Of all the locations in "Summer Sanctuary," Camp Northstar holds a special place in my heart. This fictional summer camp on the shores of Pine Lake is where Emma first begins to rediscover herself after fleeing Chicago, and it's inspired by several real camps where I spent formative summers.
While plotting "Summer Sanctuary," I knew Emma needed a place that would offer both purpose and protection—somewhere she could be useful while remaining somewhat separate from the wider community as she...