A Writer in the Okanagan Valley by Diane Bator

 

Dead Without Remorse by Diane Bator

Sometimes even writers need to take a few days off to regroup before they face total burnout. After a loooonnnngggg summer between writing and being back to work in the office, I was fortunate to have some time off with a few of the ones I love and fly out to Kelowna. Aside from having to show proof of vaccination and wear masks, the trip seemed almost normal.

Our first view of the Okanagan!

My brother joked there are 400 vineyards between the airport in Kelowna where we landed to where we stayed on holidays this fall near Osoyoos. While he and my mom are impressed I can keep storylines and whole series in my head, I’m baffled at how he knows every road and every vineyard in the Okanagan!

It was wonderful to taste wines, eat meals I didn’t have to cook, and stop to smell the roses. Literally. We came across a couple lovely vineyards with showy roses.

Despite being on vacation and making a vow not to work, my writer brain was eager to learn more about wines, vines, and how things worked. I took as many pictures of the vines and plants as I did of the wines we tasted and bought. All of those things sparked a few ideas for future books. Or a series.

How could a mystery writer not wonder how long a body would last in a wine vat?

Or how to poison people using wine or even the grapes?

After having seen more than a few Hallmark movies featuring wines and vineyards, the possiblities for a cozy or two seem limitless. The opportunity to taste wines and learn  more about the fermentation process helped too. And how they press the green grapes for the juice.

We also took time to savour the fresh fruit. Amazing to see apples nearly the size of my hand! That set off a whole thought of someone moving to the valley to take a break from life and pick fruit... Mostly me!

I can honestly say I kept my word and didn't do any real writing. I took a break and read a couple books on the plane, but enjoyed my time away from my computer and work. 

Now I'm back, refreshed and awaiting the wine we shipped home. While I wait, I have time to do some research for the things we can do next time we go. Places to research for my future book ideas while I sip my BC wines!

Have a wonderful October! Cheers,

Diane