Mini Brain Dumps

Writing characters that resonate with readers often means looking to the real world for inspiration. The people in my life have shaped my characters in ways that make them feel truly alive. Here are the real-life inspirations behind some of my most beloved characters:

Mel – A Tribute to My Longest Standing Friendship

Mel is a character who’s near and dear to my heart. She’s a small girl, but she has a fierce presence—something that comes across even in her physical appearance (hello, RBF). People often underestimate her, but those who make that mistake quickly learn not to cross her. Her strength is undeniable, both on the surface and deep within her soul.

I created Mel as a tribute to one of my longest standing friendships. We’ve known each other since I was at least five years old, and she was my bridesmaid at my wedding. Like Mel, she has a quiet strength that’s easy to overlook but impossible to ignore once you see it in action.

Jackson Levi Finncrest – A Name With Personal Meaning

Jackson Levi Finncrest, originally named Jack Merrow, underwent a change when I realized that “Jack Merrow” sounded a little too much like the famous pirate Jack Sparrow. So, Jack became Jackson, and I added Levi as his middle name—an homage to my childhood golden retriever, who went by the same name. It’s a small detail, but it ties Jackson to a significant part of my past, much like how every character carries some piece of my own story.

Catherine Marie Sinclair (Cate) – Inspired by My Sister

If you know me well, you’ll figure out who Cate is based on pretty quickly. She literally shares the same nickname as my sister! Cate’s character is deeply inspired by my sister’s personality—her loyalty, her determination, and her protective nature. Just like my sister, Cate would do anything for those she loves, and she’s a source of strength for everyone around her.

Quentin Michael Hayes – A Connection to My Husband

Quentin, like my husband, just so happens to share the same middle name—Michael. This totally wasn’t intentional…. completely coincidental (not really haha).

Quentin’s journey, though, reflects more than just a shared name. He also reflects some of the grief and loss I experienced in my life. My mother passed away when I was just three years old, and while I didn’t want to mirror that too closely in Quentin’s story, his struggles with loss and finding himself are rooted in that experience.

Oh, and fun fact: Quentin shares my sentiment toward poetry. I’m not much of a fan, and neither is he!

Let me know if there’s a character you’d like to know more about, or if you’re curious about other aspects of my writing process!

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