Continuing with Small Blog, Big Giveaway, two lucky commentators will win copies of TO LOVE A HERO, international romance, or FRENCH PERIL, romantic suspense.
I've been often asked: What made you write this particular book? Why did you set your story in that particiular setting? So let me explain the whys behind three of my stories.
When I started writing, I already knew that my heroine would be an all-American gal, educated, assertive and independent. But I wanted my hero to be different from the men she met everyday at work. While traveling abroad, I observed the foreign male and study how he could attract my American heroine and be worthy of her love.
During my business trips to Belarus, I dealt mostly with officers, handsome, reserved, aloof at first sight.
TO LOVE A HERO --available for $0.99--highlights the hospitality and warmth of the gorgeous and valiant Belarusian officers who sing, toast with vodka and make a woman feel like a goddess.
The Russian hero, such as the handsome Major General Sergei of TO LOVE A HERO, is a perfect example of alpha hero: a patriotic officer, authoritative and chauvinistic but protective and gallant, honest and loyal.
FRENCH PERIL was inspired by a vacation in a modernized chateau, in the historical Loire Valley. I was so impressed by the magnificence of the French chateaux and the wealth of history of that area, I visualized gallant aristocrats entertaining beautiful women in lavishly decorated galleries and plush gardens. Stories played in my mind. I upped the stakes with a missing statue and the murder of a professor to create a romantic suspense, FRENCH PERIL--available for $0.99.In France, the old gallantry has survived and many Frenchmen would not hesitate to write a poem to their beloved. The aristocratic male greets a woman by bowing over her hand for a kiss while the average Frenchman kisses her three times on the cheeks. The French hero is a playboy and a womanizer, determined not to be entrapped, but also a generous and passionate lover.
In NO MORE LIES, Dr. Luc George is a charming psychiatrist and gallant aristocrat, the perfect French lover a woman can wish for. He detests secrets, but the woman he loves, Dr. Olivia Crane, has secrets by the bucket-load.
A lie that brings a smile...or the truth that draws tears?All hell breaks loose when Luc strolls into her office, with open arms and a confident smile. Should she return his scorching kisses, or should she lock her door before he digs into her many secrets?
Secret daughter, secret friend, secret enemy. Had Luc really known his sweet Olivia back then? He wants her back, but he wants the truth too. Now, Olivia has to face her past before she can grab her second chance.
NO MORE LIES --available for $0.99--is a sweet and sensual story that will make you smile, laugh and cry— the story of two psychiatrists with conflicting theories on how to treat their patients and tame their own emotions.
Mona, I love the fact that you weave wonderful stories around what you learn about your visits to intriguing places...
Your settings are so rich because you have been there. I'm looking forward to reading No More Lies!
Judy, everytime I visit a different place, I take a lot of pictures and try to imagine a story. Sometimes it works, but some places don't inspire me.
Linda, I also have a lot of pictures as a reminder.
It's interesting to learn where other writers get their ideas. Thanks and good luck with the Indie venture!
Mona, I know what you mean when you say that some places don't inspire you. If a place's history is filled with war and destruction, the air feels thick and heavy. The location can be beautiful but the air stifles my creativity.
Mona,
No one can create these wonderful settings like you can. I tend to get many of my ideas from reading the daily newspaper. They say truth is stranger than fiction.
Mona, you are such a talented author. All these books look wonderful.
Mona you make the whole world romantic and exciting. Love your stories! And I wish you many, many, sales!!!
Your books are so tempting, Mona. Congrats on all! How lucky you are to have traveled to such exotic places. *sigh*
I love exotic locations and heroes. I like to learn something new when I read!
Hi Mary, I always like to know the story behind the story.
Hi Pam, you said it right. There are places I can't write about.
Oh Josie. That is so true. I bet if I ever wrote about some coincidences in my life, an editor would tell me: you can't use coincidence to bring a solution. LOL
Hi Beth, Thank you. I hope they read as wonderful as they look.
Hi Mary, I believe that love can solve many problems, if not all of them. I try to show that believe in my novels.
Hi Cate, please let yourself be tempted by my books. These are at ninety nine cents.LOL
Barbara, I share the feeling and always like to learn something from a book. Twenty years ago the historical novels of Heather Graham taught me a lot about the Civil War.
Very cool post, Mona. I love that seeing the architecture and visiting places inspires your muse. Nicely done!
Maggie
DEATH, ISLAND STYLE coming in Feb
Mona, I loved both stories. I loved the characters and I loved the settings. I found the combo very romantic! Sigh...
Smiles
Steph
Hi Maggie, I am very sensitive to architecture. If I hadn't studied pharmacy, I would have gone to architectural school. I love old buildings. They all have a story, or you can give them one.
Thank you Steph, for the great reviews.
Mona,
I'm late chiming in, but your stories are so rich in exotic details. I'm sure that's one of the reasons why your stories are enjoyed by everyone.