How Much Me (or You) Goes in Your Books

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've been asked if my characters are based on people I know. In a word, No. 

To base a character on a real person would be a major distraction. Subconsciously, I'd think about what so-and-so would do rather than the character. Very limiting.

However, some of my values come through in choices I make about character hobbies or occupations. For example, a sleuth doesn't run a food pantry if she's cold-hearted. On my web page, I explain it as:

"What makes Elaine’s fiction different from other traditional mysteries? Some might say the dry humor (only a few say lame), but she thinks it is the empathy her characters show to others. Fiction can’t ‘lecture’ readers. But it can contain people whose paths we cross every day — whether we know it or not. The bright colleague or grouchy neighbor who’s actually in severe emotional pain, the families struggling to provide enough food for their children, the vet with PTSD. While characters solve crimes or plan silly fundraisers, they can tacitly let us know there is a world beyond those activities. And maybe they can make it a little better."

If that sounds boring to you, there are plenty of books that scare the pants off you or revel in evil. My sister's favorite author is Stephen King. If I read something of his, I have to sleep with a light on for a few nights. (A true compliment to his talents.)

My blurry photo of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Once an author starts to put too much of their beliefs or experiences in their work, their audience likely narrows. However, there are niche markets where ideals dominate. Think Christian Fiction, which I don't need to define, or Fabulist Fiction. A piece on Storygraph defines that as "weaving fantasy, myth, futurism and surrealism into a contemporary fictional world. Fabulist fiction doesn't just break rules, it knows  no rules."

Settings are different. For the Jolie Gentil series, I see the boardwalk in Bethany Beach, Delaware, or Ocean City, New Jersey or Maryland. The Maryland one has structures on both sides for some of the way, so I probably picture that more.

For the Logland mysteries, I used to picture the Jacksonville, IL square, but now I see Virdin, IL more. Perhaps because it has two bookstores -- the Sly Fox and Books on the Square.

Bottom line, many successful authors base characters on real people. It simply doesn't work for me.

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