Inspiration

Old Maid's Puzzle has begun to ship from Amazon. Just in the nick of time. My readers have been begging for another look at Buster. He's the hunky homicide detective that Dewey falls for in Wild Goose Chase. In the new book, Buster is trying to keep to his promise to get to know Dewey better before falling into bed again. He's instituted a one-sided celibacy ban. Some of my fans who have been clamoring for more sex may have to settle for more sexual tension.

People want to know who Buster is based on. What he looks like. I describe him as a black-haired, blue-eyed, strong-jawed, tall, brawny guy. Think Robert Urich (Spenser) or Christopher Reeve. He wears his hair short and he likes to iron his dress shirts with plenty of starch.

I've only recently confessed who really inspired Buster. Ready? Here it comes...



That's it. The real model for Buster. Season Four American Idol runner-up, Bo Bice. No, Buster doesn't have long hair or tattoos or play in a rock band. Although I did give Buster a guitar in homage. But Bo was the inspiration.

Bo was almost too old to be on AI. He was definitely too rock and roll. And yet, week after week, he commanded the stage and had a sexy voice that drove fans wild. Even Simon Cowell was impressed.

I was one of those fans. When the show was over, I bought his single, Vehicle, and listened to it before settling in to write. I'd think about being too old to pursue a dream.

I'd wanted to write a book for a long time, but hadn't gotten around to it. I was well into my fifth draft of Wild Goose Chase when AI aired that year. Bo had been pursuing his dream of a big record deal for nearly fifteen years. But he never seemed to tire of trying. He came on stage each week, happy to be there, grateful for the shot, and ready to give it all he had. I tried to infuse Buster with that kind of attitude. That attitude inspired me to keep writing and beyond. Write another draft, pursue another agent, look for the right publisher.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Where does yours come from?