Gladiators Can Be....Inspiring

So, as I sit here and think about my next story and the male lead character, I started thinking about inspiration. Now, before you say, "What the heck is Reana talking about?", just hear me out for a second. Inspiration for stories and and characters can come in various forms and I know that I've come up with many of my stories when I least expect it.

For example, as I'm sitting in the coffee shop looking out the large front window, I see a sexy man walk by. A story can be generated just from that short glimpse alone. At the time I see him walk by, I don't know if he has an Alpha personality, is loyal to his family and friends, married with six kids, etc. But what I do know is that if I write a story about him, he can be whatever I want him to be. Second example, is a song that I hear on the radio as I'm driving into work. A song can be the basis for a wonderful romance story, with a few twists and turns added in to make things interesting...of course.

So, as I begin to write another story and build the male lead, I can't help but be inspired by a television show that I'm completely addicted to. The two male leads are tough as nails, alpha personalities to a nth degree, but the love and loyalty they have for their women is amazing. Without a doubt, those are the kind of male leads I want to portray in all of my stories. When people finish reading something I've written, I want them to exhale (loudly) and desire to find a man like that for themselves.

Yes, inspiration can be found anywhere if you're looking for it. Now that I've been inspired by gladiators with to die for abs and muscled torso's...I'm sure I'll have the proper motivation for those, uhm, sexy bedroom scenes...

So, whether you write or you read...what inspires you the most?