Caridad Piñeiro
If you are already familiar with Caridad Piñeiro’s The Sins series—we reviewed Sins of the Flesh in November 2009 and gave away a copy of Stronger Than Sin in November 2010—you’ll be excited to learn that the author has a new paranormal series in the works.
Book one in the Sin Hunters series is available today, and Piñeiro joins us again on the blog to tell us about an unusual work habit—she watches movies and TV as she writes. Here, she explains why—and what—she watches.
Readers: Where do you take inspiration for your creative pursuits?
_______
Movies that set the mood
by Caridad Piñeiro
When I set out to create the new Sin Hunters paranormal romance series, I wanted to do something very different from the vampires and demons populating so many stories in the genre. I also wanted the mythology to be thought-provoking to readers by creating a concept that would have them thinking about whether or not it was possible that a race like the Hunters could actually exist.
Adam Bruno, the hero in The Lost, is descended from the Light Hunters, one faction of a race of energy gatherers whose destiny was forever changed by the arrival of the Conquistadors in the Americas and the illnesses they brought to the indigenous people. Adam does not know of his origins nor does he truly understand the power at his fingertips—literally. You see Adam’s affinity is lightning, and he can control anything electrical because of that ability as well as a host of other powers.
It took time to build a mythology and history for the Hunters and The Lost. To do so, I took inspiration from various history books, as well as studies regarding the control and enhancement of life forces and energy. I was also inspired by trips along the Jersey Shore and the connection I felt to the ocean and nature.
Because I’m motivated by visual things, I take lots of photographs of the various locations in the books and I will almost always write with the television on while I am working. I’ll play movies and television shows that fit the mood of what I am writing.
Here are five of my favorites that I hope you will enjoy as well!
KING ARTHUR with Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. Honorable hero and a gang of friends who each bring something different to the mix at the round table. A kick-butt heroine in the form of a warrior Guinevere. Amazing action scenes with one of my favorite sword moves.
UNDERWORLD with Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman. Tortured kick-butt heroine, honorable hero and an ages-old battle of vampire versus werewolf. Futuristic-type action sequences and weapons ramp up a traditional vampire mythology.
TWO WEEKS NOTICE with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. What can I say: The sight of Hugh Grant flopping around on a mattress like a fish pulled out of water is classic. Humor. Even in the darkest paranormal there has to be that hint of humor that humanizes both hero and villain.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER television series with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Tortured, kick-butt heroine (are you noticing a theme?) and unexpected heroes in the form of Spike and Angel. The Scooby Gang of friends. More importantly, amazing metaphors, story arcs and word play that is as sharp as any punch that Buffy might throw.
A WALK IN THE CLOUDS with Keanu Reeves. Lush cinematography brings to life the California wine valleys and is so real you think you could step into the landscape. A sweet romance filled with amazing sexual tension and the conflict of both cultures and expectations.
[For more from Piñeiro, visit her blog. And pick up The Lost—on sale today!]
Pingback: Join Me at BookPage for 5 Top Movie Inspirations! | Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense Author Caridad Pineiro
50 First Dates – the ultimate romantic obstacle
The Last of the Mohicans – no explanation necessary
Star Trek (the new one) – action, action, action
The Hangover – all man jokes, all the time
Knight and Day – total sleeper
–Melinda Leigh
I have to go with the old standbys:
Somewhere in Time
Ladyhawke
The Holiday
Excalibur; and one from the total other end of the spectrum which literally got me off the sofa and in front of the computer -
Disappearing Act – from the Terry McMillan book of the same name.
Hi Caridad,
For me, the interraction between characters is the key. As you pointed out with King Arthur, when each member of a cast of characters brings something different to the table and yet manages to blend in with the other personalities, the result can be fantastic. NCIS is an example. Boardwalk Empire is another. And just recently, Game of Thrones.
Not movies, but excellent series nonetheless.
Terrific movie mentions. I love using both music and movies for atmosphere and inspiration. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The League of Extraordianry Gentlemen, Van Helsing, Time After Time, Legend, Aliens, and in the non-paranormal category, for my WWII historical fiction projects, Saving Private Ryan, Memphis Belle, Shining Through, Paradise Road, Winds of War, Charlotte Grey, 13 Rue Madeleine. Can’t beat them for helping you to “get in the mood”. Great post and discussion!
Saving Private Ryan
Harry Potter (all of them)
My other three choices are TV series not movies:
NCIS
CSI- Miami
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Top five romantic pics:
Somewhere in Time
Out of Africa
French Lieutenant’s Woman
The Last of the Mohicans
These four because they are all about hunky guys and
passionate love and are costume dramas.
My fifth choice is a romantic comedy–a contemporary–
When Harry Met Sally. Just because it makes me laugh everytime.
I agree that movies can help create an atmosphere that promotes creative thinking. I like your choices and will try them to help inspire me.
Thank you all for coming by and sharing your favorites! I definitely see how many of the ones you suggested would provide inspiration. I will have to mix some of them up with my usual fare. As for television shows, NCIS is definitely on my list of must watch. The ensemble cast is wonderful and is also a great example of what we strive to do when building a cast of characters in our novels.
Everyone has such great lists. I’d have to go with some of the oldies (because I’m one of the oldies).
Camelot
Gone with the Wind (romantic at age 19 and she got what she deserved at age 40)
Lady Hawke
Dark Shadows – The TV soup opera (I just wanted the vampires to get better)
I agree with ‘Underworld” completely. My list would include—The Langoliers—The Wild Geese—-Thunderheart—-African Queen. There are many more but these are my favs.
those are all awesome movies.
i think just some of my top favorites are:
1) The Color Purple
2)All of the Harry Potter films
3)Van Helsing
4)Dracula(cirac 1979 -starring Frank Langella)
5)Sliding Doors(stars Gwenyth Paltrow)
6)First Wives Club
7)The Quiet Man(star John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara)
and last but not least
8) Young Frankenstein
that’s one from each of my favorite film categories.
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
Hi -
I love these movies. I love Singing in the Rain (I love Gene Kelly’s dancing in the rain), The Princess Bride (Mandy Patamkin’s duel is fantastic), and Matrix (the visuals were fantastic). All different types of movies but each with their attraction.
Caridad, my your book fly off the shelves.
Thanks for this wonderful post.
Some classics added to the list of movies to watch! Thank you so much again for sharing your inspiration. It’s always good to have new things to consider.
I love your choices, Caridad. And I was fascinated to learn that you watch TV and movies while you write! Some of my fave movies are Somewhere in Time, The Big Chill, The Graduate. Very interesting post! Looking forward to your August release from Grand Central, happy for you!
My movies might reflect my whimsical side, Caridad.
Harvey
The Philadelphia Story
Bringing Up Baby
Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid
Forbidden Planet
**I think they may be more part of my general psyche than plain inspiration. These movies make me happy. Odd thing is, only one is in color!
OMG, I love Bringing up Baby!
My staples are King Arthur, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Mists of Avalon, and of late, the HBO series, Game of Thrones. For humor I can watch My Cousin Vinnie every day!
Try The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Love it! Pearl
Oooh, me too, Pearl! Rex Harrison is quite dreamy. . .
Hi Caridad!
For me it’s anything written by Nora Ephron. (With Sleepless in Seattle topping the list!)
Oh my only 5? I could probably list 15-20, but I’ll keep it short
-Gone with the Wind
-White Christmas
-Little Women
-Pride and Prejudice (all variations of it)
-When Harry Met Sally
Must I stop there? Yes I’m smacking my hand away from the keyboard. Great to see everyone elses picks.
Thank you all! So many great movies that I have to check out and so eclectic. I appreciate you stopping by!