J.K. Coi | How Gabriel Macht Inspired Me to Write Conteporary Romance

I’ve been getting this question a lot. “Why did you decide to a contemporary?”

I guess that’s because I’ve already built a pretty good brand as a paranormal
author, and I’m glad for it, but I also don’t like to be tied down to anything,
and I love to challenge myself.

And then there came the show Suits. Damn. I can’t believe I missed this for two whole seasons. I gobbled that up in one massive television-watching binge. It was like Gabriel-Macht-Crack and I couldn’t get enough of it.

When it was all done, I just knew I had to write a character like him. Oh, not a
lawyer…at least not for this book…but everything else I saw in Harvey Specter I
wanted to draw on for Benjamin Harrison: enterprising playboy of the tech world.

I infused Ben with that same confidence that borders on cocky, the smooth sex
appeal, the brutal intelligence hiding behind a veneer of sophistication and
nonchalance. And as I was writing, I knew that even if the television show
hadn’t yet shown me all of the cracks in Harvey Specter’s shell…they were there,
and Ben had them too. At the same time, I knew that this kind of character
didn’t have to be a dark, brooding, angsty soul. He would have baggage, of
course, but also a KILLER smile and a wicked sense of humor. He would be fun to
be with, as well as sexy as sin.

At about this point I realized that to do justice to this character I wanted to
write about, I had to keep his world a realistic one…and so my first full length
contemporary romance was born.

But now that’s enough about me…how about that grin?

What television/movie actor inspires YOU to greatness? *grin*

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Comment below to win your own Kindle copy of IN BED WITH THE COMPETITION!

IN BED WITH THE COMPETITION

This rivalry is too hot for the tropics… Elizabeth Carlson and Ben Harrison used to be friends, coworkers...and almost lovers. But that was before Ben proposed mixing business with pleasure. Elizabeth refuses to lose her heart to a hotshot tycoon with a cutthroat, take-no-prisoners attitude. Not with the prospect of starting her own company at stake.

Driven to succeed in all areas of his life, Ben couldn’t resist the temptation
to make Liz his. But then she walked away, igniting a bitter rivalry. Competing
for the same contract at a Caribbean conference ignites sparks too hot to
ignore, and Ben’s determined to finish what they started, even if it’ll only
last a few steamy, tropical nights.

Elizabeth’s resolve begins to crumble under Ben’s blatant seduction. Can she
walk away from a hot island fling with the sexiest man she’s ever known with her
heart intact, or will losing herself in Ben destroy everything she’s fought to
achieve?

Comments

24 comments posted.

Re: J.K. Coi | How Gabriel Macht Inspired Me to Write Conteporary Romance

Hmmm, I never really thought about a character inspiring me... I am not really adventurous... I guess I will have to take some time and think about that one... thanks for sharing your post!
(Colleen Conklin 2:25pm July 9, 2014)

Had to think about it... for me it would be matthew
mcconaughey.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:40pm July 9, 2014)

I love that series.
I do not have cable, but I do have Netflix/amazon prime. So now, I have finished all they offer and wait. I cannot watch the current episodes. So I would love to be able to read a book with a "Harvey" guy!!
(Lisa Hutson 2:05am July 10, 2014)

You may not believe this, but I very rarely watch TV. When I
do it's usually a documentary anyway.
(Jen Barnard 6:55am July 10, 2014)

Hi Colleen, I find inspiration in so many things, but sometimes (like with this book) I'll think of a character I enjoy watching (or even reading about) and then I pick apart what it is about them that I really like and try to incorporate some of those traits in a character of my own. It's fun! Thanks for commenting :)
(J.K. Coi 8:32am July 10, 2014)

Thanks L Lam!
(J.K. Coi 8:32am July 10, 2014)

G. Bisbjerg - McConaughey is one of my faves too! He's got way more depth as an actor than I would have given him credit for a few years ago, but lately the parts he's been tackling have really showed off his talent
(J.K. Coi 8:33am July 10, 2014)

Lisa - I haven't seen any of the episodes from this season either, not yet. I watch most of my tv on Netflix too
(J.K. Coi 8:36am July 10, 2014)

I love matthew McConaughey to, he is one of my fav. i am not
much of a tv watcher. but i do love watching movies
(Denise Smith 8:38am July 10, 2014)

Jen, I LOVE documentaries and although I do have a few great shows that I love, time for tv has to come after writing and family life so I understand completely!
(J.K. Coi 8:47am July 10, 2014)

Hi Denise! I love movies for that quick punch of either humor, horror, or emotion, but I love tv for the way they can delve deeper into the heart of a character's development. Thanks for your comment!
(J.K. Coi 8:56am July 10, 2014)

Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 1:26pm July 10, 2014)

Now I have to read this. I only watch Suits because of
Gabriel Macht.
(Donna Antonio 4:12pm July 10, 2014)

I've never watched Suits. Must check it out. LOL And I'll take Jude Law. ;)
(Marcy Shuler 4:30pm July 10, 2014)

I love the character of Rick Castle. He is so funny and smart at the same time!
(Sue Galuska 4:46pm July 10, 2014)

Have not read any of your books yet, hope I win one.
(Judy Ferguson 6:16pm July 10, 2014)

No one single movie actor inspires me. Sorry!
(Felicia Plastini 8:27pm July 10, 2014)

Thanks Felicia!
(J.K. Coi 9:34pm July 10, 2014)

Donna and Marcelyn, you're not going to regret it *grin*
(J.K. Coi 9:35pm July 10, 2014)

Oh Sue! Rick Castle is a great example of an inspiring character! Thanks for commenting :0)
(J.K. Coi 9:36pm July 10, 2014)

I agree entirely, Elaine :)
(J.K. Coi 9:37pm July 10, 2014)

Good luck, Judy!
(J.K. Coi 9:38pm July 10, 2014)

Felicia, hopefully there are a bunch of them who inspire you, not just one!
(J.K. Coi 9:39pm July 10, 2014)

I can't really think of any television or movie characters
that inspire me, but I strive to be the kind of person who has
high principals and strives to stand by those, no matter what.
(LaRonda Atchison 12:03pm July 11, 2014)

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