by Sharon Kendrick, author of Too Proud to Be Bought (Harlequin Presents, September 2011)
The question I’m asked most often is where I get my ideas from and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes it’s seeing a look passed between two people. Or hearing a snatch of music which makes your heart swell with emotion. And sometimes an idea is fired up by a story which someone tells you. That’s how my latest book TOO PROUD TO BE BOUGHT came about. I heard a tale about real hardship and a mother’s courage and I took that idea and turned it on its head – and that’s how Nikolai Komarov was born.
I’d never written a Russian hero before. I’d always been perfectly happy telling the stories of powerful Sheikhs or sexy Greeks and Italians. In fact, Nikolai didn’t look anything like my usual heroes and to be honest, I felt a little unfaithful when I became captivated by this cold oligarch with his glacial blue eyes and hair of beaten gold!
I wanted to capture the essence of a man who had known the sweeping and often stark beauty which is Russia. Who had been part of its often turbulent history. A man who had overcome all the odds to become a success — but whose heart, as a result — was like ice.
And then I had to think about what kind of woman would melt that heart – and Zara Evans raised her head and said, “Me, me!”. Actually, that’s not strictly true. Zara did her best to resist Nikolai because she knew that he was complicated. Trouble. Too hard. Too judgemental. Too damaged. Too…everything.
I confess that when I was writing the story, I was influenced by one of my favourite films of all time – a film which captures the Russia which lives in all our imaginations. You know I’m talking Dr. Zhivago here, don’t you? This film features a piece of music which makes me sigh with pleasure every time I hear it. It’s called Lara’s Theme.
So, if you want your own heartstrings to be unashamedly tugged, then why not click on the play button and lose yourself in the beautiful sound of the balalaika – along with some unforgettable images of Russia.
And tell me what piece of music makes you dissolve, like sugar in coffee?
Sharon – lurved this story. The opening is so magical and Zara and Nikolai are GORGEous!
There’s something so cool and aloof about a Russian hero, all that icy control just begging to be thawed.
x Abby
Ah, Abby – that’s lovely to hear. Thank you. And you capture Nikolai’s allure so perfectly with your words “all that icy control just begging to be thawed.”
Sounds like another great book, Sharon!
Dr. Zhivago is my sister’s favorite movie. She has a lovely little music box that plays Lara’s Theme. She has had it since she was a little girl and it is one of her most cherished possessions.
What I admire about yor writing Sharon, is the fact that you develop your ideas and observations into a tight net of higly enjoyable romance. Having the ideas is one thing, creating something that many amongst us look forward to buying, is the achievement.
Well done! And thank you for webbing your lines on and on into your future creations!! Has the new idea already popped up?
Dan, ask your sister if she loves the scene where the spring-time daffodils melt away the memory of the snow and bitter winter…it’s just magical.
Helene, thank you for your kind words. A new idea HAS popped up and I’m halfway through a book at the moment. Trouble is that I’ve hit the middle and as every writer knows, it’s sometimes a challenge to keep the middle pacy, emotional and compelling…
Dear Sharon, it sounds fantastic, so vivid that I can see the characters already! I also loved Dr Zhivago, one of the all-time classics, along with Casablanca, Play it again Sam!
Love the idea of a hero infused with the different aspects of his country’s beauty and hardships. And there’s nothing like a woman knowing better, but being drawn in, apparently against her will. An intoxicating combination, resulting in no doubt, another compelling read.
Or surely, “Play it again, Yuri!”?
So excited to read your Russian Sharon! Have it on my bedside table ready to go. As for the piece of music – absolutely the most gorgeous piece of music I think I’ve ever heard has to be Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings – featured in a couple of great Hollywood movies. Gives me goosebumps.
Jen
Alison, as you say – the idea of a woman being drawn into a love affair against her will makes for a compelling story. And yes, Nikolai has definitely been forged by his country’s beauty and hardships.
Jennifer, totally agree that Barber’s Adagio for Strings is the most delicious, goose-bump provoking music. In fact, I don’t have it – and later on I shall download it, so thanks for reminding me just how good it is!
Sharon, I just loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I’d reached the end.
Thanks also for the reminder of one of my all time favourite films. Like you I love Lara’s Theme.
Looking forward to your next book!
Thanks, Rachael.
I’m definitely going to have to watch Dr. Zhivago again!
Sharon, your Russian sounds wonderful, can’t wait to read. And I love the images on that youtube – just gorgeous!
What turns me to mush? A song by Nick Cave – Into My Arms – it’s music and words, but the words are such rich poetry, I love it. Always puts me in the mood to write romance.
Sob.Sob. Reaches for tissues….
Thanks for that Sharon
I loved Too Proud to be Bought – fabulous.
Trish, I don’t know this song by Nick Cave at all – but a mush-turner is a good enough recommendation and am off to listen to it….
Ooh, thank you Sarah – praise from you is praise indeed!
Everyone LOVES Lara’s theme! All together now…da, da,da-da – da,da-da, da, da da….
Sharon,
I love the sound of your Russian hero! I toyed with writing one myself some time ago but got distracted by a sheikh for some reason. Nikolai sounds intense and fascinating. I can’t wait to read this one! Your heroes are such a treat.
Well yes, Annie – sheikhs ARE very distracting, aren’t they? You’ll have to try a Russian next!
Hi Sharon,
Definately going to read TOO PROUD TO BE BOUGHT – I love the sound of your cold Russian oligarch gradually melting, and Zara doing her best to resist her attraction to him. Must admit I’ve never seen Dr.Zhivago, and as for beautiful romantic music – my son has just discovered Red Hot Chilli Peppers and I’m trying to work on ideas for my next book with heavy rock pounding in my ears!
Best wishes
Chantelle
Chantelle – I consider it the duty of every romantic novelist to see that film! Seriously. It’s so brilliant and so moving and breaks lots of “rules”. There are layers of heartbreak that you wouldn’t believe…
Dear Sharon,
Very different from your other books and I loved it! Also, I have your wonderful words for me on mine – I know I am a bit guilty that you decided to write about Russian.
Thank you and we all love you xxx
Thank you, Virginija – you are an inspiration! x
Natalie Merchant’s ‘My Skin’ is a mushy music offering fave. I wrote a book to it once
Too melancholy.
I love me a Russian hero, so am off to pick up yours.
Thanks, Kelly – and this is another song I don’t know (GREAT title!) – so am off to listen. Strange how melancholy music is the stuff which most moves….
Sharon, you heartstring tugger you! I love Dr Zhivago. The music is one of those soundtracks that clutches at my heart. It’s amazing how you can get an idea from a piece of music. It’s happened to me many times. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Great post, Sharon, and Lara’s theme is so evocative.
Hey, Melanie – thanks for dropping by and many congratulations for your recent award.
One of these days I’m going to get out to an Antipodean conference!
Indeed it is evocative, Christina – and you’ve left me wondering what you might find inspirational….
Well, late to the party as usual, but Sharon, I adore Dr. Zhivago! It was very much on my mind when I wrote my Russian hero too. I think I watch it about once a year. And I’ve read the book too, which is so much richer even than the movie. Oh, I’m feeling the urge to go watch it now…as soon as I finish this book, darn it!
Ooh, I love the interactive component of the Lara’s Theme video!!
I have been fascinated by Russia ever since I was a little girl, but I confess I’m not a huge fan of Dr. Zhivago (don’t throw beets at me). It was just TOO SAD!!! If only the guy could have managed to fall in love with his good-hearted wife instead of that blond vixen Lara. *cough* Anyway…
Looking forward to your book, Sharon, because I know it will have lots of Russian magic but this time with a happy ending.
Lynn, watching DZ will be something wonderful to look forward to when you’ve finished your current book!
Jennie, I know what you mean – it is VERY sad story- but in a way, that’s the reason why we all remember it so vividly.
But yes, I love a happy ending – so read mine!