I realized I haven’t shared the visuals I used when I was writing Ilsa, so without further ado, here are a few!
Let’s start with Ilsa.
In my head, Britt Robertson makes the perfect Ilsa. From her blue eyes and blond hair to that sweet smile. She’s just how I picture Ilsa.
And while she may start out timid and frightened, she finds her strength and courage.
The very handsome William Levy makes a wonderful Tony Campanelli.
Not only does he fit Tony’s description, I just can’t get over those eyes.
We met Caterina (Mila Kunis), Tony’s sister, previously.
As well as her husband, Kade Rawlings (Alan Ritchson).
Jennifer Morrison is my ideal Aundy, Ilsa’s sister.
While Josh Turner is just how I picture Garrett Nash, Aundy’s husband.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is my choice for the nasty Delmon Bertrand.
I thought Helen Mirren made a smashing Aunt Louisa.
Other visuals I used included this Victorian bracelet that is special to Ilsa.
A display from a store window in the early 1900s.
And these birds gave me the idea for Tony’s nickname for Ilsa.
I looked through many, many photos of wheat harvest and consulted with an expert (my dad) to get the details just right.
The University of Oregon has a wonderful collection of photos taken on the Umatilla Reservation by Maj. Moorhouse around the time of Ilsa’s story. This particular photo gave me the idea for adding in the character of Rebecca.
And, of course, Tony’s ice wagon.
For more images, pop over to Ilsa’s board on Pinterest. I add more images as I find them!
