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!***