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about the Setting for my Novel…

December 21, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Setting: The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee

Today I’m discussing the setting for my novel, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee. First of all, the definition of setting… Setting includes the environment and surroundings of a story. From A. A. Milne’s 100 Acre Woods to Henry’s hospital bed in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the setting includes the landscape and time period as well as items on the kitchen counter.

The setting for my book is rural Mississippi County, Arkansas, the place I grew up. In my story, not only does the setting provides background information and paint a picture of the place, but the setting is integral to the story, affecting tone and mood. At least I hope you’ll find that to be true.Continue Reading

Lucy and Annabelle go to Lake Fayetteville

November 21, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

Lucy and Annabelle go to Lake fayetteville

It took an entire year of living in Northwest Arkansas for Lucy and Annabelle to visit Lake Fayetteville. Finally last week, on a perfect fall day, it happened.  We went. What a scenic spot only minutes from our house.

Seriously, any time I can walk onto a dock, I feel my blood pressure lower. And there were several docks on Lake Fayetteville, each equipped with picnic tables and benches. Lucy and Annabelle were duly impressed, too. Of course it was their first time to see a lake, being anti-water dogs and all.Continue Reading

Angels in the Fields of Arkansas

October 16, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner

It takes me forever to drive anywhere in Arkansas because I have to take the scenic route. And when I come upon an old cemetery, I pull over and take pictures. There are so many angels in the fields of the Arkansas Delta.

Just outside the city of Wilson, this small cemetery has always drawn my eye toward the cotton field. Finally, I stopped, walked through the field, and took a closer look.

McFadden Cemetery, Wilson, Ar

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

Novels:

Coloring Books:

Fiction-Themed Coloring Books

Backyard Phenology:

Children’s Nature Book:

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