One of the questions I'm most often asked is "What inspired the idea for X book?" If you write books, you will be asked this over and over again, and if you don't, you've probably read a book and wondered, "How in the world did they think up that?" I know I have :)My first book, Chocolate Beach, was about, Bri, a laid-back beach chick who finds evidence that her older, distinguished husband has grown tired of her carefree ways. The actual idea of the story came from the desire to explore the "opposites attract" concept. Those kinds of relationships can initiate sparks from the get-go, but the question for me was...what happens years later? That's the nugget CB was written around.
Truffles by the Sea is the story of Bri's best friend, Gaby. For this book, I wanted to delve into issues touched on in book #1. For example, Gaby had a history of dating Mr. Wrong. So one question I wanted to answer in this book is Why? Gaby also had creative and dramatic qualities about her, so I also wanted to find out what she'd do if more than her dating life went down the tubes. When all kinds of mini-disasters happen to poor Gaby, we see her mettle at work.
If you write fiction, the inspiration for the idea is only the beginning, right? On Friday I'll tell you about a new twist (for me, anyway) on getting to know your characters. In the meantime, what books have made you long to know the inspiration behind them? If I know the author(s), I'll see if I can dig up the answer(s) for you.
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3 comments:
This is a interesting questions. (I have wondered why with Chocolate Beach, thanks for sharing!!)
I would also love to know what the inspiration was for "Flies on Butter" by Denise Hildreth.
Hmm, that's a tough question. I can't think of one right now. I guess I wonder that about all the books I read, really.
I get a lot of my ideas from my dreams. I tend to dream in very linear story lines for some reason.
Great post Julie! I think you're doing well to be able to pinpoint your inspiration. I've been asked that question and I don't have such clear answers. "It just came to me" sounds really lame, even if it's the shortest accurate answer.
btw--Refreshmoments is finally online. Stop by when you have a chance! Mary
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