People often ask me how I get the ideas to write my novels, stating that they cannot imagine ever coming up with an idea of their own. I always tell them it's easier than you think.  So, in an effort to give some insight as to where ideas come from, I've added 'How Novels are Born' to my site. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions, or you would like critique of a proposal for a book you have in mind. I am here to help and as always, encourage you with your writing career.

So, here's how The Rich American Woman came to be. In the 1980s I traveled with a christian group that sponsored children in India. I was assigned to the Bangalore region where the child I sponsored lived. My trip there was a real eye opener. 

At the time I was disenchanted with my own life, having been a businesswoman in Manhattan for sometime and feeling empty from the 9 to 5 work grind.  When the trip to India came about I felt God tugging on my heart, so much so that I could not sleep for quite a few weeks.

While in India, I grew into a more mature adult. Up until that time, it was all about career, having a boyfriend/husband - the American dream. As I traveled down dirt roads to the poorest of the poor, my heart was convicted. These people had near nothing and yet they were willing to give it away for the sake of friendship and gratitude.  Many lived in mud huts without running water or any type of luxuries, but they were at peace. 

Then, an incident at one of the sites, changed me forever. The mother of a child I was helping gave me her wedding picture as a gift of gratitude because it was the thing she valued the most in life and she wanted me to know she was 'that' thankful for what I was doing for her family.  I had to examine my own life and sad to say I came up short when it came to putting others first.

Years later, these experiences helped form the novel that is The Rich American Woman.

Recently The Rich American Woman received the John Gardner Award, Honorable Mention for best character description of main character, Amelia DeLuca.

Books are born, out of our own experiences in life, although The Rich American Woman is made up of fictional characters and circumstances, the nuggets of truth in the story are true to life.

When writing your novel don't be afraid to draw on your own personal experiences. These experiences make the best fictional stories.