by Anne Oliver, author of Memoirs of a Millionaire’s Mistress (Harlequin Presents, April 2010)
Does this happen to you? Back in August 2008, less than an hour after I typed The End on my latest manuscript, I was enjoying a shower when the opening scene of the next book flashed into my mind…
Mr Gorgeous Businessman approaching a bedraggled woman who’s struggling with a bag of belongings and an abandoned cat in a box. It’s raining and she’s locked out of her run-down apartment building in inner suburban Melbourne. She hasn’t lost her key, so why is she locked out? And why doesn’t she phone someone for help?
I couldn’t wait to find out.
But no woman in her right mind would accept a lift from a total stranger no matter how gorgeous and genuine he appears to be so I needed an opening where my characters meet earlier…and clash. (So she knows this guy is trustworthy, even if she doesn’t quite trust herself…)
The next evening while tossing around ideas about how I might make this work, I was watching a current affairs program about women wreaking their revenge on ex-boyfriends/partners through a Don’t-date-him website. And I had my opening scene. Magic timing.
The Romance Writers of Australia’s conference was just around the corner — in Melbourne coincidentally; more timing magic — providing an opportunity to research locations.
The beautiful conference venue was a perfect place for Didi and Cameron to spend the night. I found an abandoned warehouse for Cameron’s drop-in centre for disadvantaged youth. There were so many unique buildings in Melbourne’s inner suburbs it was hard to choose one for Didi’s apartment building. And plenty of skyscrapers for Cam’s penthouse.
Didi’s apartment may have looked like this.
Cam might have met Didi beneath this sheltered doorway.
Or maybe she looked out of these quaint windows.
One view from Cameron’s penthouse apartment.
Another view from Cameron’s penthouse with the River Yarra.
Perhaps the old warehouse that Cam converted to a drop in centre for the disadvantaged
The lobby of the hotel where Cam and Didi spent the night.
Don’t you love those odd coincidences when you’re writing that make everything fall into place and seem to tell you you’re on the right track?
The opening of this story was truly BRILLIANT – and I LOVED all that followed. I’m now praying an idea as good will fall into my lap so to speak
Rach!
Oh, I love when that happens–all those lovely coincidences that simply underline the fact that you *must* write that particular story!
Hi, Anne! They say “timing is everything”. Many times in my own life, I have noticed that I have the worst “timing” of anyone I know : ) After reading this line from your post: “Mr Gorgeous Businessman approaching a bedraggled woman who’s struggling with a bag of belongings and an abandoned cat in a box.”, I had to check out the book! Wow! The excerpt has me hooked! The cover is very nice, and the green dress is so pretty. The pose of the man and woman is lovely, intimate without being overt. Loved the “neighborhood” photos : )
Hi Rachael and Caitlin,
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, sometimes those words just drop into your WIP, other times you have to dig deep. With this book everything fell into place with a minimum of pain, which made it a joy to write. I hope you find your words soon too, Rachael.
Virginia, hi, and I’m sure there must be some ‘times’ when you’re spot on. I’m glad you enjoyed the shots of Melbourne. It’s a lovely city and I like setting my stories there. And yes, the cover photo is just how I imagined Didi, which was a bonus. Hope you enjoy the story.
Anne
Hi Anne – I enjoyed reading the background and coincidences that led to Cam and Didi’s story
I looooved “Memoirs” 
Thank you Joanne,
Glad you enjoyed it.
Anne
Hi Anne,
I’m looking forward to reading this book and not just because of the title! By the way, I thought you might like to know that the hotel in your last picture also inspired one of my books. My own current release starts there! Obviously great minds thinking alike!
All the best,
Annie
Great photos Anne! I really liked Melbourne when I visited the city years ago, though I was only there for one day. I must admit, though, we walked through a park after dark and I was a little spooked when I realized there were possums EVERYWHERE!
~Amy
I look forward to reading your latest book, Annie! It’s a lovely hotel lobby isn’t it? I think it’s inspired a few stories.
Amy, thanks for dropping by. Maybe try the park in the daytime next visit…
Anne
Anne, sorry I’m so late! Just have to say I know exactly what you mean. It’s amazing how it can all fall into place. Sometimes I’m not sure whether its true serindipity, or whether my tortuous brain somehow manages to weave events that strike my subconscious in to shape the plot as a matter of course.
I so enjoyed your ‘Memoirs’–another brilliant Anne Oliver read–and it’s fantastic to see the pics here of the settings I visualised while I was wallowing in your delightful story.
Great post!
anna x
Serendipity that should be! What a tricky little word!
Hi Anna,
thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed Memoirs and I’m looking forward to your next read. It feels like ages since I read an Anna Cleary. Do enjoy your upcoming trip, hope you find lots of inspiring ideas for your next.
Anne
Pingback: Cruisin’ the Blog & Member’s News « Romance Writers of Australia