Spain!

I spent a year in Granada, Spain, when I was in college. I lived with a few Spanish girls in a flat in the middle of town by Plaza de la Trinidad. When I lived there, I wrote daily in my journal. I think even back then, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and I knew I wanted to do something with this experience.

My first book in my new Love in Translation series, called Sol, takes place in Granada, and has themes of recovery from grief and learning forgiveness.

The second book, Sombra, releases April 30. I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the inspiration, with hopefully no spoilers.

Character inspiration:

Gustavo "Tavo" de la Guerra Cantor is loosely based on a few people I knew. His physical looks are inspired by Jon Kortajarena and a few other Spanish models.

While I didn't really have a muse for Kim, the pictures of Christina Aguilera without makeup in Paper Magazine really capture the look and sweetness I see in Kim.

Musical inspiration:

If you listened to the Rolling Stones while you read Chapter One, I think you'd enjoy it. Here it is on YouTube. You can also check out Alejandro Sanz and just about any Spanish guitar music, especially with a beat.

Food and drink inspiration:

Paella, gazpacho, and more. The recipes in the book are (for the most part) real, so look up a recipe and try it!

Other:

Pretty much every cultural citation in Sombra is something either I experienced or is common in the area. I hope it makes you want to visit beautiful Spain!