Inspiration for Just One Look
Book ideas can come from some unexpected places and events. Everything an author does is filtered through a convoluted brain that sometimes, in my case at least, can see humor in the strangest situations.
The idea for my romantic
comedy, Just One Look, is a perfect example of this. Many years ago, I had a
lunch date scheduled with some of my writing friends. Prior to the lunch
though, I had my annual appointment for a mammogram.
At the women's clinic, with
me wearing the not-so-cute gowns we have to wear, I waited for the technician
to enter the room. When she walked in, I was surprised to see that it was
someone I knew but had lost touch with over the years. I must confess that I
saw the humor in renewing our acquaintance while baring my breasts, but we both
laughed about it and proceeded with the mammogram.
When finished, we promised to
get together again soon without the big X-ray machine, and I hurried to the
Olive Garden to meet my friends for lunch.
Over lunch, I was telling my
friends about how I spent my morning. Interestingly enough, one friend said,
"How embarrassing."
To which I laughed and
replied, "Not really. What would be embarrassing was if a woman went in
for her annual GYN exam and the doctor turned out to be an old boyfriend!"
We all laughed, but my
throwaway comment triggered my writer's imagination. I went home and wrote the
first chapter of what would become my best selling book of all time, Just One
Look. That book sold to Kensington when I submitted it. Later, it sold in
hardcover then in a large print edition. In 2011, when I decided to become an
indie author and publish it as an ebook, it took off like hot cakes.
Just One Look has sold more
than 100,000 copies since 2011. This sexy romance–and 2 other of my romantic
comedies–also brought me a French World Rights deal with Bragelonne, my
wonderful French publisher. They brought it and the other two books out in
print and ebook in 2012. I'm happy to report that they proved just as popular
in French as in English. Oh, and it's on audio also with one of the best
narrators I've ever heard bringing it to life.
Want to know what my
best-selling contemporary romance is about? Well, the tagline is: "Kids
play doctor, but these doctors play seduction games." Seduction, romance,
sweet revenge, comedy, and a strong sense of fun.
BLURB
What would you do if the
gynecologist subbing for your regular doctor turned out to be your old high
school crush?
Successful psychologist Dr.
Jennifer Monroe does what any normal, well-adjusted woman would do. She makes
an excuse to send the doctor and nurse from the room, dives into her clothes,
and flees!
Unfortunately, her running
away makes conscientious Dr. Matt Penrose conclude she has some kind of sexual
hangup. He's determined to refer her to another doctor for her health's sake.
If he can just talk to her, he'll suggest counseling for what he thinks are
emotional problems.
Jennifer refuses to take his
phone calls and hopes never to see him again. After all, Dallas is a big city.
What are the odds that she'll ever run into him again? Even money when Fate
lends a hand.
When Jennifer and Matt meet
at a charity gala, he earnestly urges her to seek professional help. Jennifer
is incensed that he thinks she's some frigid old maid -- and that he doesn't
remember her. All the old high school resentment floods back, fueling her
determination to teach him a lesson he won't soon forget.
With Jennifer, payback is a
scorcher. Kids play doctor, but these doctors play seduction games. And they're
playing for keeps. Will Matt recognize Jennifer? Will Jennifer lure him into
her bed?
Seduction and sex can be
pretty funny when both sides play dirty!
LINKS
Apple Bookstore:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/just-one-look/id576205204?mt=11
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/51565
19 comments:
Just One Look sounds like a hoot, Joan. Thanks for joining us at EQ to talk about this book. Your success with it makes me envious.
Wow! on your success with this book. So great. I agree with Jane, this book sounds hysterically funny.
Thanks for your hospitality, Jane. Yes, everyone seems to love this book! Lots of readers tell me that it's laugh out loud funny.
Like the old commercial says, "Try it. You'll like it!" At least I hope you would. Thank you. That book is like the little engine that could.
Oh fun! And I agree too. :) I wish you even more sales this year.
Congrats on your success! The book sounds like a hoot, now where is the one about the man and the mammogram?
Congratulations on your evergreen bestseller, Joan! I will add it to my TBR pile. I love learning about the genesis of stories and this was a fun insight. Thanks for sharing!
Thrilled for you and all of your success, wishing you more sales on this and your others works in the future. You are certainly an inspiration to this small time, counting on the big time writer! :)
Your book sound delightful. Wising you tons of sales and I'll face book.
This sounds like something I would love to read (or hear). Thanks for telling us about your inspiration for this book. Wishing you continued success, Joan.
What a great idea for a story, Joan! The blurb made me laugh out loud. Wishing you lots more success!
Thanks, Rose! I wish you big sales too.
Hey, Linda. Yes, readers consider it a lot of fun. All kidding aside, if a man has a family history of breast cancer, he should be checked. Men can have breast cancer too. A famous example is Richard Roundtree, the actor who played Shaft in the original movie. He is a breast cancer survivor.
Hello, Gemma. Thank you so much. I too enjoy knowing how authors get their story ideas. So does the general public because we're always asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" I like to say at the five and dime in the time-dilation field. That really causes a bewildered look!
Oh, Kelly, you're so sweet. Take heart and always remember that this is a marathon not a sprint. It took me more than 20 years to be an overnight success. *g* The important thing is to love what you're doing as that is a reward in itself.
Hey, Ronelda. Thanks for dropping by. Wishing you success on your latest romance too.
Good morning, J.D. Thank you for your good wishes. Right back at you, friend.
Yes, story ideas are everywhere I guess. *g* Glad I made you laugh. Thanks for taking the time to visit.
Good morning! I'm beginning to think technology hates me. I posted replies yesterday including the verification -- even though my fingers and brain don't speak verification, if you know what I mean -- but none showed up! So here goes again, because I really appreciate y'all dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Best wishes,
Joan Reeves
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