Isabelle Broom: Why I chose Sri Lanka as the location for my new novel

Sri Lanka is a place of wonder, and there is so much there to write about – so many sounds and smells and sights. For a writer like me, who enjoys evoking the senses of her readers, it is a dream come true, and I sincerely hope that I have managed to do it justice. Now that the novel is written and about to arrive into the world (gulp!), it’s impossible to imagine the story taking place anywhere else. Sri Lanka gave the book its beautiful title, provided ample drama, humour and an abundance of monkeys and elephants, which is surely a fact that can never be overlooked, right? I know that when I was there, I was inspired. But not only that – I was also moved, and prompted to think about my own life, and how I wanted my future to look. As with all my novels, there is so much of me and my experience within the pages, and I promise that I will never lose sight of that, and how important it is.

If you’re interested in my research trips abroad and what I get up to while I’m on them, the best thing to do is follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter – but mostly Instagram. Whenever I’m away primarily for novel research purposes, I always include the hashtag #BroomsBookTrip, so you know what to search for! I won’t reveal the next location quite yet, but I will say that my flight is booked for the 1st of November . . .