by Joanne Rock
When people ask me where I get the inspiration for the books I write, I usually have a hard time answering succinctly since the truth is—usually—that the inspiration comes from everywhere. I key into an overheard conversation and glean some enticing tidbit for a bit of character backstory. Or I watch a movie and think the setting is something I’d like to explore for an upcoming work. Sometimes a friend of a friend undergoes a dramatic experience in real life and I’d like to incorporate some of those emotions into a book.
But this mish-mash approach was not the case with A KNIGHT MOST WICKED. The opening of this story is actually taken from the first book I ever wrote. And while the rest of the work is much changed from my original early drafts, my vision of the story—and the opening that remains untouched from its first incarnation—was inspired by something very definite. La Belle Dame Sans Merci.
If you’ve studied poetry or if you’ve dabbled in the Romantic period, you’re already familiar with the poem by John Keats:
‘I met a lady in the meads,
Full beautiful—a faery’s child,
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.
I loved the lines and was struck by the image of a wild woman in the forest who waited to lure unsuspecting men to their doom. In fairy tales, the forest is so often a place of danger for a young woman— remember Snow White? But in this case, it is the woman who rules the forest uses it as her seat of power. I read a lot about the wild woman motif in Clarissa Pinkola Estes book, Women Who Run with the Wolves. Estes discusses the need for women to “let go of the image of the overly positive mother when we learn that being good/sweet/nice will not cause life to sing.” We must experience our own “shadow nature” to know ourselves directly and to come to terms with our true selves. This is our inner wild woman and, I believe, she is the woman in Keats’ gorgeous poem.
So being intrigued by romanticism and feminism, La Belle Dame Sans Merci had me from the first word. I was entranced. Or, like the poor guy who comes under La Belle Dame’s power, I was “in thrall.” But still, that reaction was nothing compared to me glee when I discovered the Pre-Raphaelite paintings by the same name. One by Sir Frank Dicksee and the other by John William Waterhouse. These weren’t the only paintings inspired by the Keats poem, but they were two that really made the story come alive for me.
What I loved about the Dicksee painting was the beauty of the woman and the fact that the man was so thoroughly entranced. Now, art critics have pointed out the knight’s pose is stilted. But be that as it may, the dynamic between the characters clearly puts the woman in a powerful position. The chemistry at work is undeniable.
What I find interesting about the Waterhouse painting is the darker nature of the composition. While Dicksee’s vision has a prettiness about it, the Waterhouse interpretation recalls the fact that the knight is doomed and even the heroine has a darker edge. She doesn’t seem to rejoice in her role here as she draws him into her world. There’s something more despairing about her character.
It was this sense of darkness that called up the opening of A KNIGHT MOST WICKED for me. I ruminated on the painting and the poem and my writerly imagination took flight for the first time. I wanted to know more about the woman in the alone in the woods, a woman who was plagued by her own worries. And while I couldn’t see my hero following this woman to her doom since I have a great affection for happy endings, I could see him haunted by the memory of her.
Which is precisely what happens in the opening of A KNIGHT MOST WICKED. I recreated the scene in words instead of pictures, inserting my own version of a wild woman—a free-spirited gypsy—and a knight on a mission to deliver a princess to his king. Little does the hero know the gypsy who haunts his memory has transformed herself into a noblewoman to join the royal retinue on its journey to England.
What happens next is all a product of my own imagination and owes nothing to Keats’ poem or the paintings it inspired. From Bohemia to London, my hero and heroine battle their attraction along with a scheming noblewoman, political intrigue and prejudices about Arabella’s unorthodox upbringing. I had fun researching the diaspora nature of gypsy culture and the roots of these people who once had a strong population hold in Bohemia. And since my hero’s name is Tristan, I also enjoyed playing with the Tristan and Isolde story, a tale the hero shares with the heroine to entertain her on the long journey to his homeland. But then, that’s something I love about art in general. I can be inspired to write a book by a painting and the painting can be inspired by a poem, and the characters can be inspired by a story… it’s all wonderfully cyclical.
–What kind of art inspires you? A song that makes your heart soar? A movie that brings tears to your eyes? Or are there pictures/images that you like to surround yourself with to feel peaceful, happy, creative, etc.?
–What do you think about getting in touch with your inner wild woman? Have you ever experienced the benefit of letting your dark side have some sway in your life?
Two random contributors to the boards will receive an advance copy of Joanne’s historical, A KNIGHT MOST WICKED, along with their choice of backlist story.
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There’s a beautifully haunting song by Josh Groban called My Obsession that should inspire a romance novel. Not that I can write. 
I love those pre-Raphaelite paintings too, as well as Constable’s images of the English countryside.
I let that wild woman loose in my 20’s. Now she’s content to have grown into the “crone”. 
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I love to watch the Impressionism paintings… they are so beautiful and inspiring!
by Nathalie
on March 15th, 2008 at 8:36 am
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Surprisingly, of the choices given, it is music that moves/inspires me most.
by Little Lamb Lost
on March 15th, 2008 at 8:49 am
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I’ll have to sample the Josh Groban song on my weekend Borders run. I haven’t spent enough time in the music section lately! And I think the crone phase is the happiest… less turmoil, and wiser eyes to know what choices will bring the most life fulfillment. It’s a wonderful thing to understand yourself– and to know when let the wild woman out!
My apologies for the typos in my column, BTW. 
I am usually a more diligent proofreader! Thankfully, for my books I get to utilize more eyes than my own 
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Hi Joanne, I would have to say music. Some songs are so beautiful because of the artist’s voice like Josh’s or many will touch me because of the words. I do love some art. I don’t get the crazy stuff that looks like a black splotchy mess and it’s labeled the woman though. Monet, Rembrandt, Matisse, and Van Gogh have some moving pieces.
by Dena
on March 15th, 2008 at 9:16 am
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When people are driving me crazy at work I find taking a moment or two to look at pictures of my grandson will instantly relax me and make me smile.
by Joyce
on March 15th, 2008 at 9:25 am
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Hi, Joanne, I do enjoy art–I do favor the Impressionists and the more realistic styles (Dali and the others are amazing in their own way, but just aren’t my cup of tea). I do also love nature photography, and especially Ansel Adams, or photos of my family (I know, so not in the same category! ;)). All kinds of music–Dvorak’s New World Symphony is a favorite.
I think it’s fun to let the Wild Woman help make some decisions–I think of her as being a bit quicker on the draw and going more with instinct, and sometimes that seems to be a good thing! Not to overthink it all and be too cautious 
by Fedora
on March 15th, 2008 at 10:25 am
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Music, definitely: Adiemus, Sibelius, Monty Python, Juanes, Pave Maijanen, Nightwish, Queen, Riverdance… And of course art. I like for instance the paintings of Akseli Gallen Kallela, Van Gogh, Albert Edelfelt and Marc Chagall.
by Minna
on March 15th, 2008 at 11:37 am
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Many things inspire me–art, history, nature, music.
I’m lucky enough to live near some woods where I see hawks and eagles and ospreys soar often, and hear the owls hoot at night. And wild flowers… spiderworts in particular.
by azteclady
on March 15th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
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I’m in awe of Michelangelo’s work on the Sistine Chapel and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. I love Bach, Mozart and Chopin. I might still have some time to let my inner wild woman out.
by Jane
on March 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
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Hi Joanne,
I really enjoyed reading how you were inspired. As to what inspires me… songs, people, some movies - especially the ones based on real events… I’ve been really into more alternative music recently, with an acoustic feel. Two singers I really like are Imogen Heap and Ingrid Michaelson and I’m so glad they’re finally becoming more popular.
by limecello
on March 15th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
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Just opened a box from Harlequin and found A Knight Most Wicked. Guess I ought to take my name out of the running since I already have it. Since I just finished a book, I think I’ll read this one now. Buh-bye.
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Great post. I enjoy reading how you were inspired to write the book.
Music inspires me.
by Estella
on March 15th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
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I’m inspired by beautiful songs and nature.The woods nearby my house are wonderful every season
by Eva S
on March 15th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
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music mostly inspires me
by Karrie
on March 15th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
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I don’t know why but Meat Loaf’s old song Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad always managed to bring tears to my eyes. It’s not really the words though I love them but it’s just the music. Though I give the impression of a tough person
Actually what makes me feel peaceful is not surrounding myself with pictures, but doing some painting myself.
by Mona
on March 15th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
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Oh there are so many…music, movies, art and above all else books inspire me. I love to be surrounded by my books and have many shelves and nooks and crannies - after all the covers are pieces of art!!!!
by catslady
on March 15th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
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I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to click send I wanted to say how much I like your cover. and to answer your question about the dark side, my husband and I were married for 15 years before we decided to have kids and oh the adventures we had 
by catslady
on March 15th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
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Books inspire me, there is nothing like setting down to a good historical romance. As far as my wild side. I guess I had that when I was in my early 20″s. I didn’t get married until I was 28 so I had a few adventures before then. I wouldn’t say I was a wild child but I had some good times.
by Virginia H.
on March 15th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
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Inspiration comes from so many things for me. I love to be at one with nature. To just sit outside on my porch swing listening to the birds and the wind. Also, food and my favorite drink inspires me. I love to have my favorite Chex Mix nearby and green tea. Yum! Then, I noticed my creativity level goes up late at night when I am painting. I can paint better late at night. Even when I am creating my cards inspiration flows better at night.
Now my inner wild side was let loose in my 20’s and 30’s. I am happily married right now. It is funny how we get so content with our hubby’s when it comes to the vavoom bit. In our early years though we did some outrageous things like doing it in the woods until the big horsefly came whizzing by and disrupted us! That was an outing I will always remember! We have gone to the beach and had some nice picnics with a little cuddling which was a lot of fun! Ooo…I just remembered we also went skinny dipping in the lake one beautiful Sunday morning! That was a riot! I live right next to Lake Michigan.
Michele L.
by Michele L.
on March 15th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
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I have been inspired by books, music and movies. It depends upon the situation and my mood at the time.
It was great reading about your inspiration for A Knight Most Wicked. It definitely peaked my interest in your book and I have added it to my must read list. I have always been fascinated by the legend of King Arthur and Merlin.
My dark side had sway during my college years and helped me overcome my shyness.
by Linda F
on March 15th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
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Love this post, Joanne and that poem is something that would have inspired me if I were a writer. I like mystical and whimsical artwork, and music I love, affects my moods. One favorite song is Moon Dance by Van Morrison, that’s one that might inspire me for a story.
by Pam P
on March 15th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
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i love music and i am listeing rite now too. i love fallen in love and happily ever after moives. they insipre me
by kim h
on March 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
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Monet!! Love his paintings. I also have a bird of paradise picture created with water colors and scraps of colored tissue paper from a local artist- Howells.
Music :John Denver’s For You, and many by Chris DeBurgh especially poignant is There’s a New Star in Heaven Tonight, Mosart.
Movies: Braveheart always brings tears to my eyes!! Also Dances With Wolves.
I’m pretty cautious. I used to be a nurse so I really value my life and know that it can be snapped away quickly. Riskiest to me… downhill sking in Colorado.
by Laurie G
on March 16th, 2008 at 5:20 am
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Music can be inspiring anything from Jazz to Rock to Classical. Also, I love going to art museums. The Arms and Armor collection in the Philadelphia Museum of Art is amazing.
by Maureen
on March 16th, 2008 at 11:55 am
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Two movies that always brings tears to my eyes are: The Notebook and A Star is Born (the one with Barbara Sreisand).
by Teresa W.
on March 16th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
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I’m a big fan of the Arthurian stories too, Linda. And Pam, interestingly enough, I just blogged very recently on Romance and Moonlight in connection to this book:
http://harlequinhistoricalauthors.blogspot.com/search/label/Moonlight%20and%20romance
And while Moon Dance didn’t come up, a lot of other moon songs and movies did. Neil Young’s Harvest Moon is a fav. from way back.
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***Winners***
The thread winners are Fedora and Michele L. Congratulations! Please do email me at joanne@joannerock.com with a snail mail address for shipping and thanks to all for visiting with me this weekend!
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Congrats, Fedora and Michele L.!
Happy St Patrick’s Day, everyone!
by azteclady
on March 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am
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Congratulations Fedora and Michele L.! This has been a great thread. Thank you for the comments.
Kristal Rosebrook
by Kristal Rosebrook
on March 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
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wtg winners
by kim h
on March 17th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
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Awesome! Thank you so much Joanne! I am so excited to win one ofyour books!
by Michele L.
on March 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
