When I first started writing, I never looked for inspiration images for my characters. I simply let them form in my mind and worked from there. However, when it came time to design my covers, my publishers kept asking for images of what my hero and heroine looked like as a starting point for selecting models for the photo shoots. I quickly learned that having images handy saved me time and effort later. However, it was more of a chore than a delight.
Then I got a brilliant idea. Why not let my readers decide what they want my heroes and heroines to look like? So I started asking them. Each time I begin brainstorming a new project, one of the first questions I ask my Posse (my Facebook fan group, please join if you want to get in on the brainstorming action) is to help me find images that they think will match my description. I give them a brief sketch of the story premise along with some personality and physical description notes for my characters, then ask them to post pics. Most come from the celebrity arena, but I also find some good ones of “normal” people from my readers’ lives. In fact, the heroine picture I chose for Abigail in More Than Words Can Say came from just such a source.
She has the perfect dimples, the right color hair, and eyes that show strength as well as vulnerability. She would make the perfect Abigail.
When it came to selecting a photo for Zach Hamilton, things got really fun. Everyone had met Zach already in More Than Meets the Eye, and people definitely had strong opinions about who this tall, swarthy hero should look like. We ended up with these four finalists:
Which of these hunky heroes would you vote for?
More Than Words Can Say releases June 4. Pre-order now!
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They are all good choices! But I’d vote for #1. He looks strong but there is a touch of vulnerability and tenderness in his eyes.
Definitely #1. How could you not fall for those eyes!!!!
If pick #1. He fits the bill!
Sorry (I’d pick #1)
I am going to pick #3. He seems the kindest.
I’m choosing #1! 😍
#3! Those eyes!!!!!
Keep the votes coming! 🙂
I love that you chose as reader’s pictures as your heroine’s inspiration! And I’d choose #3 as Zach! 🙂
All good choices! I love Jason Momoa (#2) on screen. But I’m going to vote for #3 because he seems to pair well with this particular heroine.
I agree with Becky W – #3 pairs really well with that sweet heroine! (not that I would turn down any of the other 3! 😉 )
I have to go with #1 because I really like him in Hallmark movies!
Definitely #1…. he just looks like Zach to me.
I’d choose #3, but I also think #1 would work.
#1 fits Zach all the way!
I would have to go for #1 as well, with #3 as a not too distant second choice!
I like #3. I just finished More than Meets the Eye today. I listened to the Audiobook and LOVED the story. It was the first of your books I’ve read and I don’t believe it will be the last. The favorite thing about this story was that the hero and heroine weren’t always at odds with each other. More often they were working together toward an end neither quite understood, but still they were not fighting. I get so tired of stories that pit the hero and heroine against each other again and again. Thanks for the extraordinary plot and message.
Yay, Rebecca. So glad you enjoyed Logan and Evie’s story. I, too, get tired of the love/hate relationship often portrayed in romance novels. I’m a firm believer that sparks can fly even when two people are being kind to each other. 🙂
I would vote for #3. I’m SO excited to read this book!
Hmmmm….I’d definitely go with #3.
1 or 3…they’re both kind and strong