Music was a huge inspiration when writing Blissful Tragedy. I’d
listen to my favorite tunes and create scenes based on the tales I’ve grown to
love through the songs I can listen to again and again. It’s no secret why I
chose a rocker as the hero of my story. Musicians have always been my
superheroes, who’ve helped me through the hard times and let me bask in the joy
of the happy ones. Music can soothe the soul.

 When I was writing Blissful Tragedy, I always had music present.
Whether I was using my ear buds, had songs playing in the background, or
imagined the tunes in my head, music was always present in the creation of my
novel. There are certain songs which inspired and even mimic scenes in Blissful
Tragedy. Without giving anything away, I’d like to share some the songs which
helped my dream become a reality.

 Faithfully by Journey would be number one on my playlist. A tale
of a musician on the road, trying to cope with the distance between him and the
one he loves, professing his love from miles away through the airwaves. Its
melodic tones imitate the heart-wrenching emptiness that occurs when you can’t
be together. 

Turn the Page by Bob Seger gives a glimpse of what life on the
road is like for a touring band. I’ve always thought rock stars have it all. Who
would’ve thought there could be a down side to all the fortune and fame? 
 
Of course, gorgeous woman falling at your feet comes with the
territory when you’re a rock god. It’s only natural to give into the temptation
and our rock god is bound to fall into lust, maybe even love sooner or later.
Talk Dirty to Me by Poison, My Kinda of Lover by Billy Squire, and Into the Fire
by Dokken were playing in my ears more than a few times while I was writing
about the sexy stream of woman who seem to frequent just about every Devil’s
Garden concert.

 But when you find that special someone, how do you balance the
lifestyle with your love life? Can you stop yourself from falling in love? Love
Bites by Def Leppard, Walk in the Shadows by Queensryche, Touch me by The Doors,
What is and What Should Never Be by Led Zeppelin, and Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
were invaluable in creating the love affair between Lexie and Van. Who better to
depict the barriers to a relationship with a rocker than the words of actual
musicians? We all know songs can be inspired by actual
events.

 The last song on my playlist is Thank You by Led Zeppelin. I may
be biased since I danced to it at my wedding, but I truly feel it’s an emotional
portrayal of a deep love affair which no bonds can break. 
 
There you have it, my playlist for Blissful Tragedy. I’m sure
almost everyone is inspired by some lyrics or piece of music and I want to share
with you a few words which inspired me throughout my journey to becoming a
published author. These words from Going to California by Led Zeppelin (can you
tell I’m a fan?) played in my mind throughout every step. 

-“Standing on a hill in the mountain of dreams, telling myself
it’s not as hard, hard, hard, as it seems.”


 

1.What inspired you to write your first book?


My inspiration for Bridge Over the Atlantic was the Scottish Highlands. We visited
 there for years prior to relocating to Scotland and I just fell in love with
 the stone bridge at Clachan Seil which crosses the Atlantic Ocean. The views
 there are just stunning and I was always sad to leave. The story began to
 formulate in my mind from there but it took me a long while to pluck up the
 courage to begin writing.


2. Are the experiences in your books based on someone you know or your own life’s
  events?

All of my stories are fictional but I think as writers we all
draw from our own life experiences. For example the female lead in Bridge Over
the Atlantic relocated to Scotland just like me. But the story isn’t based on me
in any other way.


3. What actor/actress would you like to play your main
characters?

 Gosh I have thought about this over and over! I always used to
picture Gerard Butler as Greg but since speaking to my readers my ideas have
changed. These days I actually don’t have a clue who I could envisage playing
them! It changes each time I think about it! The only one that remains firm in
my head is that Ryan Reynolds would be the best Sam
Buchanan!


4. What’s the hardest thing about writing?

 I tend to be my own biggest critic and so getting a manuscript
to the point where I’m happy to let it go is pretty tricky! I seem to be editing
constantly and hitting send when it’s done is one thing I struggle
with.


5. What’s your favorite motivational phrase?

 Follow your dreams, they know the way  
- I think if there is something you want to achieve in life it’s better to try
than to just spend your life wondering what might have
been.


6. Any tips to get through the dreaded writers block?

 If I’m suffering writers block I try to take breaks and re-read
some of my work that I’m happy with for motivation. Music also plays a big part
in my writing life. I usually have a playlist in my mind and so listening to
that usually takes me back along the right
road.


7. What famous person, living or dead, would you like to
meet?

 Up to Monday 17th March I would’ve said Lisa Jewell –
the first romance author I read. But I met her at The RoNA awards when we were
shortlisted in the same category which was pretty amazing! I would really like
to meet Alanis Morisette – that would be very cool. She’s one of my favourite
singers.


8. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

 In my very limited spare time I sing and dabble in the Harmonica
 in a duo with my friend Scott who
plays guitar. We have recently started performing locally and I’ve been loving
that! I used to sing professionally a long while ago so it’s nice to be doing
this again!


9. Favorite line from a movie?

 It’s from When Harry Met Sally! “When you realize you want to
spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to
start as soon as possible.” :-D Awww! I just LOVE
that!


10. Any writing rituals?

 Not really. I just switch on my laptop and write. I do like to
have a cup of coffee or tea beside me though. And maybe a few cookies…or
chocolate…or both.


11. In the world of romance novels, sex or no sex and why?

 To be completely honest I read books in each of those
categories. So I really don’t mind. I don’t like dark books and I don’t write
erotica but I think sex in books, where there is a love connection or deep
feelings, can add to the intensity of a relationship. Sex is, after all, an
expression of love if you’re with the right
person.


12. Favorite pizza topping?

 Roast vegetables. I’m not vegetarian but I do love vegetarian
food. Oh great…now I want pizza.


13. Just as your books inspire authors, what authors inspired you to
write?

 The first one would be Lisa Jewell. I have been reading her
books since 1999. The first I read was Ralph’s Party and it was so very easy to
read. The writing just flowed and her characterization was very believable. I
would say she was very inspirational to me. But there are so many authors that I
love. Jamie McGuire, Bernadette Marie, Susan Lohrer and the list goes
on!


14. When you walk into a room, what song should be playing?

You and Me Song by The Wannadies. It always makes me smile and
reminds me of my husband/best friend, Rich. Or alternatively Chasing Cars by
Snow Patrol. It’s the song that everyone associates with my debut novel and so
it’s very important to me.


15. What do you consider your best accomplishment?

Oh my, definitely being shortlisted for The RoNAs (Romantic
Novel of the Year Awards through the Romantic Novelists Association UK) for my
debut novel! This was something I just never expected! Attending the awards
ceremony was a little surreal but I loved every nerve racking
minute.


16. Tell us a little about your work in progress.

There are several! I tend to have a few things on the go at once
and I flit from one to the other depending on what mood I’m in. I’m working on a
Christmas Novella at the moment and also a book about a man who has always been
the good guy and followed all the rules until his life changes dramatically
after an event!

I'd like to thank Lisa for her time and for letting us get to know her a little better.
Check out Lisa's website and 5 Prince Books for buy links, author news, and to connect with Lisa.
Lisa J Hobman
Bestselling Romance Author
Shortlisted in The RoNAs 2014
www.5princebooks.com
www.lisajhobman.co.uk

Since winter is hanging on tight here in Pennsylvania, I'm already dreaming of the beach. In the mean time, I'll stare at some beach photos and pretend I'm there.

Everyone gathers inspiration from somewhere, whether it’s an
actual physical place or an imagined fantasy location. When starting a new
novel, the first thing I think about is the setting. I close my eyes and picture
the scenery, the weather, the sounds, the traffic, the plant life, and the
smells. I always choose a place that speaks to me, somewhere that motivates my
creative thinking and nothing stimulates my mind like sun and sand. Even though
I live in the lush forest of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I am a beach girl at
heart.

 There’s nothing more soothing to me than digging my feet in the
sand and closing my eyes as the warm ocean breeze caresses my skin, blowing the
strands of my hair around in a perfectly choreographed dance. I breathe in the
fresh scent of salty air and listen to the waves crash as the water meets the
sand with the call of the seagulls in the distance. An intense energy
invigorates my body and my soul, forming an endless flow of creativity. 

I don’t know if it’s the escape from everyday life that fuels my
imagination or if I have some unexplainable connection with the sea. I can spend
the endless hours lounging on the beach. The funniest part of it all is that I
don’t actually go into the water any deeper than my knees. I think I may have
watched too many episodes of shark week. Lying on my beach chair with my
sunglasses on while digging my feet in the sand with a book in my hand is my
therapy. Everywhere I look is pure excitement and happiness. Whether it’s a
small child whose feet are touching the ocean water for the first time, a couple
strolling down the shoreline, teenagers focused on an intense volleyball game,
or kids making a sand castle, the day is filled with laughter, smiles, and love.
Some of my happiest memories are from our vacations at the
shore.

Since I don’t live at the beach I only get there a few times a year. My husband and I
make a point of visiting one of our favorite places, Cape May, Jersey, at least
once every summer. I’m an extremely lucky girl. I found my own perfect prince
charming and live out a love story every day. Some of the scenes in my stories
are based on some embellished real life experiences (no, not those scenes, ha
ha). Relaxing in the hot sun as a tropical frozen drink melts in your hand, two
lovers taking a late night stroll and walking hand and hand in the cool sand as
the moon shines above the sea, finding an empty life guard chair after hours and
climbing up to cuddle while the crisp breeze meets with your hot skin, and
dining with a glass of wine while looking out on the golden sunset. Everything
about the beach screams romance and I just can’t get enough of it.

 How’d you come up with that guy? Is he inspired from someone you
know? Your husband? An old flame? I’ve been asked these questions way too many
times. Of course it’s natural to be curious about how an author develops the
characteristics and personalities of their literary characters. The answer is
yes, I’m not sure, possibly, no, and maybe.


 When I develop characters for a novel I start out by creating my
hero. What makes me weak in the knees? Is it the hunky hero from my favorite
television show or the bad boy I never quite got my hands on? The powerful
intellectual entrepreneur or the rugged athlete? I imagine how I’d like our
first meeting to go. Would he be confident and debonair, a lost soul who needs
to be saved, or irresistible with an edgy flair? Once I get the basics nailed
down, I add layers of personality traits. This is where I evaluate the things I
love as well as the things I’m not so fond of in a person. I tend to mesh the
personalities of those close to me as well as those I haven’t seen in years to
form my perfect male hero. Now that the hard part is done, it’s time to create
the rest of the characters.

 What’s a hero without a heroine? My heroines have a tendency to
be independent, even if they don’t realize it yet. My mother raised me to be a
strong self-sufficient woman who can achieve anything she wishes. I like to
portray that characteristic into my heroine’s personality. Of course, no man (or
woman) is an island. We all need that special someone to make our life complete,
who turns our world upside down. Since life would be much too easy if we all
meet our soul mate, fall in love, and live happily ever after, my hero and
heroine need to fight for each other. They’re either from two different worlds
which can’t logically mesh together, or there is some force trying to keep them
apart. 

Many things hurt or hinder a love affair and other people
interfering can do both. Now it’s time to create the secondary characters. Both
the hero and heroine need friends and family and I find myself creating
characters that loosely resemble mine. What would my mother think if I brought
this guy home? Would my best friend approve? Is his friend going to make a play
for his girl? 

Once I generate my cast of characters, I choose names to fit
their look and personality. For a character’s first name, I search online for
the most popular names the year they were born and match the name to their
demographic. Then, I turn to the good old white pages of the phone book for last
names. Voila, my characters are born. There are no limits to the possibilities
and endless combinations of personas. Truth be told, you’ll find a little bit of
me in each of my characters.

Ok, time to pick at my brain. Don’t worry, this isn’t an anatomy lesson. Whether it’s a crazy daydream of a random idea, we all have our own one-of- kind take on all aspects of life.Unique concepts are one of the things that make us individuals. I’m ready to share some of the thoughts ruling my brain waves.

My mind always seems to be constantly running, much quicker than my mouth, although some would disagree (ha ha). I’m always thinking up different scenarios and shaping characters to play out these roles in my brain. As an only child, I found myself desperately wishing for a playmate. Often times no one else was around so I did what anyone in that situation would do, I created imaginary friends. These invisible people were always happy to join in the fun of a tea party, or hang out at Barbie’s dream house, or enjoy a day of fun with My Little Ponies. As I grew, my “imaginary friends” took on scenarios I’d like to see on the big screen, or be a part of in everyday life. I continued to add new personality traits to my cast of characters and put them in situations of unusual circumstance.

When I finally grew into adulthood, I began my love affair with romance novels. Like most woman, I had the fantasy of being swept off my feet and whisked away by a hot, sexy man with bulging muscles and a heart of gold. I fused this image into my cast of characters and put them in an environment that makes my heart pound and my skin tingle. Then, the story plays itself out in my mind and I watch like an audience member. The rest is pretty easy, I just write the story down exactly how it shows.

Of course, not all of us have the same fantasy and dream of the same epic love affair. I’ve always had a fascination with bad-boys, who seek trouble, and live and on the edge. The kind ofguys who can have any girl they want, but are only brought to their knees by that one special someone. Then, I create the one girl who can steal their heart and shatter their soul. Fate has a way of bringing them together, even when outside forces try to tear them apart. Can they beat the odds and persevere?

These are the kinds of stories that make me swoon, cheer, cry, and pray for the lovers to beat the odds. Luckily, these tales pretty much play out in my mind twenty four-seven. When I dream up the right combination with passionate chemistry and the perfect cast of characters, I grab my lap top and start typing. After making a carbon copy of the mental movie playing in my mind, I read, edit, and repeat. Once I finish the final touches, I’m ready to share it with the world. It’s show time.