Inspiration

Anything and anyone can be a source of inspiration for a character. If it's a question of a beautiful mouth, this one is ideal. The lips form a perfect bow.

This is Mahsun Kirmizigül, a Turkish singer, song-writer and film maker.

Beautiful and sad. Kazim Koyuncu sings "Didou Nana"

Didou Nana

Kâzım Koyuncu (November 7, 1971 in Hopa, Artvin Province, Turkey – June 25, 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey) was a Turk-Laz folk-rock singer, song writer, and activist.

An ethnic Laz, Koyuncu recorded songs in a number of languages spoken along the northeastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, as well as the language of Laz.
He died during treatment for lung cancer in 2005.
Although he primarily sang in Turkish, he is most famous for having sung in Lazuri. His albums also contain several songs in Armenian, Homshetsi, Georgian and Megrelian.
He was a well-known activist in environmental and cultural issues, as well as other things that were at risk and needed protection in Turkey.

Valentine heroes - the winner

All week it was such a pleasure to refresh my creative senses by gazing at the photos of George Clooney, Roque Santa-Cruz and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo. [ see post below ]
They certainly cheer a girl up!

But for Valentine's Day, the ultimate hero has to be Antonio Banderas.
I'm just a sucker for those Latin eyes..... sigh. The air sizzles and..... he's certainly going in my novel.

Valentines

All my stories come from looking at pictures of people. Obviously, I need a range of inspiration. Well, that's my excuse for storing all the gorgeous faces I can find. Valentine's day is fast coming up, so here are three possible hero models.

George Clooney would fit into any category of romantic novel. What's not to like? Who would say no to a male with so much beauty and charm. Just lose yourself in that smile.

If you want a young, cheerful Valentine for a hero, Roque Santa-Cruz has a wonderful smile and exudes energy and fun. If he were the hero in a historical story I feel sure his name would be Rupert.

A true Valentine dream, the smouldering eyes of Ildebrando d'Arcangelo would set any girl's heart fluttering. Add to that the serenade he would sing in his incredible baritone, the allure of his physical beauty and this is the Valentine dream par excellence. What a gorgeous hero for a romantic novel set in any period.