Writing 'Betraying the Highwayman' was a different experience for me than writing the previous two books in the Ladies of Deception trilogy. It didn't come as easily to me as the other two did and it was harder for me to get into the characters. I was worried that the final product would not be to my liking but, much to my delight, I ended up loving the story immensely!
I had several people comment to me that they weren't as excited to read this book because the heroine was Elenore. They didn't fully connect with her in Misleading Lord Martineau. I must encourage them, and all of you, to give it a try...I think you'll be delightfully pleased with her and the story she has to share as you get to know more about her.
I had a funny moment while writing this book. I was writing the scene where Devon has to sneak out of his townhouse disguised as Black Lightening to hold up Lord Grayson. He climbs out of his bedroom window and jumps down to the ground below and is in a crouching position. I usually don't stop writing until I come to the end of a chapter but for some reason I had to quit at that point. I felt guilty for several days before I could get back to my writing as I left Devon in that horribly uncomfortable position. I kept berating myself-the least I could have done was let him stand up before leaving the story! I'm glad to know he survived and didn't hold it against me!
Now, on to the pictures!
This is what Devon's bed looked like, the bed that he lays in for days as Elenore nurses him back to health after the infection sets in from his gunshot wound.
This is the picture I used as inspiration for Elenore's grandmother's necklace, the necklace she asked Devon to sale for her to aide her in her journey to America.
These dresses are similar to the dress Devon brings Elenore to wear to the dinner at Lord Grayson's house, the night he convinces her to come help him try to retrieve his father's money.
This is a picture of the wallpaper that is on the walls of the drawing room at Westbrooke Hall.
And a picture of the mirror that is described hanging above the fireplace in the drawing room.
I never did find a good picture to inspire me for the hero, Devon. I actually had a contest on Facebook to see what my readers would come up with. Several really good photos were submitted, but this one instantly drew me in. The minute I saw it, I instantly thought of Devon. I wanted to be sure, however, so I went back and began reading Betraying the Highwayman to see what my mind conjured. Sure enough, as I read, this picture continued to pop into my head and I knew that the perfect Devon had been found. In my mind, I pictured Devon handsome, yet kind of boyish with warm, kind eyes that drew you in. I can just picture him in a cravat and waistcoat, or a black mask and tricorn hat!
