Writing this particular novella was a thrilling experience. In the main because I dabbled with a murder mystery plot, yet a romance is at its heart. I love stories involving scandal/s. Hence, Georgette's disgrace and fall from favour has more to do with gossip mongers than any guilt for her part beyond that of finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong moment.
Infamous Rival is set against the backdrop of London, Bath and Wells, and as always happens with any novel/las that I end up penning, this story came to me in a glorious overnight dream movie. All the characters stem from viewing portraits a few days beforehand, of which most are featured within the book trailer below. I count myself lucky in the ease with which my characters enter play and take centre stage. Needless to say the image below is Georgette (L) and her misguided and dangerous rival Eliza (R).
Book's blurb:
Once the darling of the beau monde, Georgette Lady Beaumont’s reputation lies in tatters after the apparent suicide of Lord Brockenbury’s heir. Shunned by society she embraces a secretive lifestyle in which she endeavours to evade Adam Brockenbury, whom she loathes as much as he desires her. Believing him capable of murder to gain his heart’ desire, she is not alone in thinking his elder brother’s death as somewhat suspicious, and whilst on a clandestine visit to her dearest friends she encounters a stranger of note.
Her travelling companion, although of charming disposition and of considerable handsomeness, something about him airs dark and secretive but unmitigated mutual attraction exists that neither can deny. Unfortunately he’s a Brockebury too, and as love, jealousy and hate take precedence, three murders are committed and Georgette quite believes she will be the murderer’s next victim, but who is the real murderer?
So tell me, how do your characters materialise?
Do you know them before you start writing or do you struggle to visualise them as you write?
See more book trailers here.
