Walking Into A Scene Straight Out Of Your Book
Memory can be a funny thing.
I just finished the latest edit of the third book in my series, Shadow Zone. My husband, who has always been a very perceptive alpha reader, paused at one of the final scenes, which took place in a restaurant and said, “Wasn’t that place Italian?”
I looked at him, bewildered.
Why would he think the place I created was Italian, and not French as I wrote it?
“Your characters,” he replied. “They’re dining at Capriccio.”
Capriccio is a popular restaurant in H.P. Lovecraft’s hometown of Providence, Rhode Island.
It wasn’t the inspiration for my scene.
My husband insisted it was.
As luck would have it, we were travelling to Providence to attend NecronomiCon, so we dropped by for dinner.
The moment I walked through the front door, I realized we were in the place where Ellen Logan’s life changed (no spoilers, you’ll have to read the next book ; )
Capriccio's Entryway
Everything about it—the stairs that led down into the basement space, the tapestries that covered the brick wall, the fireplaces, the old-world atmosphere—resembled the French restaurant I wrote. Somehow, I had unconsciously lifted the floor plans, the decoration, the overall vibe of Capriccio and made it into Brise Fraiche (French for fresh breezes).
As we sat down to eat, I told the waitress my story.
“Oh, you have to keep the food Italian,” she advised me.
Now, the big question.
Should I change the fictional restaurant’s cuisine to honor my inspiration?
Would it make such a big difference if I changed the place to Brezza Fresca? If Ellen and her companion sipped a nice Brunello instead of a Pinot Noir?
All I know is this place has been lurking in the back of my mind for a long time, ready to become a setting for a scene.
And in case you’re wondering, the food there is great.
If you’re ever in Providence, Capriccio is a wonderful way to spend an evening.
Especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion, like Ellen (again, no spoilers!)
Here’s a sneak preview of the menu.
And who knows? Maybe some of the entrees will find their way into my story…