Inspirations and Brainstorming

When people find out I write romance novels, I get at least one of three responses, sometimes all three, and often a combo;

“Have you always wanted to write?”

Or

“How do you think of a story?”

Or

“I have the greatest idea for a story.”

Of all the responses, the most dangerous and the most interesting is number three. There is one commonality for those who respond with the third statement, they are utterly convinced they’re the next J.R. Rowling or Stephen King if only:

a) They had the time to write, ‘cause really how hard could it be to string a few words together?

b) It’s not the writing - it’s the idea - anyone can string a few words together, but no one else has this brilliant idea.

The last time this happened to me I was in a specialist’s office, and I didn’t want to offend the man, so I bit my tongue, and said politely, “Really? Tell me about it.”

The doctor promptly pulled out a non-disclosure agreement for me to sign.

Really? Am I even thinking of going there?

I’m hoping I don’t have to see that specialist again.

Inspiration is the single most nebulous, intangible aspect of writing, for me, anyway.

There are a couple of books that I started and finished without ever pinpointing their origins. I’ve no idea where they came from or why, but the muse drove me from start to finish.

And then there those that are aha! moments when I know exactly where the manuscript’s going from start to finish, scene by scene. Those, for me, are the easiest to write because the words run from brain to hand to keyboard, and keeping up with your whirring mind’s the only drawback.

Then, there are those I call birthday books. You know when you have a close friend who has everything, and you’re trying to come up with a unique birthday present he or she would love. So you mull all the things he or she likes in your mind for a couple of weeks, and then all of a sudden, you’re in an antique shop, and you see the perfect gift. When a publisher issues a themed call for a book, like books based on Christmas songs, I take the birthday approach.

Valentine Voodoo is a perfect example. There was a call for Valentine books, and I was interested, but only if I could come up with a different take on the holiday. For weeks I googled hearts, cupid, gods, love, Venus, you name the keyword, I searched on it. Then I had to take the redeye to the west coast, couldn’t sleep, and watched Ratatouille. I loved the movie (even teared up - something I hope my sons never find out).

I jerked awake as the plane landed with the idea of writing a book about a brilliant young animator, Stephanie, who creates the hero of the next kiddie blockbuster, a mouse named Valentine who ‘nose’ his wine. Her love interest, Eli, is the top salesperson for their company, the hippest technology company on the planet. Stephanie’s had a hot spot for Eli since the day they met. Their one-night-stand at the office Christmas party sucked. Then the company sends Stephanie and Eli on a PR weekend before the release of Valentine Voodoo on Valentine’s Day. The original imprints of Valentine Voodoo disappear and the primary suspect is Eli.

Honestly, it was all there in my head. I pulled out my laptop as soon as I was in a taxi, and typed that paragraph above. I wrote the story in two weeks - mind you- it’s a short story just under 40,000 words - but I had challenged myself to write a short story (I’m very comfortable with 70,000 words and up). Trust me, a short story is not easier to write than one of 55,000 word or more.

All of you authors and writers out there chime in.

Tell me your inspiration for your last tale published or written.

Cheers,

Jianne

P.S. Only the last please, I have plans over the next few weeks for others - like the first published, the hardest to write, and more.