I’m finishing my latest book, Night Magic, which will be my first original independently published novel.

Those of you who read along with me know that I got the idea for writing Night Magic in the midst of readying my backlist novels, Lady of the Night, and Bayou Midnight, for distribution as ebooks. While editing and revising I realized, as I had years ago, how sad I was that the third book, about the third of three men who were lifelong friends, was never published.

Close on the heels of regret came a revelation. I no longer had to mourn. I could write the third book, Skeeter’s book, Night Magic, and publish it myself. In fact I still had the outline and first chapters squirreled away under “ideas” in my filing cabinet.

Welcome to the twenty-first century, Emilie, where dreams can come true.

Last month and this one, I’ve been busily visiting my old friends from the first two books, as well as exploring the lives of newer ones. I say newer, not new, because both main characters in Night Magic were in one or both previous books. The book is a reunion.

Since I’m at the end of Night Magic, and anxious to see how it all ties together–yes, even the author isn’t always sure–I thought today I’d share a few of the very cool things I’ve researched these past weeks, in order to make my story come to life. Since each of these interested me, I’m betting they’ll interest you, as well.

• Thirteen Things You Never Knew About Louisiana Swamps is a wonderland of swamp trivia. Here’s a fact to get you started: When a bald cypress tree gets older, a hole will start to form near its trunk. This is not a sign of sickness–Mother Nature creates this purposefully so that mammals will have a place to stay during hurricanes. How wonderful is that?
• Want a very different kind of New Orleans tour? How about a Voodoo tour? Tombs, museums priestesses. Your stories will charm your friends. Whoops, maybe that wasn’t the best way to say that.
• When I lived in New Orleans, Jackson Square was always a favorite place to spend a morning or afternoon. One of my pleasures (other than oyster po’boys) was watching the sidewalk artists. If you can’t travel to the the French Quarter right this minute, click the link and read about those artists and view samples of their art. It’s the next best thing.
• The Creole cottage is one of my favorite architectural styles. So I was delighted to read the story of a New Orleans couple who moved a very old one to a new location in the city, reassembled and restored it in just seven months. The photos are amazing and filled with HGTV style photos and commentary.
• Have you tried your hand at crayon etching? Me neither, but after reading this article, I want to.

So how do all those things fit into my story? You’ll know soon enough. The books come out in June, July and August, but maybe you’ll be able to tell more when I begin the “cover reveals” next month. My new cover artist has done an absolutely superb job with the entire series, which is now called New Orleans Nights.

By the way, even though I once lived in New Orleans–and all three of these books are set pre-Katrina–I’m going back next month just to visit, eat, do a little on-site research, and most likely take a few photos and videos to share with you.

Stay tuned.