8/21/2015

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. 

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
Leave a comment and enter the Rafflecopter drawing for some fun swag and an autographed book.
Giveaway is through Rafflecopter and ends on September 13th. Contestants who enter through the Rafflecopter drawing can register for additional chances. By leaving a comment, click the rafflecopter comment and receive extra entries into the Rafflecopter drawing.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

27 comments:

  1. Sweet sweet Thelma... is anybody out there today?
    LOL

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  2. Love this story! :) Challenge accepted indeed!

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    1. Thanks Lynn !
      It was crazy...told my agent the next day and she got a big kick out of it.

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  3. Wow, what a great story of inspiration. My favorite thing to do is brainstorming with other writer friends. All you need is the seed of an idea and we're off! The book sounds great! What fun.

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    1. Thanks Jan.
      I'm definitely an audible plotter/pantser. I need to say what I'm thinking out loud to someone, have them agree, and then I'm good.

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  4. I want to win because I love your books.

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    1. I so appreciate readers who know what they like !!
      Thanks Tammy!

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  5. What a great story. I love your book Angi, thanks for the great giveaway.

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  6. What a wonderful post, I loved the makeup story as well as all your books.

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    1. Thank you !!
      That's always so wonderful to hear !

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  7. I love this, Angi! Inspiration can come from many places. Sometimes, what people said end up in mine.

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    1. TOTALLY !!
      My daughter always warns her friends that they'll end up in a book one day !

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  8. Why not a makeup or hair stylist? The secrets they must know would probably fill several book plots. LOL! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  9. You are a new author to me so I am looking forward to getting to know your books. Thank you for the giveaway

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  10. What better place to set a good intrigue. The West has all the elements that add to a good story. Wide open country that can be unforgiving in its ruggedness and weather. Strong, independent people used to working hard and doing what needs to be done. Will be looking for more of your books.

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  11. Thanks for the giveaway!! I love your books <3

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  12. Replies
    1. I'll have another next month DISMISE !
      Hope you'll check that one out too. You can find it on my Facebook page.

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