Setting Inspiration: The Hotel Westend (Cliffs & Waves)

I think I speak for many authors when I say that inspiration can come from anywhere. Our life experiences, a stranger’s quirky mannerisms, or even the “feel” of a place can inspire us to tell a story. Often, I find, it’s a combination of all these elements that I’ve woven together to create my mysteries.

In The Hotel Westend, the hotel in which the guests are gathered sits on top of a cliff with waves crashing against the rocks below. I was inspired to incorporate this setting into my novel while visiting Lucea, Jamaica. Please see the video below.

A bit more about Fort Charlotte in Lucea, Jamaica:

Fort Charlotte was erected in 1761 for the defense of the Lucea harbor in response to the supposed ever present threat of Spanish and French invasion. It was actually one of five forts built by the British in the 18th century to protect the Hanover coastline from invasion (others were at Point Estate and Tryall).

With its impressive embrasures for 23 guns, 20 of which were mounted, one can’t help but wonder how anti-climactic this must have been for the British given the fact that Fort Charlotte was never tested by enemy attack.

Interesting Tidbit: Captain William Bligh, owner of the ship “The Bounty”, who is best remembered for introducing the breadfruit and ackee to Jamaica, resided in Lucea between 1783 and 1787. It is said that it was at Fort Charlotte that Bligh met Fletcher Christian who later happened to lead a mutiny against him on the Bounty. Whoops!