The Role of Nature in My Novels: Landscapes That Shape Suspense

Nature will always been part of my story—literally and figuratively. Growing up in Oregon, surrounded by lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests, I couldn’t help but feel the immense spectacle of the land around me. These natural elements are more than just settings in my novels The Rogue River Incident, Hidden Beneath the Pines, and The Good Sheriff. They are living, breathing forces that shape the tone, build the suspense, and drive the mysteries that unfold—forever standing as a compelling character in each journey.

Crater Lake: A Timeless Enigma

Crater Lake is a masterpiece of nature, its water so clear and still that it feels like looking at something unreal. Its depth and striking colors inspire awe while hinting at the mysteries it holds. For the Klamath Tribes, Crater Lake is more than a natural wonder—it is sacred ground. According to their traditions, the lake was created during a climactic battle between the spirit of the sky, Skell, and the spirit of the underworld, Llao. The eruption of Mount Mazama marked the end of this spiritual conflict, leaving behind a site of deep reverence and power.

Wizard Island at Crater Lake National Park

This spiritual history is woven into the atmosphere of The Rogue River Incident, where Crater Lake becomes a symbol of the unknowable and the unexplainable. The lake’s serenity and its place in Native American lore give it an almost otherworldly presence, reminding characters—and readers—that there are forces at work in the world beyond human understanding.

One of Crater Lake’s most curious features, the Old Man of the Lake—a log that has floated upright for over a century—only deepens its mystique. The way it drifts, guided by wind but more so of its own mysterious will, inspires questions about the unseen currents that shape both nature and life itself. The Old Man of the Lake plays an integral part of the protagonist's journey in book I of The Rogue River Incident.

Applegate Lake: A Reservoir of Secrets

Applegate Lake backdropped by a magnificent section of the Siskiyou Mountains

I watched Applegate Lake come to life during my teenage years, seeing the landscape transform as the water filled the manmade basin. One of my most vivid memories, which later inspired The Rogue River Incident, is driving the road with my father and brother one final time before it was submerged beneath thousands of gallons of fresh water following the dam’s completion. The lake’s smooth surface, juxtaposed against a rugged and picturesque section of the Siskiyou Mountains, reflects the sky but beneath it lies a history that can’t be erased. In the novel, Applegate Lake embodies the idea that some things, no matter how deeply buried, will always find their way back to the surface.

Lake of the Woods and Emigrant Lake: Contrasts of Calm and Chaos

Lake of the Woods is tranquil, its serene waters surrounded by towering trees. But serenity

Lake of the Woods, Oregon reflecting Mt. McLoughlin

can deceive, and in Hidden Beneath the Pines, the lake takes on a more ominous role, its beauty masking an undercurrent of tension. Emigrant Lake, which features in The Good Sheriff, is a study in contrasts. It represents both renewal and danger, serving as a reflection of the conflicts faced by the characters who find themselves drawn to its shores.

The Solitude of the Wild

There’s something profoundly unsettling about being alone in the wilderness. The stillness, the silence, the way the landscape seems indifferent to your presence—it all creates a tension that’s perfect for a mystery. Whether it’s a trail disappearing into the woods or the vast expanse of a lake under a moonless sky, these moments of solitude heighten the stakes for the characters and the readers alike.

The Rogue River: Nature’s Pulse

The Wild & Scenic Rogue River

The Rogue River is as wild as its name suggests, carving its way through Oregon’s rugged terrain. It plays a central role in The Rogue River Incident, where its rapids, currents, and secluded banks create an atmosphere charged with suspense. The river is both a lifeline and a labyrinth, guiding the characters while threatening to sweep them away. The forests that line its banks add another layer of complexity, their dense shadows and tangled trails amplifying the sense of isolation and vulnerability.

More Than a Setting

In my stories, nature isn’t just a passive backdrop. It’s a participant, influencing the mood, challenging the characters, and driving the plot forward. A lake can hold secrets as easily as it reflects the sky. A river can guide or mislead. A forest can shelter or trap. These landscapes aren’t just where the stories take place—they’re why the stories take place.

When I write, I draw inspiration from the places I’ve explored and the feelings they evoke. I hope my novels bring you closer to the beauty and mystery of the natural world and maybe even inspire you to look at your surroundings with a new sense of wonder.

Wherever you are, there’s a story waiting to be discovered in the land around you. Maybe it’s in the ripple of a lake or the ocean sound of the wind through the trees. Or perhaps it’s just beneath the surface, waiting for someone brave enough to uncover it.

Want to know more about Crater Lake? Check this out. https://www.craterlakeinstitute.com/smith-chronological-history-of-crater-lake/sources-and-articles-of-interest/orgin-stories-of-the-lake/#:~:text=Medicine%20Men%20sang%20their%20sacred,became%20Crater%20Lake%20National%20Park.

All photos were taken by me. To see more of my photography, please click anywhere on the image below.