I like to write stories about numerous characters in a series of acts or quests. Nothing happens in a vacuum, so I like to explore the environments and societies that directly or indirectly affect the story - how decisions and actions near and far away can ripple their way through the story-line. And in doing so over an extended period of time, my characters have time to experience and grow from it.
I've been fortunate in my life to do a lot of traveling, and that's let me experience customs and lifestyles from different parts of this country and and over a dozen other countries. I now weave some of those observations into the stories to give better dimensions to my characters and their societies. Then I add history and future to round it all out. I guess I'll find out here how well it really works.