Why I love research

I have a confession. I trawl the internet for hot guys. Did I mention I have been in a relationship for nine years? And that I am getting married at the end of next year? My fiance understands though. It is all in the name of research.

You see, I like to put together a folder on my characters — especially my male characters. The folder includes a word document containing a Q&A with the character, as well as a range of pictures:  their house, their car, their town and — of course — them. Now, I love all of my characters, but I get a kick out of digging up pics of my male characters. Let me share a pic of the character in the manuscript currently with my agent: Tom.

Okay, so I cannot think of a point in the novel where he has his shirt off (sorry ladies), but this pic was too, too good. He is more likely to look like this:

Sigh. You can see why I was over the moon when I had a dream about him the other night. It reminded me of the famous story about Stephanie Meyer ‘dreaming up’ Twilight — but my dream was post, not pre production. It was like I got to meet my character. I loved it.

I will leave you with another picture. This is of Tom and his love interest:

Yes, I really did manage to find the same male model for all three photographs. He is the delicious Albert Reed. You should really check him out.