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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Where do you get your ideas? - Helen Bianchin


One of the queries an author is asked is ... where do you get your ideas? From life is too simple an answer ... perhaps events that happen in life is more accurate. Taking an idea and giving it a twist, employing a reality fact and weaving it into fiction with a romance element. In the case of a Harlequin Presents, that involves a sexy romance!

Sometimes an item in the media will spark an idea, an event in a television series, a conversation ... anything, anytime, anywhere.

So how did the idea for the plot of Purchased: His Perfect Wife come about?

For me it was the result of a conversation I had with a friend. A conversation which began quite innocently and revolved around a recent (at the time) news item involving loan sharks. The kind who lend money very short term at exorbitant interest rates ... those whose mantra is "pay on time and you'll be fine. Don't, and you won't".

As often happens, this inspired a "what if" scenario. I needed a realistic plot, a situation that could happen. The how and where and why took some thinking and planning time, and just when I thought I had it, a more plausible approach sprang to mind.

What if the heroine in my story is a chef who co-owns a restaurant with a financial partner, and the partner clears out their bank account and absconds with the money leaving her in debt? Although she presses charges, the bank won't lend her any further money. Desperate, she borrows money from a dubious source on the basis her stepfather will transfer the necessary funds into her account ... except he's killed in a car crash before he can effect the transfer.

The backcover blurb says it all ... "Lara needs cash fast. Her business partner has duped her and her beloved restaurant is in crisis. Only Wolfe Alexander, her tall, dark, brooding stepbrother, can help. Wolfe needs to marry to meet the terms of his late father's will, and when beautiful Lara begs him for money he sees his opportunity. A Powerful attraction has always simmered between them and he'll help if she'll be his convenient wife! With no choice to to accept, Lara is soon swept into a world of high-society glamour, and passion beyond her wildest dreams. But where is her husband's love?"

I hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed writing Lara and Wolfe's story.

I'd love to hear what ideas spark your imagination and prompt a reason for a story.

Regards to all,

Helen

8 comments:

Estella said...

Just wanted to say that I enjoy your books.

Jennie Lucas said...

I second Estella's comment, Helen. I really enjoyed this book. Especially the change in Lara's character as she got stronger and more powerful and could face her fears (won't be more specific because I don't want to be a spoiler) because of Wolfe's love for her.

Jennie

Pat Cochran said...

As a reader, I am constantly amazed when authors reveal their idea -
building methods! I never would
be a successful author. My mind doesn't weave ideas as well as
theirs!!

Pat Cochran

Kara said...

I also wanted to say that I have enjoyed all your books (have the whole collection) - If it says Helen Bianchin - I don't even need to read the blurb - it is an automatic buy!!

Helen Bianchin said...

Estella, Jennie (hi, Jennie!), and Kara ... thank you for your kind words. Jennie, I'm pleased you enjoyed Wolfe and Lara's story.

Pat, nice to see you here. I think everyone has a creative talent of some kind. I'm in awe of those who turn a piece of blank canvas into a work of art.

Kind regards,
Helen

Michele L. said...

Hi Helen,

I am in awe of people who can write books. To actually plot out or write by the seat of your pants (pantser or plotter) totally impresses me to no end! I have a hard time writing letters!

You are an awesome writer Helen! I enjoyed reading about your writing methods.

Take care and have an amazing week!
Michele L.

Helen Bianchin said...

Thanks for your kind words, Michelle.
I'm so pleased you enjoyed reading how I came to build a plot around a simple topic of conversation.

Regards
Helen

Helen Bianchin said...

My personal thanks to Lee Hyat for the invitation to blog on Tote Bags 'n' Blogs. It's always a pleasure to "talk" writing.

Regards to all,
Helen