When it comes to romance, is there anything more captivating that a well-played love triangle? Whether in real life, in movies, or in books, love triangles are a great way to throw a grenade into what might otherwise be a happily-ever-after scenario.
When I wrote “I Knew Men,” I knew from the beginning that our main character, Anna, was going to be pulled in different directions by two charming brothers who are head-over-heels for her. Although I love this triangle and both of her suitors, I couldn’t stop there. I had fun developing the story of an ex-wife and a brother in-law to create a couple more! Three sides, three triangles.
SHARP AND BOTHERED
I think Jennifer, the sexy and conniving ex-wife, was the hardest character for me to write. Part of me feels sympathetic to her. After all, she was the wife of a man who was arguably one of the most popular men on earth. She divorced him and then had regrets – big regrets. Jennifer is willing to pay any price to get her man back, but should she?
The third triangle brings us Greg, the snaky brother in-law of Anna’s brother, Fred. I can think of a few Gregs from my past who inspired this character that has it bad for Anna, but one in particular stands out. Once, when I was young and naïve, a trusted uncle set me up with the son of one of his buddies. This handsome corporate heir drove a sleek Corvette and wined & dined me. To him, I was nothing more than a one night plaything while he was in town.
Thinking of him, and other sleazy kinds of men I’ve known, I had a lot of fun writing the third love triangle with Greg, who, together with all the other characters, returns for more twists and turns in my sequel, “I Knew Men More.”
Just like its musical counterpart, when it comes to love, the triangle is a very versatile instrument!