How? Why? Where? by Toni Sands
Writing for a sophisticated readership (that’s you) is challenging. All authors face massive competition and unless that magic mixture of story, characters and setting appeals to an editor, you, dear reader, will miss out on our delicious prose!
So how do I find ideas? Many people ask that question and my answer is anywhere and everywhere. Whether I’m drifting off to sleep, walking by the river or hanging the washing, my writer’s antennae are tuned to random thoughts popping into my mind.
Why do I want to write? I love to entertain, whether I’m speaking to a group of readers or creating imaginary worlds. I enjoy writing. It’s as simple as that.
Where do I set my stories? Holidays are full of potential. Taking an escorted tour of Ontario prompted a short story whose heroine slips away from her mainly middle-aged companions to enjoy a steamy night with a gorgeous French Canadian restaurateur who happens to have a delightful, curious, wife.
But it’s Iceland, island of fire and ice, which has evoked mystical images for me. This weird and wonderful country has so many legends and so much angst within its core, it draws me to write about it. It’s a very sexy place to be, believe it or not. I hope you’ll find out by reading Northern Lights if you enjoy contemporary stories. If you fancy a mythological theme, may I point you towards Valkyries Queen? This one is part of the Seducing the Myth collection edited by Lucy Felthouse.
But you won’t find gushing geysers, majestic mountains and simmering thermal pools in Fast and Foxy. Here, a motorway hold-up catapults cougar businesswoman Roxanne into an encounter with a hot young guy driving a Bentley. By the way, she’s driving a Mercedes. This dialogue gives, I hope, a flavour of the delights to come.
‘Cool car. Do you enjoy it?’
The words hung. ‘Immensely,’ she said. ‘I like the quick response. And staying power.’
She watched his eyes watching her lips. He picked up a sugar sachet and ripped it open, pausing before letting it surge into his cup. He still didn’t look away. Her slow-burning arousal was difficult to contain. She unbuttoned her jacket and leaned forward, displaying her cleavage. She liked the way his eyes darkened. She watched him lick his lips, knowing he could see her stiff nipples. It was obvious what was on both their minds.
‘I don’t play games, Grant. I adore younger men, as long as they’re up for the challenge. Do you fall into that category? Or did you just fancy a little ride in my Mercedes?’
You’ll need to read the story to discover the mundane yet bizarre surroundings they choose to show how much each one turns the other on. Roxanne’s a foxy lady, used to having her way. But she melts under Grant’s touch, is touched by the depth of this young man’s tenderness towards her. What gave me the idea for this story? I was being driven along the M4 one morning when we were overtaken by an open top sports car that screamed ‘babe magnet.’ The driver looked the real deal and I knew I must write about him and the foxy lady he would overtake a few miles later.
So, do I fancy all my heroes? In a word, Yes. Of course I do. I want my readers to fall in love with gorgeous Grant as well as my arrogant Norse God. I want them to imagine being seduced by captivating Conall or horny Icelandic plumber Arni. Meek men with lettuce leaf handshakes don’t figure in my writing. Sensitive, gentle guys who love with their minds as well as, erm, other parts of their anatomy, deserve an attractive heroine.
And these heroines are usually feisty. They come, to coin a phrase, in all shapes and sizes. Zia and Conall, who star in my novella Taming the Wild Man, inhabit different worlds. Literally. This poses a huge problem for the couple but it’s down to Zia to sort it.
I wanted main character Adelaide Beauchamp (she’d love you to befriend her on Facebook) to be as independent as a single young Victorian lady could be. This involved sorting out finances and making her a strong character despite the vulnerability caused by her sexuality. Adelaide’s passions fluctuate but she won’t be put upon. Orchid Pink took me into the 1900 era and evolved from an original short story featuring a mistress and her maid.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about my writing. If you have time to check out my website, that would be great. Many thanks for having me here.
Toni
x
My website is www.tonisands.co.uk
You can follow me on Twitter @tonisands
Toni Sands is on Facebook but Adelaide Beauchamp’s the one with the orchids
Orchid Pink http://youtu.be/0T9boF2dykA
Why not visit The Secret Library then follow the link to Xcite Books?