Lake Como - from my mind to reality
My daughter and I sat in the local cinema watching the anticipated ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’
Some way further into the film, I leaned forward in my chair to check the screen in front of me. Lush green lawns and perfectly manicured shrubbery were the scene in front of me, where the main character, Andy, was making a comeback.
I was sure I recognised the place. Squinting, I tried to remember a vision I had in my creative head last Christmas when I was writing my next book, “She Smells Like Strawberries”. Could it be the same place?
I set my scene at Christmas time, and it is a significant part of the book I wrote.
I can’t tell you too much more about the setting without giving a massive spoiler away for the Metronome series I am writing. But I can distinctly remember scrolling through many online videos, blog posts, websites, and Pinterest images to find the perfect location for my main character, Liesa Ulman.
A 16th-century villa called Villa Balbiano caught my eye as I began writing my scenes in Lake Como. It’s a place that can accommodate several guests, which was perfect for hosting my fictitious band, Chasing Echoes, and their team. The Villa is the largest private residence on the lake, with lush gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a private pier. Perfect for my stars.
Pinterest housed my ideas, as it always does, and I created a mood board for the book (you can have a look here). I find this is an excellent way to help me connect to my characters, too. I simply open up the mood board for the book, select the images I need to see on my phone, and prop it next to my laptop while I write. Works like a dream.
The film was incredible. It was easy to watch, entertaining, and both my daughter and I had a keen eye for spotting some dreamy, creative shots. The story stayed with me as we left the flicks and headed home. I noticed the vision of the writer as they had slightly softened Miranda’s character (played expertly by Meryl Streep) as she was somewhat older. Appearing reflective about life, I could tell she was listening to an inner voice which whispered to her about times gone by, hoping it wasn’t too late for her to continue achieving.
This is how I sometimes feel.
She even used the words, “I really like working, don’t you?” which I could have plucked directly from my voice box.
The following day, I dared to let my mind wander back to the scenes on Lake Como as I said out loud to my daughter, “I’m pretty sure that place is in ‘Strawberries’.” She knows what I mean by ‘Strawberries’, as she is my expert cover designer.
“Oh, really?” She acknowledged me casually. My face looked thoughtful as I reached for my phone and tapped the screen.
Searching in the browser, typing the words ‘Film locations for Devil Wears Prada 2’ gave me an instant reply. I cupped my open mouth and sat up in my seat instantly as my daughter smiled. She knew I’d just witnessed a top film scene on the big screen as if it were already my book.
Outside, the lush green mountains surrounded Lake Como. The air refreshed my skin with a slight sting of its chill. The water on top of the lake was still, silver, and moody. It flowed more slowly because of the cold. White dustings sat on top of the mountains as I looked high into the air, with my hands in my pockets. Passing close by was a water taxi. Walnut wood gleamed from every surface on the boat as if it had been lovingly polished. The air smelled of wet stone and gentle hints of iris.
