Leslie Hachtel is asking authors of RWW to share where we get our inspiration for stories. Hope you’ve already visited Brenda Margriet.

Inspiration for me usually begins with the main character. Someone from film, TV or a book will deeply affect me and then I have trouble letting go of that character.  I’ll dwell on the qualities that enamored me, and infuse him or her with other traits I like. The evolved character is usually seated in my mind, before beginning the story. I will have envisioned a few scenes of their life and love interest before the written word takes to the page.

The hero tends to comes to me first; hence most of my books are mainly their story. Sometimes, even a picture will inspire me. If they have unique eyes, I’m drawn like a moth to a flame. Occupations are important in my stories and I tend to write about blue collar guys probably because it’s what I’ve been surrounded by growing up and in marriage. My heroes are not afraid to get their hands dirty, in more ways than one. LOL

As a pantser, I’m inspired by heading into the mist. Generally, I have an idea of where the story go but most details evolve as I write. The greatest joy for me in writing is when characters deepen the story in ways I’d not consciously considered. I’ll be typing away when a character will say something or think something that comes out of nowhere adding a new twist.  The story I’m working on now, I didn’t know the heroine’s brother was gay until she said it.

Setting is another inspiration for me. For years I’ve traveled to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for vacations and to visit family.  These rugged and beautiful barrier islands have become a part of me,  inspiring my beach branding and the Seaside Heat series. Making setting a character is another way for the reader to escape their day to day.

Now let’s see what inspires Leslie Hachtel.