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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Roni Loren: Looking for Inspiration Everywhere



One of the most common questions I get as a writer is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Now, because of what I write (erotic/BDSM romance), sometimes that’s just a veiled question for what they really want to know--are you swinging from the chandeliers/wielding floggers/wearing leather in your personal time? Lol. But most others are really just curious as to where the ideas stem from. And for me, the answer is--everywhere. And usually I’m not looking for it. The idea fairy sneaks up on me most when I’m not *trying* to come up with new story ideas.

For my latest novel, FALL INTO YOU, I found inspiration from a few unexpected places. First, my heroine is a sports reporter who is trying to get an on-air position as a sidelines reporter. I got that idea because two years ago I went to Atlanta with my husband for the SEC College Football Championship (we’re huge LSU fans). Our hotel happened to be right near the spot that ESPN was hosting Game Day, so we were able to get there early and be right on the front row for the live broadcast. That’s when Erin Andrews was still a reporter for them. And so, seeing Erin report right there in front of me gave me the idea for Charli, my heroine, and her motivation. The story questions that popped into my head: What if a woman who was more tomboy than Erin Andrews model-gorgeous wanted this job? Would she be able to get it?

Also, in the story, Charli is investigating a big football scandal story. She thinks one of the big universities is cheating and paying players to go there. There are people in high places who do not want this story coming out, and now she’s put her life in danger. (And, of course, my sexy, dominant, cowboy hero is who she’ll have to turn to for protection. Don’t you hate when that happens? *evil grin*) What’s funny is that I had a comment from someone who said something to the effect of “no one’s life would get threatened over a football cheating scandal.” My thought--she must not live in Texas, lol. 

I actually based that part of the story on something that happened with SMU here in Texas in the 80s. I had seen the 30 for 30 special on ESPN about it, and that’s where I got the inspiration. There was a huge cheating scandal exposed, and it revealed a lot of very important, very prominent people who were involved (eventually it came out that even the governor had kept information hidden.) The university was given the “death penalty” for its football program, and it left their program in ruin. It was a huge deal. It’s rumored that it even shut down a newspaper because all the advertising from SMU alum was pulled when they ran the story. So, it didn’t seem like that far a stretch in my story to imagine that some of those prominent people would go pretty far to keep from getting exposed.

So I guess for this book, I’m really glad I’m a sports-loving girl because so much of the inspiration came from ESPN, lol. Now it’s time to start writing a new book. I wonder where the story will come from this time. : )  

I'm giving away one signed print copy of FALL INTO YOU  (U.S./Canada only). Leave a comment with your email for a chance to win!  What inspires you day to day? And if you’re a writer, where’s the strangest place you’ve found a story idea?

Book Blurb:
When tomboy sports reporter Charli Beaumonde loses a dream TV job because she’s not girly enough for primetime, she’s determined to land a big scoop and prove her boss made a mistake. But when she gets too close to a football scandal and finds her life threatened, Charli accepts an offer from family friend Grant Waters to hide out at his place—even if Grant predicts nothing but trouble from his buddy’s hard-headed, uncompromising, irrepressible, younger sister. There’s one more problem…
Grant’s “place” is The Ranch, a BDSM resort in Texas, and he’s used to being in charge —even if that means trying to keep Charli in line. But much to Grant’s surprise, she’s intrigued—even envious—of his trainees. They’re the epitome of what she’s never been: sexy, beguiling, and totally irresistible to a man. Still, Grant doesn’t believe for a minute that the sharp-tongued Charli has it in her to be anyone’s submissive. But Charli’s already on her knees vying for the chance to prove that even the Master can be wrong sometimes.

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. 
If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.
Find her: Website: www.roniloren.com | Twitter: www.twitter.com/roniloren | Facebook: www.facebook.com/roniloren | Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/roniloren


***Roni's winner is Regina!  Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing information!***

16 comments:

andi said...

Not doing this for the book, though after reading your novels who wouldn't want your autograph!?

As long as I'be been at it, I'm inspired every day by writers like you, who have done it, and well..

Lisa W said...

I agree, inspiration is everywhere. It all depends on how you view things!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the first book in the series. Can't wait to read the rest. I love hearing where authors get their ideas.

Rriddles@yahoo.com

Regina said...

Music is my biggest inspiration. If I hear the right piece of music a story practically tells itself. When I'm reading I sometimes hear a soundtrack for a particular scene. Roni, you should here the symphony some of your scenes inspire. :D

Juli Page Morgan said...

I remember the SMU scandal (my favorite team, Arkansas, was in the SWC with them at the time) and it was a huge deal. I also lived in Texas for a time and yes, football is a religion there. :) I have a hard time convincing people that the movie Varsity Blues is pretty much spot on.

The strangest story idea I've had came from a trip to my local television cable company where I do voice overs for commercials. Some of the company big wigs were there and, though they're all really nice people, I started wondering what would happen if they were involved in some sort of kick-back scandal and a former employee found out about it. The book is on the back-burner for now, but I have tons of notes for when I get to it. :)

redjuliet said...

I'm inspired by my friends & family as well as the books I read. I enjoy a good sports story too being a sports fan. Thanks for the giveaway!

Misty said...

I love being able to get up each day and enter a new/different world through a book I'm reading.

greenphotog77 said...

Oh Ronnie you know I love you! LOL :) You were my first "real" erotica/BDSM book. Amazing! You continue to amaze me with your talent for writing. You inspire me! Thank you! xoxo

My son also inspires me every day to be a better person.

macsmom07@gmail.com - Jenn Cruz

Chrisbails said...

My kids are my biggest inspiration. I would do just about anything for them.
I get inspired to do stuff with listening to music, reading books, or talking to cousins or girlfriends.
I want this book. I have heard great things about this author, plus she has some pretty sexy covers that I love, love, love.
Thanks for the chance to win.
christinebails at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I've loved this series of books since I found them on my Kindle. I love your books and look forward to reading more...
Thank you for sharing what inspires you....some days it hard to find inspiration, but my daugther helps me with that. She's my biggest motivator!! :)

shutterbugger@verizon.net- Shelley Newham

krazymama_98 said...

I have enjoyed this series so far. Have not gotten to Fall Into You yet. But I look forward to it.

erin said...

Thanks for the fun post and congrats to Roni on the new release! It's so fun to get the "behind the scenes" on these type of books. Just shows how creative and motivated you are as a writer ;) I think I find motivation from my family. Just knowing that they care and are there every day lifts my spirits :)

efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

pamerd said...

Hi

I loved the first book in this series and I am looking forward to the rest.
I am not a writer however do write reviews and you all inspire me with your stories. But day to day I guess I am inspired by my family.

Thanks for the chance
Pam
tpibrew@msn.com

Leni said...

Nature is what gives me inspiration. Being outside is refreshing and a good way to clear the mind so that is my go-to.

lenikaye@yahoo.com

Maureen said...

My family inspires me day to day and just the idea that you never know what the next day will bring.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Pat Cochran said...

Not a writer and most of my inspiration
comes from my family, immediate and ex-
tended! At our 2012 Christmas gathering,
we had 40 family members attending. Lots
of family to give us lots of inspiration!!

Pat C.