A frequent question authors get asked is who inspired their characters, not least in terms of their appearance. I’ve always had to answer with the honest answer of “no-one”. Instead of seeing someone and then creating a character based on that inspiration, the creation of my characters and their appearances sparked simultaneously.

This, of course, was never an issue when they stayed in my head and no one else needed to see them. But, since being published, it’s not just interviewers who ask that question – of course my publisher now needs to see my vision too, not least for those all-important book covers.

I’ve made no secret of the fact I’ve had a real struggle trying to find the right images for each of my characters. Having lived with them for almost eighteen years now, they’re as clear to me as anyone I know. I’ve trawled through hundreds of images these past eighteen months trying to find the right people to match my vision. All I’ll say is thank goodness for Pinterest!

Well, it’s that time again. 😀 With the first draft of Blood Deep due with Bookouture next week, it won’t be too long before the editing process is underway and the covers start being discussed. So, after a couple of months of keeping it secret, I’ve now launched my Blood Deep board over on Pinterest. There will be lots more to come on it in due course but, for now, I have a few sample Eden and Jessie shots to share. The ones below, I think, are the most defining. I hope you like them!

And talking of finding appropriate people to play my characters…

A few weeks ago I asked if anyone would like to have a bit of fun sharing who you would cast to play my characters in the film version of Blackthorn – all as part of a giveaway. I have more news of that next week!