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I chose to set Satisfaction Guaranteed in Texas because I'd been there recently, but I don't always set books in places where I've been. When starting a story that's set somewhere I haven’t been the first thing I do is contact a visitor’s organization (both the state and city) and ask for info.

I usually get great stuff:

Maps - I love maps and often use town or city names for last names of characters
Calendars - great because the calendars include festivals and annual celebrations ~ talk about a great way to add color
Shopping and Restaurant guides - no need to explain here!

I find this better and faster than the I-net. Another thing I prefer over the I-net, children’s books. My local library has a great set that includes one book for each state. Each book has the basics: state bird, motto, flag, weather, and plants. But they also have wonderful overviews of the culture of the people, employment statistics, and awesome pictures.

After getting a nice overview of the primary location, I’ll make a list of plants, animals, bodies of water, that sort of thing. I also make a list of smells and textures. A bit weird, I know...but helpful. And I’m always open to anything that works.