Behind the Scenes
The question writers are most often asked is where they get their ideas. Go “behind the scenes” of each of Candice’s books to find out what inspired her stories.
Behind the Scenes from A Change of Heart
Both Jack and Mary were introduced (to readers, not to each other) in the previous book, A Proper Companion. Since that book had two perfectly gorgeous protagonists (a typical first book situation), I wanted these two to be less than perfect. So Mary is short, a bit on the plump side, and somewhat plain. Jack, who’s lived a hard life of debauchery, has a face that shows the results of all that high living – a bit craggy, a hint of dissipation.
The opening scene of this book, along with the backstories of Jack and Mary, popped into my head full blown shortly after I began writing A Proper Companion, so, I knew quite a bit about their characters as I wrote the first book. I couldn’t wait to get to their story.
No matter how many characters I have created since, none have stayed with me as long as Jack and Mary. I have spun complete histories for them – 5, 10, 20 years after the book ends.
Behind the Scenes from A Garden Folly
Candice “borrowed” the story idea for A Garden Folly from an old Hollywood romantic comedy. Learn which movie inspired the plot, and which real English estates and gardens inspired the fictional Chissingworth.
Behind the Scenes from A Proper Companion
This was my first published book, and the first book I ever wrote. In its early stages, it won several local RWA contests. One of those contests, Romancing the Novel, sent the winners in each category to an editor. Mine went to Judy Stern Palais at Berkley/Jove. She liked the entry (two chapters) enough to request the whole book. Unfortunately, I had not yet completed the book. So I sent her the chapters I’d completed (about a third of the book) and she offered me a contract. I was extremely lucky to sell a book without a completed manuscript, and I will forever be grateful to Judy for jump-starting my writing career.
I confess that the first character to be fully developed for this story was the dowager countess. In my head, she had the distinctive drawling voice of my friend’s Great Aunt Ruth. And so the dowager came to life first as a voice, then as a complete character.
I created this story with sequels in mind. The hero, Robert, has two best friends and I planned a book for each of them. Jack’s story became A Change of Heart and Sedge’s story became An Affair of Honor.
Behind the Scenes from An Affair of Honor
As I was planning out this story, I knew it had to end not only with a duel, but with a duel that goes wrong. I wanted my hero’s gun to have been tampered with in some way so that when fired it would likely kill him, either by exploding or backfiring or some such thing. Since I don’t know anything about guns, especially 1814 flintlock dueling pistols, I didn’t have a clue what sort of tampering might be required to put my boy in danger.
Luckily, I lived in a town that was also home to Butterfields (now Bonhams), an auction gallery that happened to be one of the premier purveyors of antique arms and armor in the world. I spoke with two of the gun experts there, and together they came up with the precise sort of tampering required for the gun, if fired, to blow up in my hero’s face. Many thanks to the experts at Butterfields.
Behind the Scenes from Fate Strikes a Bargain
This anthology was the second by the same group of authors who wanted to use a single plot line for each of their stories. The intent was to demonstrate that, no matter now similar the plot, no two stories are ever alike. This time, the plot was chosen by readers. Read more about how that happened.
Behind the Scenes from From This Moment On
This idea for anthology was developed when three of the four participating authors were seated near each other on a long bus ride. Read more about how the concept was born, and how Candice was able to give another Merry Widow a happy ending.
Behind the Scenes from Her Scandalous Affair
Once again, Candice’s Collections acted as literary inspiration. For Her Scandalous Affair, the inspiration was sentimental jewelry. Find out more about the jewels that acted as models for the Mallory Heart.
Behind the Scenes from In The Thrill of The Night
The hero of In the Thrill of the Night, Adam Cazenove, is a connoisseur of art who is one of the sponsors of the British Institution. The Institution is not fictional. It played a significant role in British art during the 19th century.
Behind the Scenes from Just One of Those Flings
The hero of Just One of Those Flings has recently returned from several years in India. Learn about the research that went into his fictional diplomatic mission, as well as the special artistic passion he shares with Candice.
Behind the Scenes from Lady Ann’s Excellent Adventure
This story was inspired by one of my all-time favorite movies, Roman Holiday. However, every time I watch it, I feel somewhat bereft at the bittersweet ending.
Behind the Scenes from Lady Be Bad
When Candice named the hero of this book Lord Rochdale, it was not a random name choice. It was something of an homage to a real Regency bad boy. Learn who he was and why Candice chose the name.
Behind the Scenes from Miss Lacey’s Last Fling
The plot for Miss Lacey’s Last Fling was inspired by an old TV series. Learn which series it was, as well as how Candice decided on the nature of Rosie’s illness.
Behind the Scenes from Once a Dreamer
The idea for this trilogy came straight from Candice’s Collections. Learn more about the collection inspired the stories, the political background that fueled the era, as well as the literary model for the hero of Once a Dreamer.
Behind the Scenes from Once a Gentleman
Sometimes real historical figures walk across the pages of Candice’s books. In Once a Gentleman a famous modiste, or dressmaker, makes an appearance. Find out more about this intriguing arbiter of fashion.
Behind the Scenes from Once a Scoundrel
Candice’s collection of Regency fashion prints played an interesting role in the development of this story. Learn what curious aspect of the prints led to the creation of the Crimson Ladies.
Behind the Scenes from The Best Intentions
Candice always uses real houses, churches, etc. as inspiration for her fictional locations. See the church and country estate used as models for St. Biddulph’s and Epping Hall.
Behind the Scenes from The Bride Sale
This book opens with a wife sale, a dark and dangerous hero, and a forbidding house on the granite moors of Cornwall. Learn more about wife sales as well as the Cornish estate that inspired the fictional Pendurgan.
