I grew up only thirty minutes from a large amusement park. During college, I spent four wonderful summers living in employee dorms and working for this Midwest amusement park on one of the Great Lakes. I love it. This weekend, my local amusement park opens its gates for season 150-something. I’ll be there on opening day, and my special request for Mother’s Day is to go ride rides with my sons.

Here’s a secret. My recently completed novel is based on my local fun spot. It’s a romance with a weakness for sweets, and it’s right there on the Midway surrounded by lights and screaming rides. Sure, I changed the name and added my own twists, but you’d recognize it if you saw it. Write what you know? Check. Write what you love? Double check.

Hello, opening day.