All I Need Is a Little Inspiration

     Like every other writer, the question I hear the most is, “Where do your ideas come from?”  I’ll never get tired of the reaction I get when I answer, “You!”  However, it’s very true.  Every single one of my characters, locations, and plot lines comes from some person or event in my life.  Right now I’m sure most of you are thinking that is highly unlikely seeing as I write paranormal romances, but, honestly, I have met some people and seen things that have planted the seed for all of my craziest ideas.

     My biggest inspiration was the city of Oswego, Illinois itself.  Originally a small farming community, the city was slowing becoming more popular with young families.  It began developing heavy several years ago with much promise as a booming suburban community.  It even got a Chipotle! *wink*  But, when the economy halted, so did Oswego’s growth resulting in random patches of open land next to housing subdivisions and businesses.  There is a school named Wolf’s Crossing, numerous coyote sightings, and a subdivision with street names like Twilight Drive and Midnight Court.  No more explanation needed, right?

     As far as the characters go, I have met so many interesting people in my years in the food industry that some have made a huge impact on me.  Some I have only met once, like the guy I served at TGI Friday’s with his wife and teenage kids.  When I paid out his bill with the credit card that had the cardholder’s name as Jackson Price, I ran up to him and told him excitedly that I was totally naming a Demon Hunter after him.  His response,  “Ya hear that kids? Dad’s an ass kicking Demon Hunter.”

     Others have become great friends.  Lillith the Spellcaster queen is modeled after my three favorite fiery redheads: My bestie Michele Zimmerman-Brann, a feisty bartender Melissa Elder, and the woman whose amazing voice I write to, Florence Welch.  This picture (below) is what I put up on my desktop when I’m writing Lilith.  

An important fight scene takes place inside TGI Friday’s Oswego.  Present in that scene is Kellianne Firstin (MaryAnne), Shana Richards, and Kyle Rodrigues. 

Kyle Backus is Cam of Sebastian’s werewolf pack.

A Facebook pic (left) of Nikki Novello is why she’s the only female in the pack.

Glorya Villazana is, well, Glorya because she is a character on a whole other level and I would never change that.

Susan McCauley is mentioned a few times as “Endless Lunch Lady”.  She is a regular guest that I inherited from Shana when she left Friday’s.  Susie became a great friend and she was such a fixture in the restaurant for lunches, that she needed a part in the fictional version as well.

Fair warning, if you don’t want to end up in one of my books, please let me know.  And as the saying goes, never piss off a writer or you’ll end up dead.  (But not you, Kellianne.  I only killed you for dramatic introduction of a couple other characters. *smooches*)

What inspires you?  Tell us in the comments below.  And don’t forget to subscribe to this blog.  April first is the start of Camp Nanowrimo 2013 (Part I).  I’m finishing the last 25,000 word of The Demons Who Loved Me so expect word on a release date soon.