just wanted to let everyone who’s submitted photos to www.wanderlove.com know I’m gradually rolling them out over the next week or two — so, if you’ve submitted, I’ve received them, & you are entered to win WANDERLOVE (which comes out in two weeks. whoa!). because I’ve had such sporadic internet in the last ten days, I’m going to extend the contest til March 12th, the day before WANDERLOVE is released. so, keep submitting your beautiful photos! and, I hope you’ll still continue to submit them after the book’s out, too. ~kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: “Chicken bus” is a nickname for public transportation in Central America. They’re usually retired American school buses, painted riotous colors, and are hands-down the cheapest way to get around Central America. Of course, there are some sacrifices…
photo by kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: In Wanderlove, Santa Lucia is a tiny village on the shores of Lake Atitlan. In reality, it’s based on another tiny Guatemalan village called Santa Cruz. There’s not much there, other than a series of humble homes staggered up the hillside – and a lively backpacker hostel, where Rowan invites Bria to dinner.
photo by kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: Panajachel is a village on Lake Atitlan. It’s a bit touristy, but stunningly beautiful, especially down by the lakeshore.
photo by kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: Lake Atitlan is a lake in the Guatemalan highlands, surrounded by volcanoes. In Wanderlove, Bria first glimpses it from her tour group’s shuttle van, “like a shock of blue light.”
photo by kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: Guatemala’s twice-weekly Chichicastenango Mayan market is the largest of its kind. It’s also where Bria meets Rowan for the first time.
photo by kirsten hubbard
Wanderlove places: Antigua Guatemala (“ancient Guatemala”) is a colonial city and one of Central America’s most popular destinations. Its pastel buildings and cobblestone streets attract a pretty even mix of tourists and backpackers. In Wanderlove, soon after Bria arrives in Antigua, she wonders if she’s chosen the wrong half.
photo by guate360.com
I am so incredibly excited to launch Wanderlove’s Tumblr site!
(and it’s exactly one month before Wanderlove comes out, wow!)
Wanderlove, my second YA novel, is set in Central America. But not just in one location — it takes place in over a dozen. Wanderlove settings range from bustling capital cities to dense rainforest to tiny Mayan villages to idyllic Caribbean islands, and each is special in its own way.
Most exist in real life; all are based on real life. I’m so excited to share these amazing places with you in the novel — and right here.
This site is all about favorite places: in Wanderlove and beyond, my places and YOUR places. That’s right. I want you to participate!
From the submit page:
wanderlove is about celebrating our favorite places, and experiencing each other’s. take a photo, or find a photo (one you’ve taken yourself & have the rights to) of your favorite place. it could be a place you’ve traveled to, long ago or recently; a special spot in your neighborhood, city or town; or even in your house or backyard. be as creative as you want. include a few sentences about why the place is special to you – why you *get* it, why it sticks in your heart. thank you!
You can also submit via email at wanderbooks (at) gmail (dot) com.
If you participate, make sure you include your name and email address (don’t worry, I won’t publish the latter).
Here’s why. Everyone who submits an image and response between now and March 5th (the day I get back from Central America) will be entered to win one of three signed, annotated and butterfly-doodled hardcovers of Wanderlove. They’ll be super-special, even if you’ve already pre-ordered the book (and I so so so hope you have)! The giveaway will be open to anyone, anywhere in the world.
(I’ll host another HUGE giveaway March 13th, on my blog and YA Highway — with prizes including Wanderlove art prints, bookmarks, and bracelets just like Rowan’s.)
As for me? I’ll start by featuring all the destinations in Wanderlove, (mostly) with photos I took myself over the years. I’ll cross-post my personal Wanderlove places posts on my blog as well as here, so you can follow along on Bria’s journey in either spot.
You can also ask me questions about Wanderlove, backpacking, or writing, and I’ll do my best to answer them on the site — or in video form from Central America, where I’m heading next week.
Follow! Reblog! Join in! And enjoy :)
~ kirsten hubbard
