I often get asked this question by readers of my ‘Black Breath Series’. The answer is, I enjoy using many names of people that have impacted my life, for character names in my books. Now, keep in mind, that’s impacting me in both a positive and negative way! The names get sorted out in the plot accordingly. A lot of the negative ones, shall we say, frequently don’t make it to the next book. This practice of mine displayed throughout the writing of my first 3 books and is carried on in fine fashion in my latest book, ‘Legacy.’ The names of business associates, friends, and many of my family members have found their place between the covers of my books. Currently, I’d estimate that I’ve used the names of over 50 people I know one way or another in my stories. One case in point is the name of Lori Baker’s baby doctor, in ‘Premonitions,’ Dr. Rittenhouse. Dr. Rittenhouse was the name of the doctor that delivered my daughter, Jennifer, shall we say several years ago! (to be kind to Jenny) Now he did a fine job indeed, except for telling my wife and me that we were expecting a boy throughout her pregnancy! Surprise! (We didn’t have access to ultrasound imaging back then. Sorry Jen!) Over the years now, I’ve had numerous people ask to have their names included in my next book and I’m usually happy to accommodate them if I can. Drop me a line and, who knows? Yours may be the next one included!
