TLDNR: The upcoming Scales & Skin novel, Dry Ice, is set in Iceland. Scroll to the “Top 5 ah-hah moments” section to see how Iceland’s landscape inspires not only the setting, but also mermaid Glacia’s emerging powers.

Have you noticed a vacation doesn’t seem complete without a water excursion? I know I’m not the only one. Search the “top 10 things to do” in almost any location and at least one attraction will be a visit to the local lake, river, beach, or waterfall. Though humans are primarily land-dwellers, we can’t get enough of nature’s most precious resource. Then again, a water obsession is one of the top 5 signs you might be a mermaid.

I can neither confirm nor deny whether I’m more amphibian than human. I can confirm I answer the call of water during most of my travel adventures. Some of my favorite memories include rafting in Upper Navua River in Fiji, swimming in Havasupai Falls, Arizona, and strolling Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. I could go on about South Bank on the Thames, beaches in San Diego, and a shout out to every spa tub and pool in accommodations everywhere. Yes, indeed, this author is impressed by every aquatic location big and small.

Then there was Iceland.

This magical, beautiful, water-abundant country takes first prize. I had the privilege to travel to Iceland several years ago, and it is by far my favorite trip to date. In fact, we saw so many amazing natural attractions that my travel companions and I joke how Iceland ruined us for all other waterfalls.

Throughout my visit to Iceland, a future book sprouted in my mind. With each spectacular landscape, I imagined how mythical creatures might thrive in a similar environment. As a result, my current work-in-progress, the next Scales & Skin novel, Dry Ice, is set in fictional Iceland.

Admittedly, I’m taking a broad literary license by embellishing the scenery and inhabitants to enhance my fantasy Merworld. As far as I know, real Iceland doesn’t boast mermaids and Sirens – though Reykjavik does have a lovely mermaid statue. At the same time, there was enough natural magic and intrigue throughout the country to fuel my creative tank for years.

Here are the top 5 ah-hah moments, where I knew I would write my next novel compliments of Iceland’s beautiful country and citizens who graciously share their homes with us.

1. Iceland’s waterscape is a perfect Merworld backdrop. Home to rushing waterfalls, thermal rivers, hot springs, and miles of ocean coast, this country is a water-seeker’s dream. It’s easy to imagine mermaids navigating the many inlets and waterways.
2. Sea Birds inspire Sirens. No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the iconic Puffin. This arctic bird is much smaller than I imagined, which only made them more adorable. With their tuxedo cloaks and bright red and orange beak, these brave little birds nest on the Iceland coast in the summertime. This got me thinking…Sea Birds inspire Sirens. Pop culture confuses Sirens with mermaids, but mythologically they’re different water-lovers.
3. Romance. The farther north you travel in Iceland the less inhabited and more peaceful the countryside. Lodging isn’t easy to come by, so it’s important to book accommodations early. Quaint cabins on farms or in small towns welcomed us during our stay. With the cozy quarters, cold weather, and distraction-free environment, it’s easy to imagine romantic interludes.
4. Fire and Ice can coexist. Iceland is affectionately known as the “Land of Fire and Ice.” The Ice aspect is familiar to most, hence the country’s name, cold climate, and massive glaciers. The Fire tag speaks to the geothermal landscape of volcanoes, geysers, and black sand beaches. Which leads me to my last, perhaps most important ah-hah…
5. Glacia’s emerging powers. For months I had been plotting how to tie Glacia’s supernatural skills together in a pretty bow. I had visions of heat manipulation and chemical absorption, but couldn’t reconcile that with Glacia’s wintry hometown, Lacus. That is, until I reflected on the fire and ice synergies in this unique country.

How does this all knit together into my upcoming novel, Dry Ice?

Imagine a slice of the Merworld where oceans and glaciers and waterfalls sit against volcanoes and hot pots. Think about a tail-kicking, baddie tracking adventure where sea bird Sirens interact with mermaids to form the ultimate air and water adventure. Picture our leading heroine, mermaid Glacia, exploring her emerging powers in the Land of Fire and Ice.

I’m racing toward the completion of the Dry Ice draft. Can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, if you have any fiery or icy ideas you’d love to see incorporated, send them my way!