MOTIVATION: MINE, THEIRS AND OURS
by Christina Hollis
As a relatively new Presents author, it’s difficult for me to make sweeping generalisations about writing for the line. However, I’ve been a published writer in other genres for nearly twenty years, and in that time I’ve noticed a number of themes common to all types of writing.
My own motivation for writing is the sheer, unadulterated pleasure I get from story telling. When younger, I made things up to shield myself from an unhappy childhood. I could retreat to that secret place inside my head – the one where fear was under my control. Reading romance was another escape route. It wasn’t long before these two strands became intertwined. Moulding my idea of an Alpha male into a new hero, or confronting a heroine with a dilemma gets me out of bed in the mornings. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next! I used to be a photojournalist. Making things up is a big mistake in that field, but the desire to create something with mind and/or hands is exactly the same. The search for the perfect image – whether with a viewfinder or a computer keyboard – never ends.
Presents stories revolve around conflict, but that doesn’t mean hero and heroine must be at each other’s throats all the time. Sabrina Philip’s blog earlier in this series highlighted the need for the hero and heroine’s motivation to grow naturally out of their characters. A man or woman with a past can’t help having an interesting present, and gives the plot a future. Kate Walker’s favourite question ‘why?’ is an invaluable aid to instilling depth. In my December release, The Ruthless Italian’s Inexperienced Wife, Cheryl Lane escaped into the innocent world of caring for children because her first serious boyfriend was so cruel to her. Marco Rossi needs a nanny because his dedication to work resulted in his nephew being orphaned. He focused on work so completely because he wanted to dull the pain of being betrayed by a woman, years before. Over the course of the book Cheryl and Marco learn to trust each other, despite their turbulent histories.
And finally – what makes us, the readers, choose a Presents novel? The line ‘…international affairs, seduction and passion guaranteed’ says it all. Pick up a book by Penny Jordan, Sharon Kendrick or any other Presents writer and you’ll be whisked away to exotic locations. Sun, sea and sand are always popular – especially as an escape from the bleak midwinter. After a hard day’s work at home or in the office, what better way to relax than reading about spas, harems, executive jets and luxury villas. We readers get all the pleasure, with none of the chores or bills! And all we need do to change our fantasy residence from an Argentine stud farm to a luxurious Swiss hideaway is to turn the page. Wherever we choose to go, in a Presents novel we can be sure the man of our dreams will be waiting for us. He’ll sweep us off our feet as the heroine struggles to find her life partner within the lone wolf.
Visit my blog at www.christinahollis.com for a chance to win signed books, including a copy of The Ruthless Italian’s Inexperienced Wife!
