Because I'm such a movie buff, I often find the perfect photo of an actor to inspire a hero that I've created—as if I visualize them playing the role in my mind's eye. So I thought I would share a few of my 'inspiration' photos with my readers!

For my first book, UNLACED, the hero Henry, Lord Mandeville was more of a composite. I primarily based his physical attributes on a combination of my husband (he's got beautiful indigo-blue eyes!) and the Australian actor Paul Leyden, who I was lucky enough to have dinner with one night, along with other cast members of the soap opera "As the World Turns" (a 'prize' I won at a benefit). So here's a photo of me and Paul—just try to imagine him with indigo-blue eyes, wearing a waistcoat and cravat.

For my second book, UNVEILED, my inspiration photo was easy. There are definite Pride and Prejudice tones to UNVEILED, and I couldn't imagine anyone other than Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy in the definitive, BBC-produced version of P&P) playing Hayden, Lord Westfield, though I gave him mossy green eyes and made him more muscular. No imagination is even required with this photo—he's already suitably attired!

For UNDRESSED, I had Canadian actor Hayden Christensen (a.k.a. Anakin Skywalker!) in mind as Colin Rosemoor, as an intriguing mix of boyish charm and brooding blond good looks. Mr. Christensen definitely knows how to play 'tortured,' so I think he'd do a fine job as Colin, given a British accent and a billowing great coat. I'm also using this picture for inspiration for a YA hero I'm writing--a very angsty YA paranormal. Therefore, this photo is still taped to my computer desk.

The hero of TO LOVE A SCOUNDREL, Frederick Stoneham, is half Irish, an inveterate rake, and a totally charming bad boy. (But don't worry, Eleanor Ashton will have no trouble taming him!) Who else to inspire him but real-life 'bad boy' Colin Farrell? This photo, which was taken while Mr. Farrell was filming the movie The New World, is still taped to my computer desk, too--just can't bring myself to take it down. Yeah, it's a tough job being a romance author, but someone's gotta do it, right?!

Ryan Gosling--he's brilliant and he only makes fabulous movies (particularly The Believer and Half Nelson, for which he got an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor). I just adored his very romantic Noah Calhoun in The Notebook. Look for a future hero based on him.

This is John Krasinski from the TV show THE OFFICE--so adorable! I love the unrequited/pining for his friend storyline that's playing out between Jim and Pam. It's also a storyline I plan to use in an upcoming book, the first book in my new historical series. The hero, Simon, Duke of Sommerton, has been pining after the four-years-older Violet Westbrooke since he was a boy.   Sexy Brit Richard Armitage (from the BBC miniseries North and South) is serving as my muse for the super-sexy Simon. This picture of Richard is currently taped to my computer desk, along with Colin and Hayden.

I'd love to hear from you readers…did you picture any particular actors 'playing' the roles of the heroes in my books? Or heroines? Or even secondary characters? If so, write to me at kristina@kristinacook.com and let me know! I'll feature your suggestions in upcoming issues of my readers' newsletter!

*All pictures are copyrighted and are the property of their respective photographers or websites. Kristina Cook with Paul Leyden - Laurie Cook for KristinaCook.com. Hayden Christensen - www.desiringhayden.net. Colin Farrell - www.colinfarrellfansite.com. Colin Firth - as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice - BBC. Ryan Gosling photo - -copyright The Independent magazine. John Krasinski photos - NBC.