Would you like to see the images that inspired the characters in Racing Christmas?
Let’s start with the photo that inspired the cover. I was looking through one of the resources where I purchases images to use. I don’t know what or why… but this one just grabbed my attention and I knew I wanted elements of it on the cover of Racing Christmas.
But the guy was all wrong for fun-loving, silver-tongued Shaun Price, and the girl didn’t really work for Brylee either.
The pose, however, I loved.
So I started looking for images that would fit Brylee and Shaun’s characters.
Then I happened to find this handsome cutie among the images I could purchase. (And yes, you can see a bit of his face on the cover of Blown Into Romance. I’ve decided he and Blayne Grundy are distant cousins.)
Can’t you just picture him wondering what’s going on in Brylee’s head?
Did I mention he was just perfect for Shakin’ It Shaun? Well, I think he is!
That leaves us with Brylee.
Emily Tennant was my inspiration for Brylee’s character. Those big blue eyes, blonde hair, and that slightly wounded look among the sweetness was exactly how I pictured Brylee.
And when I found this image to purchase, I knew she’d be wonderful on the cover as Brylee.
For Brylee’s brother, Birch, I chose Peyton Meyer.
And I thought Joan Allen made a great character inspiration for Brylee’s mother.
And I can’t forget Shaun’s dad, Jason. George Clooney is exactly how I envision the big-hearted cowboy.
You can find more visual inspiration on my Pinterest board, too.
And while you look at the photos, listen to Dustin Lynch (with Karen Fairchild) sing Love me or Leave me Alone. I consider this Brylee and Shaun’s song.
