I think I’ve mentioned before that I like to have a visual representation of my characters when I’m writing them. When I started working on Santa Baby, I immediately knew I wanted the male lead, Trip, to look like Anderson Cooper, but I couldn’t see Aria at all. She had to be classy, elegant even, and nobody came to me. When this has happened before I would have to just google something like ‘black actresses.’ Fortunately, I have lots of good friends on Facebook. They suggested Kerry Washington and they’re right. She has just the look I wanted. Wouldn’t she and Coop make a lovely couple? Now I’ve got my mojo working, which is a good thing since it’s due October 1st!
the one who writes 
Beautiful couple!
Kerry Washington + Anderson Cooper = Hot, Hot, HOT!
I ❤ Kerry Washington
They actually do look like a good couple, though I would probably never think to put them together, myself.
Hi Roslyn,
I have an offtopic question: Do you research before your write your story or does it unfold organically and you write while you research? Also, do you use resources from the internet a lot or do you go the traditional route with libraries?
Thanks
Like most things it really depends. For instance, in Try a Little Tenderness, I originally planned to make Koss a history professor. But I’ve always been interested in and fascinated by viruses. Over the years I’ve read dozens of books about them. One I decided to make him a virologist, the story line of them going on a virus hunt naturally evolved. With Rock Star, I’ve always been a fan of rock music, so most of the research for that book came about from various sources I’d already read. On the other hand, for Santa Baby the male lead is a real estate mogul and finance wizard. I know very little about the field, so I’ve been doing some research. Most of my research is done online these days, though I do spend a considerable amount of time in the library as well.
Gotcha. I suppose it really does depend on your current body of knowledge and how the character wants you to present them. Quentin Tarantino stated in an interview that he sees himself as a court reporter in that the characters tell him what they want to be, he is just taking dictation. The research aspect is just artful shading.
You forget though that Coop hearts Nene!
You are on a roll! I just finished Try a Little and Pussycat…Truly fun and enjoyable! Thanks!
PVW
I’m so glad you liked them. I love feedback from the my readers most of all. Pussycat was so much fun to write.