Question: Who was Alan’s character inspired from?

Answer: A combination of the men I’ve dated!

What Women Want in a Man

I like an intellectual man who can make me laugh and just has a kind, gentle heart. I think we women have all these ideas swirling in our head of what we want in a guy, so a lot of that has been put into Alan’s character. I know I certainly do!

Just like Shivani in Enchanted Silence, many women including myself have been with men who only cared about themselves and the relationship centered around fulfilling their happiness. It is a very one-sided relationship.

The Right Relationship Lets You Blossom

When Shivani starts seeing Alan, she realizes a relationship is…

• Not about losing herself, but a partnership where she can be true to who she is as an individual
• Giving each other proper support and space
• Bringing out the best in each other so each can live up to their highest potential

The right relationship should allow a woman to grow and blossom and she should allow her partner to do the same.

Inspired by Gerard Butler

And, of course, I’m a huge fan of Gerard Butler, so some qualities were inspired by him, too. Like Alan’s manly looks and his magnetic personality. When I was developing his character, I was very clear on how he would look physically and his emotional qualities.

When women read Enchanted Silence, I really wanted them to swoon over Alan because of his intrigue and irresistible charm, but also because of his emotional vulnerability.