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Annabelle Lewis on worldbuilding

March 5, 2019/Guest Post

In my series on Worldbuilding, I’ve also looked for ways to focus across genre. I’ve asked Annabelle to write a post regarding her thoughts on the topic of worldbuilding. Annabelle has published four books–you’ll see those below with links to buy. Her genre is a cozy caper which isn’t quite a cozy mystery, but has all the adventure built right in. Annabelle fidgeted a little when I asked her to participate in my blog series for 2019 as a featured author, but she came through like a star…or more aptly, like a Carrows.

As I’ve said before, worldbuilding spans all genres, and in my series, I am striving to spotlight how it sways and impacts story elements across all genres. I think Annabelle writes something that’s worth taking to heart. It’s a world like no one else experiences, yet it’s set within our own. See what you think…

This was originally posted on December 22, 2018 on Annabelle’s Blog.


Annabelle Blogs: A CHARACTER’S WORLD

My work, my passion, my escape is into the glamorous world of the Carrows. But then again, I’m doing them a disservice by only speaking of their exotic, privileged surroundings. At heart, my series is a family saga. I know who these people are, and I sincerely like hanging out with them.


Someone, (memory lapse), wrote a book about characters coming to “actual” life. Was it Stephen King? Help, someone out there? But the thought of it stuck with, and slightly haunts me. This family in particular, and all my characters are real to me. If no one reads about them, how can they become real?


I’m certain all authors feel the same way about their characters. Where do they come from? Where do they go when the pages close? Hopefully, they are re-visited on new adventures, on new campaigns, and shared with others along the way. With every book opening, they become real again.

The Carrows are also a weapon for me to wield. They are a group of likable grifters, unapologetically wealthy, who are not only having a kick-ass life but are also kicking some ass. Unimaginable wealth and resources will free a girl to set her sights on something that is wrong, and with the Carrows in my hip pocket, I can brandish them about and take the bad guys to their knees. I like that. It makes me feel warm and safe, believing in the magic that there are those who can and will do what is right–people who settle up with the bad guys, one at a time.


I believe angels walk amongst us. Those who pluck along, doing the right thing, most unnoticed, possibly for their entire lives but regardless, carry on. Maybe as a reward, in their next life, they can to come back doing their good deeds but experiencing it in a world – a la Carrows.

Sigh. If only.


If you’ve enjoyed Annabelle’s thoughts on worldbuilding and how it relates to her novels, check out her website here:

Or you can purchase her books here:

Stay tuned for my Worldbuilder Spotlight: Annabelle Lewis and a review of her second book Titan Takedown.

Copyright 2024 Susan Stradiotto *** Disclosure: Links within this blog and pages may contain affiliate links and the owner of this website may receive compensation for purchases made after clicking the link.