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Sep
5 2011 | ||
This is the last day of the contest. Tomorrow I’ll be announcing not only today’s winner of a signed copy of Inside Out, but the Grand Prize #2 winner as well. Good luck all!
Instead of an excerpt, today I wanted to re-post a guest blog I particularly liked and felt encapsulated NEVER ENOUGH and Gillian in particular to me.
The End of a Series – Finding the Right Heroine: Meet Gillian Forrester
Over the course of the books, readers get invested in the lives of the characters – or that’s the ultimate hope on my part, that readers connect with my characters. As each book ends and another couple has its HEA, the sense of anticipation builds for that last one.
I’m totally guilty of this as a reader myself. I watch those secondary characters who grow over the years, over the stories as he or she watches those they love finding their match and I can’t wait for their happy ending as well.
When it’s a hero, the key is to put him with the right kind of heroine. And to accept that no matter who you put him with, she’ll probably never be good enough for some folks – it’s that connection we have, I think. How can anyone be good enough for that character you’ve loved so long?
Back to the heroine again – she’s got a big job. She has to win over those readers who are going to demand the very best, totally perfect partner for him (or in the m/m instance, the perfect hero). The problem is that there are as many ideas of what the perfect heroine is as there are people reading that book, LOL!
When I was writing Coming Undone, I thought Adrian’s book would be the third and Cope’s the last. But as I started sketching out the story, I realized Adrian wasn’t ready to fall in love and that Cope needed it a lot more and was open to it so much more readily.
And then I thought about how the woman I’d originally planned for Cope was totally all wrong for him and that’s when I realized his heroine had been with the series all along in Ella.
So I really sat down and thought about Adrian and what sort of story he needed. What sort of heroine he needed. And the first thing that came to me was that she should be as private as his life was public.
She should be protective of her family as he was of his own. And see it as integral as he did. She needed to be raw and honest but buttoned up and reserved. He needed to work for her in a way he’d never had to before.
Creative, as he is. Artistic. I wanted her to understand music the way Adrian would. I wanted her to know what it meant to have creation be integral to her life. But I gave her some different twists in the road and made other choices. Choices she made and does not regret. I wanted her to absolutely have a sense of her path and to be there fully and happily.
She’s a mother. A fierce, no nonsense mother and the scenes I began to understand her the most at first, were those with Miles. And I think for Adrian the same is true.
She does not love or trust easily, but once she does, she does deeply and forever. Like Adrian, she has a close circle. While not her biological family, they are the family she’s made with her friends. Miles comes from a large, close group just as Adrian does. Gillian has made this for their son and it’s something I felt quite strongly would be a necessity for a man like Adrian.
In short, she needed to be smart, strong, loyal, brave, honest and loving – and in a package Adrian wouldn’t necessarily expect. He works hard for his success, but women fall into his lap right and left. He doesn’t need easy. He needs to be challenged and Gillian is that for him.
But she definitely needed to be knocked off kilter. Repeatedly. Had to be uncomfortable and off balance and keep going because it was about Miles. At first. And then it was because she doesn’t have the life he does and she absolutely needed to buy none of his bull and accept all of him, flaws and all. Above all, Adrian Brown needs to be loved for Adrian the man, not Adrian the rock star. And Gillian does.
They’re very much alike in all the ways that count. Enough that it’s those like issues that get them into trouble. They bicker a lot, which he’s endlessly amused by and he gets under her skin enough to charm her. It’s that safety they find together, that intimacy that’s the key to their connection. Even when it’s shaken by a dark secret she’s held on to for years, that connection is still there, though it’s a challenge for the two of them to remember.
I wanted Gillian to be worth the struggle. Because Adrian is. And I think she is. I hope you all think so too.
September 5th, 2011 at 4:35 am · Link
I love the decription of your charaters. How their similarities were both obstacle and a bridge. I understand the difficulties of not trusting someone, especially when it comes to your children. As a single parent protecting your children is priority one. Even at the risk of putting your life on hold until they are old enough to protect themselves, not sure when that happens. But to let someone in, and then not only trust them with your heart, but that of your childs, is a huge leap of faith. If it works I am sure can be the greatest of blessing. But when it fails can leave you even more gaurded, and a bit more overprotective. From this excerpt, seems like you nailed it.
September 5th, 2011 at 4:49 am · Link
Sounds like you gave this book very careful thought and it had to be tough to make the story live up to that unbelievable cover. That cover is one of the best I have ever seen, Adrian the epitome of alpha and handsomeness if that is a word.
September 5th, 2011 at 6:15 am · Link
Great post about the process of the coming together Of Gillian and Adrian for their story.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:04 am · Link
Your post was very interesting. I’m a reader that gets very invested in the characters of a book I’m reading and I like how you talked about your characters and how they fit together.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:05 am · Link
Thanks! Love all of your books. Meg
September 5th, 2011 at 7:30 am · Link
Thank you for posting that tidbit about Gillian. I agree that readers get invested in characters lives and want more. Even after the characters have their own HEA, I love seeing what happens next. I have been waiting to see how Adrian falls in love, so excited!
September 5th, 2011 at 7:38 am · Link
Thanks for giving us insight into how you chose Adrian’s heroine. Can’t wait to read Never Enough.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:48 am · Link
Can’t wait !!!!! 😉
September 5th, 2011 at 7:54 am · Link
Can’t wait for this book!
September 5th, 2011 at 7:58 am · Link
I may have to take a sick day to read it!
September 5th, 2011 at 8:05 am · Link
Hi
I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for the giveaways.
September 5th, 2011 at 8:08 am · Link
I am so critical of heroines. One of the reasons I enjoy your books so much is the fact that I can find very little to make my eye twitch. I appreciate your efforts to stop the “idiot heorine” syndrome. Thank you for the contest and the wonderful books.
September 5th, 2011 at 8:22 am · Link
Can’t wait to read Adrian and Gillian!
September 5th, 2011 at 8:24 am · Link
This sounds soooo interesting. I cannot wait to read.
September 5th, 2011 at 9:10 am · Link
Thanks for sharing this insight into a heroine. The story sounds great:
September 5th, 2011 at 9:30 am · Link
Ooooh. I still haven’t gotten around to purchasing this series yet but all of these peek-in-the-window snippets you’ve been sharing are definitely moving it further up “the list”. I like the women to be strong, independent, take-no-crap types. 😀
September 5th, 2011 at 10:05 am · Link
One thing I love about this series is the strong women (with an absolute favorite in Elise) and their attitude toward motherhood. It makes me feel very close to them in a way few other heroin would be able to.
I am really looking forward to meet Gillian and to see how Adrian will take down her defenses.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:06 am · Link
Love this. Great post…can’t wait for tomorrow, finally NEVER ENOUGH!! 🙂
September 5th, 2011 at 10:11 am · Link
I haven’t read this series yet, but am looking forward it. I enjoy a series that deals with different members of a family. I read one that dealt with the same women and her different trials and tribulations and I’m sorry to say but after 5 books, I found I wasn’t looking forward to the next, although I did buy and read it. I like that different people bring different dynamics and therefore a whole new story.
Kudos to whoever does your covers. 😉 Those alone would have me checking out your books!
September 5th, 2011 at 10:13 am · Link
Great post; I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward in reading Never Enough.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:20 am · Link
I am drawn to characters who have a lot to overcome and are stuggling on their way to happiness. It makes the journey worthwhile to me to see them overcome all this, face their fears and in the end deserve their HEA.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:27 am · Link
I’m so excited for this book!!!
September 5th, 2011 at 11:18 am · Link
Your books are so great! Can’t wait for the next one to be released!
September 5th, 2011 at 11:46 am · Link
I am so very excited for Adrian’s story. I am glad that you gave him a strong heroine that is is equal. Gillian and Adrian are the perfect couple to finish the series. Tomorrow can’t get her soon enough…LOL
Thank you Lauren for the fantastic posts leading up to the release of Never Enough.
September 5th, 2011 at 12:03 pm · Link
I can’t wait for this book!!
September 5th, 2011 at 12:15 pm · Link
thank you for all the great giveaways 🙂
September 5th, 2011 at 12:18 pm · Link
I know I will love Gillian just from the excerpts you’ve posted. I will miss this series – loved it so.
Thank you.
September 5th, 2011 at 1:04 pm · Link
Can’t wait to read Gillian and Adrian’s story.
September 5th, 2011 at 1:05 pm · Link
Cannot wait to read this book. Have loved revisiting the other couple in the series. I am glad you waited for Gillian to make her appearance.
September 5th, 2011 at 2:22 pm · Link
You always do a great job of finding the perfect fit your characters and I am really looking forward to reading this series. I have them all but I like to read them all at once…so, I have been waiting for the release of Never Enough.
September 5th, 2011 at 2:28 pm · Link
This is why I love blogs… I find wonderful books I hadn’t known about. Love the Chase Brother books, can’t wait to read more of your books! =D
emilytardy@yahoo.com
September 5th, 2011 at 2:40 pm · Link
I love reading about how an author puts a story together! I think the characters are the most important part of a good read, so I appreciate an author who gives so much thought to getting that right.
September 5th, 2011 at 2:41 pm · Link
I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it, I’m about to loose control…
Loved the first three books in this series! Getting a little antsy waiting for the new book…similar to the behavior of small children on a sugar-rush 😉
Thanks for the giveaway. Have a great day!
September 5th, 2011 at 2:46 pm · Link
Thank you for the break down of the character. It’s great to see everything that goes in to developing an amazing character for an amazing book.
September 5th, 2011 at 3:49 pm · Link
Can’t wait! This is cool.
September 5th, 2011 at 3:57 pm · Link
Sounds great and can’t wait to read it!
September 5th, 2011 at 4:03 pm · Link
Worth the wait. Sounds great, hope mine gets delivered early tomorrow.
September 5th, 2011 at 4:21 pm · Link
No, no not the last already!
It must be hard for authors to make all the details work out and sounding like the only solution of course!
September 5th, 2011 at 4:28 pm · Link
Great post.Can’t wait to read it.
September 5th, 2011 at 4:41 pm · Link
Gillian sounds like a great heroine! And I can’t wait to see how it works out for her and Adrian!=)
they seem perfect for each other so far!;)
thank you so much for all of these giveaways it’s been So much FUN!:)
and thank you for keeping it open for international entries!:P
Love your books! Have a great release day tomorrow!:*
September 5th, 2011 at 4:42 pm · Link
Im so ready for this book to come out, saving Adrian for last was perfect and Gillian seems to be his perfect match! Lauren I love how you put some much thought into your characters, you truely are a joy to read!!! 😉
September 5th, 2011 at 4:48 pm · Link
That’s beautiful. So glad you care so much about your characters and you consider your readers’ feelings (becoming more and more precious in this day and age). Can’t wait for their story- already have it preordered to be downloaded tomorrow morning 🙂
September 5th, 2011 at 5:03 pm · Link
Isn’t that what love is all about – being love for who you are, not all the external trappings?
September 5th, 2011 at 5:06 pm · Link
I can’t wait to read this. I love all the characters and can’t wait to see how it works out for Adrian.
September 5th, 2011 at 5:22 pm · Link
Can’t wait to get this book!! I love your thought process into how these two charaters interact together, and with Miles. an additional concern. Having to include a child in a story and have to highlight their relationships with both main charters is an art, and one I love to watch unfold.
September 5th, 2011 at 5:32 pm · Link
i love love loved the excerpt you did of this book. Sounds like Gillian is not going to take his shit and I like that. His being rich and famous doesn’t mean anything to her
September 5th, 2011 at 5:39 pm · Link
This was a great post giving us more wonderful insight into these characters. I’m sad this is the end of this super good series.
September 5th, 2011 at 5:59 pm · Link
It’s almost here! I can hardly wait. I just hope that my local bookstore has the book in stock or I will have to order it. I can hardly wait to meet Gillian.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:06 pm · Link
Thanks for this–I like reading about the backstory of the series. And midnight, right???? 😉
September 5th, 2011 at 8:31 pm · Link
I pre ordered mine and I hope it’s at my office tommorow. I just finished Once and Again and loved it. But I want more Lauren. Do we get more?