Finding the Unique

by Angi Morgan

(repost from Just Romantic Suspense)

  

 Where does a unique story come from? Since the seven basic storylines have been listed and reinvented, why do we continue to tell stories? What within each book makes us pick up another and like it for its own story? Or perhaps not like it at all? What makes each story we tell unique?

I’ve blogged about how locations inspire my stories and my characters’ actions. I've written about how the location influences the plot or how I get ideas because of a location I've visited. Individuals in my life and the world around me play an important part, too.  Things like the news, what I hear, a T-shirt in an airport, observing folks out for their evening walk…and even getting my makeup touched up for a party.

My challenger and inspiration for my heroine

 puts the finishing touches

on author BJ Daniels.

Last summer I went to a makeover party and the makeup artist asked how I thought up different stories. I replied that everything inspired me. She didn’t believe that having my makeup done could inspire a romantic suspense.

CHALLENGE

ACCEPTED

 

It took only minutes to realize that her occupation was exactly what I needed for my next proposal. Days later, a new heroine had been created. 

BULLETPROOF BADGE

Texas Rangers: Elite Troop #1

Harlequin Intrigue February 2016

Kenderly Tyler had been hired by a mobster's wife to fix her hair and makeup before an important dinner. My heroine witnessed her client’s murder and needed to be rescued by my hero. BULLETPROOF BADGE (I’ve been told and reminded by my critique partner) was one of the most organic stories I’ve written. The occupations of the characters drove the plot. Each scene grew from the previous. I can’t say it was the easiest I’ve written, but it’s definitely one I had a lot of fun finishing.

I write “on-the-run, heroine-in-jeopardy” stories set in Texas. That’s my personal “basic” storyline. But hopefully each story is told in a very unique way. Marshals, sheriffs, cops, federal agents and cowboys pair up with scientists, cops, shop owners, astronomers, agents and beauticians in major cities and small towns. I shouldn’t run out of ways to make them different. There’s just too many cities, things to see and people around my home state to ever have to repeat myself.  

Writers continually accept the challenge to make our stories unique with each book. Put ten authors in a room, give them the same facts, and at least ten stories will be born. Remember those seven basic plots? Even the story of Beauty and the Beast changes if “Beauty” is the hero.

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Giveaway

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GIVEAWAY

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My heroine in BULLETPROOF BADGE has a special saying. Sweet Sweet Thelma is something she heard while growing up. 

Hashtag (#) what inspires you or a favorite saying. Or I'd love for you to post or tweet about this article using #SweetSweetThelma.