I thought it would be fun to discuss what inspired me to write some of my books. For starters, I draw inspiration from video games, books, TV, movies, and life in general. So what inspired me to write these books? Well, here goes:
Merman’s Kiss Series:
Back in 2011, I wanted to write a teen mermaid book. I don’t know why, but ever since I was little, I’ve always loved the ocean, and what girl hasn’t wished to be a mermaid at one point in her life? I knew right away the book would be about a merman and not a mermaid. I was very into writing teen male POVs back then (I still am!), so I originally planned to have dual POV, from both the merman and human girl’s POV. I wrote three chapters, and then got sidetracked with another project. I pushed it aside and figured I’d write it “one day.”
About two years later, I watched a documentary on mermaids, and while watching it, I remember getting jealous. Of course it was a hoax, but the thought of mermaids actually living deep in the ocean is such a cool concept. I remembered my merman story and how awesome it would be to actually see it come to life (at least on paper). So literally the next day, I started writing the story again. But I made some significant changes. Instead of doing dual POV and having the characters sixteen like I originally planned, I upped their ages to eighteen and twenty because I thought the story would work better with older characters. Though I still kept them young because I like writing about younger characters. And I made the decision to only write Cassie’s POV because I wanted Damarian and his world to be a mystery. And just as my readers learn about the story and characters as they read it, I, the author, learn it when I write it. I do a lot of planning and brainstorming before starting a book, but a good chunk of the plot unfolds as I write it. Most of the time, even I don’t know what’s going to happen next!
Merman’s Kiss was written as a standalone novel, but I left the door open “in case.” Once readers asked for more, I knew I had to get down to business. The thought of creating this wonderful and realistic world in the deep ocean was pretty scary, and I didn’t know if I could do it. I’m not a marine biologist, I don’t live near the ocean, and I’ve never been under water (except in a pool). I spent a few days attached to my computer, watching YouTube videos on ocean life and doing as much research as possible. Although I like to portray my merpeople as simple, peaceful creatures, I do like to incorporate some magic, because I feel the ocean itself is pretty magical.
Keepers of Justice Series:
At a time in my life when I was younger, I was feeling pretty down and like the entire world was crapping down on me. As though I was sucking in everyone else’s problems, giving them the good life while mine sucked. I thought to myself: what if there was a girl out there who really was sucking in everyone’s problems, making her life miserable? She would take it and take it until she couldn’t anymore. And what would happen? Kaboom! There goes Earth. And what if there was a guy out there who could “save” her? (Yes, all my books HAVE to have some romance). I threw around different ideas in my head—what could the guy be? An angel sent from Heaven to help her? Nah. Someone from the future? Hmm…okay, but still nah. What about…*Lightbulb*… A superhero! So the Keepers of Justice was born. I originally wanted to write the story from the girl, Lindsay’s, POV, but at the time, I loved writing teen male POVs. I started the first chapter and Kale came to life. He was supposed to be this hot, tough, confident buff guy whom girls chased, but he refused to be written that way. He put his foot down and demanded to be written as this somewhat dorky guy with no powers who can’t get girls to notice him.
I’m not as much of a superhero fan as some other superhero writers, but I was inspired by the X-Men and the Justice League when I was younger. I loved X-Men Evolution. I really like the idea of teens with powers living in a school and having to deal with life while learning to control their powers. I also really enjoyed Heroes.
Why are all the KOJ books from different POVs? While I was writing No Ordinary Hero, I was intrigued by X-Ray’s character and background. He’s one of my favorites. I needed to write his story (and okay, he needed some love in his life). Stealth was also a character I was intrigued by, and I knew I had to write her story as well. Stretch was actually not supposed to be resurrected, but one of my beta readers was very upset that he died, so I decided to give him another chance at life. And Shadow begged to be redeemed, so I had to write his story.
Emily’s Curse
Okay, now this one, like the book, is a little weird but cool. I used to play this awesome PC game where one of the playable characters was a monster that kind of looked like a half-snake, half-woman. When I first saw her, I thought she was the most freaky-looking creature I’ve ever seen. Then I started playing her. She was…SO. FREAKING. COOL! Once I read her backstory, I was inspired to write Emily’s Curse. I love the book—it’s probably my favorite (don’t tell the others because I’m supposed to love them all the same). The thing I love about the book is the character of Emily. She is different and proud of it. She loves who she is and doesn’t want to change for anything or anyone. Even when all these changes are happening to her body—changes most girls would beg for—she doesn’t want them. She wants to be herself, and I think that is very inspiring. Her personality is somewhat based on me, though I wish I had her confidence. And then of course there’s Toby, who is such a good character as well. His loyalty to Emily is really great and he’s, in my eyes, the perfect best friend. Emily’s Curse is probably one of my books I can read over and over again without inwardly cringing (yes, I seem to do that when I read over my work).
So that’s a little insight into how some of my books came about. Is there anything else you want to know? Leave a comment 🙂
Dee J. Stone 