Regional fiction and the influence of Florida crime authors

Author L. B. Phillips discusses the inspiration behind their debut novel, ‘The Long Way’, and the first installment of the Department of Small Wonders series. Phillips cites the influence of Florida-based authors such as Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey, noting how the unique atmosphere of the Florida Gulf Coast shaped their interest in fast-paced, comedic crime fiction with underlying emotional depth.

In a broader context, the appeal of regional fiction is examined through its ability to use local color, customs, and landmarks to create a grounded sense of place. This literary mode, which includes genres ranging from cozy mysteries to Southern Gothic, relies on an author's lived experience to connect with readers through recognizable settings and cultural nuances.