Several years ago, I did a blog by this very same name. No, I’m not recycling blogs, because there is, definitely, magic in something new.

Back then I was awed by my Floridian, then-toddler grandson’s reaction when he saw snow for the first time. This time, I’m wallowing in my own wonder of something new—a brand new story idea, a brand-new manuscript.

Well, it’s not a manuscript yet. This book hasn’t even reached toddler stage, but is still embryonic in form. I’m at the part where I have a story concept, and I have my main characters. I’m interviewing them, which is about as fun as making brand new friends—even more fun, because I get to make these people just about any way I want them.

What I’ve decided to do is to introduce my fans—my mailing list—to these new characters first, as a reward for sticking with me book after book. So I can’t share much about these characters with you, except to say that they threw me a few curve-balls when I was interviewing them!

What I can share is the magical, wonderful setting for my book, which is about my favorite spot in the whole world. It’s the grounds of the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. I first visited this gorgeous property in March of 1983, shortly after we relocated from New York state to Florida. My daughter was three years old, my mother had come down to visit, and we attended a Renaissance Festival that used to be held on the grounds.

Alas, the Festival is no longer held there. But the wonder of that day has never left. Stepping through the gates onto acres of pristinely manicured lawn abutting picturesque Sarasota Bay has never left my memory. It entrances me still, every time I visit—which is often. Even though I now live in New England, it is a family tradition to visit the Ringling at least annually. There is a fantastic restaurant in the new building they’ve constructed there called, aptly, The Muse. It’s my daughter and my lunching spot each and every time we go.

If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend you visit The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL, where you’ll find not only The Muse (pun most definitely intended), but a treasure-filled gift shop, an art museum, a circus museum, the historic Azolo Museum, and the Ca’ D’ Zhan, the original Ringling Brothers home. The Venetian style masterpiece is largely constructed of materials imported from Italy. And acres upon acres of the most beautiful scenery in all of this wondrous world.

And it’s where my next book, Pigments, is set. Stay tuned! Something “NEW” is yet to come!

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Claire Gem writes sexy contemporary romance and supernatural suspense. You can find out more at her Website and Amazon Author Page.