How Global Adventures Shape Nina Purtee’s Writing
Nina Purtee discusses how her travels influence her novels, character development, and the themes of love and resilience in her writing.
Nina Purtee’s literary journey is as vibrant and multifaceted as the landscapes she traverses. A worldwide traveler and philosopher, Nina has woven her passion for adventure into the fabric of her novels, creating stories that resonate with readers on a profound level. Her upbringing in Atlanta, enriched by lavish family trips to exotic locales, ignited a lifelong obsession with exploration that informs her writing. From the sun-drenched shores of the Greek Islands to the bustling streets of Marrakesh, Nina’s experiences breathe life into her characters and settings, inviting readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery.
Nina’s works, particularly her series featuring the indomitable Annie, are celebrated for their depth and emotional resonance. With each turn of the page, readers are drawn into a world where love, loss, and resilience intertwine, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Her ability to create relatable characters, grounded in authenticity and rich cultural backgrounds, sets her apart in the realm of adventure romance. As she continues to explore new horizons, Nina’s storytelling not only entertains but also inspires, encouraging readers to embrace their own adventures and the transformative power of travel. In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Nina shares insights into her creative process, the influences of her travels, and the themes that shape her compelling narratives.
How have your travels influenced the settings and characters in your novels, particularly in “Moroccan Sunset: Dawn of a New Beginning“?
Having had the good fortune to travel extensively around the globe, two travel experiences stand out. The first was a transatlantic cruise I took solo to begin writing Beyond the Sea in earnest. I was sharing with a new acquaintance that Annie had arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, in my story. A man overheard me and came over to tell me I needed to get her to Marrakesh and proceeded to tell me many of that city’s highlights. It changed the direction of that story with Annie and gave me a wealth of information for Moroccan Sunset which is based in Marrakesh.
Your characters are praised for their depth and realism. Can you share your process for developing such intricate and relatable characters?
Most importantly, I have the mental mindset that they are real people with hopes, dreams, aspirations, and insecurities. I often put them in real situations and simply record what they say and do. Sometimes they even surprise me when I realize what I thought they would do isn’t right and simply sit back and watch and write as it unfolds.
In “Annie’s Journey,” you explore various cultural traditions. How do you ensure authenticity and sensitivity when writing about cultures different from your own?
As a frequent international traveler, I have discovered the underlying good nature in people from other cultures with the use of a simple smile and a few kind words. Like my character, Annie, I am very accepting of cultures other than my own and research extensively to try to maintain their authentic identities within a fictional scenario. There are many places throughout the series that the topic of acceptance is explored.
As an award-winning novelist, what does your typical writing process look like, and how do you balance it with your travels?
I find I do my best writing early in the day when I’m fresh. The afternoons are filled with research that often uncovers a special tidbit that gives the narrative a deeper direction. For example, in Finding Sarah, when she had to paint a mural in eighth grade and was researching what to do, so was I. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered Rosa Bonheur from Paris in the 1800’s whose mother taught her the alphabet by drawing animals. I was fascinated by Rosa and translated that to Sarah’s character. Depending on where I am in my work when I travel, I find myself jotting notes or ideas ready to implement upon my return.
Your books often explore themes of love, loss, and resilience. What draws you to these themes, and how do you approach them in your storytelling?
For over twelve years, I have read a daily motivational email that continues to give me a perspective for getting through hard times. I have certainly had my share, as we all have or will have during our lives. One of my favorites is Antonio, Ramone’s brother, in Crossing Paths. As a charming matador, an injury in the ring has left him in a wheelchair, wallowing in self-pity. I think he grew the most in that book, but it was Ramone, too, who struggled with his father’s death and the impact the Spanish tradition of bullfighting had had on him. Finding the hiking on Mallorca and the Night of the Pilgrims challenge gave me the platform to help him work through what he would do next.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or adventures that might inspire your next novel? My goal is to have six books in the Annie’s Journey series. My current story is about the Balinese artist, Mara, who has been swept up in the glamorous lifestyle of Milan as a sought-after fabric designer with the generous backing of Zayn Al Farooq, the charismatic son of an oil magnate from Dubai. Despite the newfound fame and success, she grapples with a deep-seated fear of losing touch with her humble Balinese roots and the values that have shaped her into the artist she has become.
I recently returned from a trip to Tanzania gathering a great deal of inspiration to explore the character of Amari, a community school teacher in Tanzania, whose father is a ranger in the conservation fund. In what will be the sixth book, there is a potential love match between her and Sam, the British sculptor and designation fundraising spokesman for the Grumeti Fund.
