my novels, I call the lower field  in the foreground "the meadow" where the Walnut Keepers gather foodstuffs, medicinal herbs, etc., and the steep bank behind Evershade comprises the edge of the High Field where grass seeds are harvested--and where they relieve themselves in the Nethers.

This photograph was taken in the winter as snowy weather was beginning to move in. As you can see, the high bank is visible through the trees. In the summertime, the leaves of the canopy completely conceal the high bank from view, so it's only in the late fall and winter I can get a clear view of the structure of Evershade.

The Fray--the little stream that cuts through the heart of Evershade--runs through the line of trees from left to right (east to west) in the photograph. If you were to follow it east, it would eventually lead you to Cedar Grove, home of the white warrior squirrels and their gray counterparts. If you were to follow the Fray to the west where the High Field slopes down to meet the meadow, you would reach the Beaver Pond. Mr. Barkwhistle and his family have made their home here, and they play a very important role in the workings of Evershade--they have the grim duty of burying the dead.

Well, friends, until next time, burrow deep and stay warm!

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Crows-Evershade-Prix-Gautney/dp/1633731537/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/season-of-crows-prix-gautney/1124763398?ean=9781633731530

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Crows-Evershade-Prix-Gautney-ebook/dp/B01M3PW03L/

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