As you may already know, the setting of Selena's Song (Book One of the Siren Series) is the tropical island of Isla Flora. What you may not be aware of is that the fictitious setting is modeled after a place that is near and dear to my heart: St. Thomas.
St. Thomas, which is part of the United States Virgin Islands, is the archetype for Isla Flora (Island of Flowers) and for such a small island it is full of beauty, charm, history, and diversity. It is rich in tradition, but with every modern convenience. And yes, it is used to tropical storms and of course, hurricanes (mostly not caused by Sirens...mostly).
Our house was only a fifteen-minute walk to Coki Point, one of the World's most beautiful beaches. There, amongst the powder-white sand and crystal-blue water, I would pretend to be a mermaid exploring the depths of the Caribbean. As an only child for almost eight years, I tended to rely on my imagination to keep from being bored.
Yes, it is dear to me, and even though I left there when I was very young, I remember the island and the people fondly. It will always be a part of my soul and through The Siren Series, I hope it will become part of yours as well.
(So yeah...read the book already)