One of the first parts of a novel that I have to plan is the location. Although I think characters are the key to a story, location can add to that character's life, emotional development, and romantic story line.
In my upcoming novel, Time Changes Everything, I didn't even have to think twice about where the novel would take place.... immediately I knew. It had to be in NEW YORK CITY!
Five New York City Activities in Time Changes Everything:
- A beautiful nighttime boat ride on the Hudson, with the Lady Liberty in the background.
- A run through Central Park.
- Great food including a fast lunch with Nathan's Hot Dogs and a New York Bagels breakfast.
- Macy's Thanksgiving parade
- A top-of-the-line fashion show, headed by my heroine.
You have to wait for my release for more specifics!
Now, believe it or not, I have never been to New York! My father-in-law is a New Yorker, grown up in Brooklyn, and hubby lived there for a few months as a baby and teen. So, they've given me the scoop. My goal this year.... a romantic trip with my hubby to NYC!
So, what should we do on our trip? What are your favorite romantic things about New York City? Please leave a comment!
Now, as a giveaway, I'd like to giveaway a book I just finished that takes place in New York!
Is she his worst nightmare…No relationships, that’s billionaire Garth Solen’s rule—especially not with a woman like his new employee Melissa Bencher, who thinks with her heart and not her head. But all bets are off when Melissa tries to make her jerk ex-boyfriend jealous by suggesting that she’s dating her gorgeous boss. How could she have imagined all the trouble one impulsive act could cause?
…or a dream come true?
To protect his ailing grandmother, Garth is forced to play the part of Melissa’s adoring fiancé. Now they’re trying on rings and posing for the paparazzi. The game is clear: for one month, they play the part of an engaged couple, and then they part ways. No emotions. No entanglements. But when it comes to matters of the heart, Melissa’s never been good at following the rules…
CLICK HERE TO ENTER AND WIN THE GIRLY BOOKS BLOG HOP GRAND PRIZES and to find the linky to visit other participating blogs.
Grand Prize Includes:
Thanks for stopping by!
Melinda
Good old New York! I lived there for a year once. It was very intense for this west coast girl, but I enjoyed every New York minute.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Melinda. Thanks!
New York has always felt like my real home so thank you for this post. I've never actually lived there, but whenever I go, I never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteAs a native New Yorker, I am honored and flattered that you chose my hometown as the setting for your book. We'd need to discuss all of the romantic things to do there over a beer or three. Too many to list. I'm not entering the contest since I am a participant in the hop as well - just wanted to stop by and meet my fellow hoppers! My post is about New York as well but it's kind of the opposite of romantic :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Western NY...grew up here! I did live near NYC for a while, but sadly only made it into the city once. Hubby and I took the kids just this past June and we had a blast! It was only one day in Manhattan, but we squished a lot of sight seeing in...all the typical stuff- Rockefeller Center, 5th avenue, Little Italy, Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park, the museum of Natural History.
ReplyDeleteI set my Karma series in NYC :) It was the perfect setting!
haefner919 at yahoo dot com
It would be romantic to date a real NYC expert, who'd show you all the secret fun spots (coffee shops, book and record stores, etc) most people don't know...
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(Dot)com
Ooh, you must see a Broadway show. And have coffee at Juan Valdez. Sooooo good. Would go great with some Wanda's. ;) Okay,now I'm hungry again. What is it about this blog hop that's reminding me of all the tasty treats in all of these fun cities?
ReplyDeletei have visited NYC a few times and love how intresting it is. thanks for such an awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteparisfan_ca@yahoo.com
Great post, Melinda! Romantic things to do in New York... haha, I just posted on Meredith's blog about how dismal my dating experience was during the 5 years I lived there. BUT I didn't mention the short but sweet romance I had with my gorgeous Greek man - a long lost love situation. We had a really romantic meal on the roof of his building in Brooklyn. Could see the skyline. Okay, now I've got something! Get off the island (maybe take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge) and have dinner at some fab place that's got a view of the Manhattan skyline. Hope this helps. Thanks so much for participating in the hop!!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to New York but had a great time there with Jake and Amanda! :-) I hope you and hubby make it there soon!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to New York but had a great time there with Jake and Amanda! :-) I hope you and hubby make it there soon!
ReplyDeleteNew York is home when we're back in the US and my (Italian) husband has fallen in love with it, too, and my kids always want to stay (though that might be due to the fact that we're there on vacation, and the return means school). : ) I definitely hope you and your husband are able to make the trip this year. It's such a fantastic place!
ReplyDeleteHmmm a ride in Central Park in a carriage or go to the top of the empire state building?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway
Tobi
tobihelton at gmail dot com
Ice skating at Rockefellar Center while wearing beautiful fuzzy mittens. Ducking into doorways during a Sunday afternoon rain, then hailing the last cab home. Hot cocoa in a tiny apartment. Watching the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall while pretending you're in love during the 1940s.
ReplyDeleteLove this Hop! Thanks for posting. :)
julievalerie1@gmail.com @JBValerie "Chick Lit Chit Chat" blog URL: julievalerie.com
take a ride threw the park on a horse drawn carage
ReplyDeleteI agrre with both of the people above me! The Rockettes, a carriage ride both very romantic! There's just something about the city, like being with one person in such a sea of anonomous people makes you feel somehow closer. As a visitor, that is :) I know I love it!
ReplyDeletedreammie_angel at yahoo dot com
I've been to NYC 3 times and love it, but always been with my mum or a friend, never a boyfriend. So I hadn't really thought of it from a romantic perspective. I guess, however, I would have to say ice-skating at Bryant Park, which I think is a much overlooked part, very much in the shadow of Central Park, but I love this little intimate park. Sooz
ReplyDelete