When it came time to choose a sexy, alpha job for the hero of my new book, Hungry for More, I knew none of the standbys would work. My heroine is a Gypsy, too unconventional and outside of mainstream society to relate to the typical alpha guy.So what career would suit James, my sensual, tough, in-command, but unconventional hero?
One episode of Hell's Kitchen, and I knew the man had to be a chef. (Have you seen this show? You must watch it!)
Okay, so research, always a favorite pursuit of mine, may have gotten a little out of hand for Hungry for More. I had to start eating out more, talking to restaurant people, understanding what makes them click. Luckily, I live in Philadelphia, where the restaurant scene is exploding with cocky, brash executive chefs taking huge risks to make their marks.
These men are ultra-competitive and at the same time very passionate. I was going to all the area’s acclaimed restaurants, talking to everyone I could, thinking, would my hero James cook here? Would James cook this?
All that eating out was hard work, but someone had to do it. And I think it makes Hungry for More a more authentic experience. I used parts of the décor of the beautiful XIX restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel on Walnut Street; borrowed the to-die-for menu of the Brasserie Perrier; and based the hero, James, on the chef from….
It's very sexy.
I think James puts it best:
Yum.
So what will the hero in my next book do for a living?
He definitely won’t be a chef. I’ve already gained almost ten pounds! Maybe a personal trainer?
What's your favorite romance novel hero career?
One episode of Hell's Kitchen, and I knew the man had to be a chef. (Have you seen this show? You must watch it!)
Okay, so research, always a favorite pursuit of mine, may have gotten a little out of hand for Hungry for More. I had to start eating out more, talking to restaurant people, understanding what makes them click. Luckily, I live in Philadelphia, where the restaurant scene is exploding with cocky, brash executive chefs taking huge risks to make their marks.
These men are ultra-competitive and at the same time very passionate. I was going to all the area’s acclaimed restaurants, talking to everyone I could, thinking, would my hero James cook here? Would James cook this?
All that eating out was hard work, but someone had to do it. And I think it makes Hungry for More a more authentic experience. I used parts of the décor of the beautiful XIX restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel on Walnut Street; borrowed the to-die-for menu of the Brasserie Perrier; and based the hero, James, on the chef from….
...I’m not telling. I wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone. It feels too personal. But I did take traits of real chefs and gave them to James. There’s just so much personality and richness in men who live to make spectacular food. They’re like vampires, living opposite of the rest of society, working nights and weekends, sleeping all day, living for the extremes of sensual pleasure. Their working conditions can be demanding and dangerous. But they don’t care. All they care about is getting the food right.
It's very sexy.
I think James puts it best:
"Cooking, like making love, is best done right or not at all."
Yum.
So what will the hero in my next book do for a living?
He definitely won’t be a chef. I’ve already gained almost ten pounds! Maybe a personal trainer?
What's your favorite romance novel hero career?
--Diana
http://dianaholquist.com
Hungry for More, Grand Central Books, coming September '08
Sexiest Man Alive, RITA finalist, Grand Central Books, in stores now!
