Ask any writer about common questions they’re asked, and they’re most likely to say “Where do you get your story ideas?” is one of them.
Several people have asked, “What inspired Agnes’s story?”
Lakeside Sweethearts is the story of two longtime best friends who work together on a community project and try not to risk their hearts.
When I introduced Agnes in Lakeside Family, my second novel, as a secondary character, I didn’t expect to write her story until several readers commented how much they loved her character.
I needed to get to know Agnes and figure out who she was and where she came from. Little did I realize her sass and sarcasm masked a broken heart and feelings of unworthiness…feelings many of us may have struggled with a time or two.
Ian had been introduced in Lakeside Family as Josie’s insurance man. I didn’t expect him to be the hero in my next book, but in Lakeside Family, I had hinted that he was in love with Agnes.
So, as I brainstormed, different questions ran through my head…
Why was Ian still single?
How well did Ian and Agnes know each other?
What about her drew his attention?
How did Agnes feel about Ian?
I remembered a friend suggesting I write a “boy next door” novel. I considered Agnes’s friendship with Ian and realized he was the perfect boy next door, and that cemented their relationship. They had been best friends for over twenty years. Although they’ve been there for each other since childhood, their timing has always been off.
Until now.
A wonderful woman in our community has a heart for helping women overcome addiction, and she started a community project to create a transitional home for paroled females overcoming addiction.
Her House of Hope project inspired the external conflict in Lakeside Sweethearts.
Ian’s sister will be released from prison, and his family is restoring an old house into a transitional home for paroled females—Agape House.
He asks for Agnes’s help, and she’s so willing until she learns the house they purchased for their project. Now they’re asking the impossible. After all, the place they plan to restore into a house of hope is nothing more than a house of pain for her.
As I wrote this story, expecting a lighthearted, fun read, I realized Lakeside Sweethearts is more than a sweet Christian romance about two best friends falling in love. It’s about God’s unconditional love for each one of us and his restoration of the broken pieces in our lives into something beautiful. After all, He makes everything beautiful in its time.
Your Turn: What kinds of stories do you like to read about? If you’re a writer, what inspires your plots?
Love hearing how people get their story ideas! Thanks for sharing yours!
Mine totally varies. “Sandwich, With a Side of Romance” came about because I was born in Sandwich. I’d completed my first book and was brainstorming ideas for a second, and in reminiscing about my childhood with my sisters one day, I was like. Dude, I should TOTALLY set a book in Sandwich. How FUN would THAT be. The plot itself came from sitting outside with my daughters at the grocery store while Dad ran in to get a gallon of milk. I asked my oldest if she wanted to brainstorm a book with me for fun. She decided on the name Maddie, and that she would be a hairstylist. Then I told her something really bad had to happen to kick off the book. She said, “What if she messes up someone’s hair?” Mommy decided it would be wonderful if that someone was the hero, who was a bit fond of his hair. (I have a little brother who is OBSESSED with having his hair cut right…. so that part made me giggle too.) So yup, Sandwich was born.
Krista, I love this story. Totally made me smile. I loved Sandwich, With a Side of Romance. It was a fun read with tender moments, especially about his step-dad.
Great post on inspiration, Lisa. Inspiration comes from everywhere for me, but like you, a lot of it comes from trying to get inside the heads of my characters to find out what makes them tick. By following this “getting to know the characters” process, the stories end up writing themselves.
When people ask where I get my story ideas from, it’s often hard to answer. They just…arrive…don’t they?
Thanks, Cathy! I totally agree–when we know our characters’ cores, that’s how we find their greatest dreams and greatest fears….fodder to up the tension and drive the plot. :)
Valerie, I’ve had plots arrive from the most obscure places or different people who have captured my imagination. I think that’s what sets writers apart from normals–the voices in our heads. :)
I really enjoyed Agnes, can’t wait to hear more of her story. I’m also a big fan of the best friends turning into something more plot … lots of opportunity for conflict there. As a writer, inspiration comes from snippets of real life events that I throw on the page and see where they take me. Or I might see a headline that leads to a plot twist. My current WIP came from a writing prompt for a bell, an angel and a baseball bat set in Tokyo. Looking forward to reading your upcoming release, Lisa.