I know a lot of guys. Nothing really exciting, just middle aged guys who are friends. Mostly we play racquetball together, but there’s always the after-game chatter. They know I write romance novels, so one day, Joe Deluce asked me if he could be the hero of my next book. I liked his name, so voila, he became the hero of my novella in These Boots were Made for Stomping. Well, Joe has a rather loud and boisterous personality, so soon everybody knew he was the hero of a romance novel (well, novella). I actually racked up a few sales just from him so he could give copies to his friends and family. Cool, fun, and food for more ribbing after racquetball matches.
Well, you can see where this is going. More guys have now lined up to ask me to use their name as the hero of my next book. In fact, Jim Rayburn will get his day in my April Blaze, Under His Spell. And I now have requests from a bunch more guys.
Here’s the problem. I love these guys in a purely play racquetball kind of way. They’re friends and I enjoy their company. But it was hard to play a competitive match against Jim Rayburn, for example, when I had just spent the morning writing an on-the-car-hood love scene about him. Now sure, my fictional hero is absolutely NOT the same guy in reality. I have no idea how good a lover the real Jim is (though he will tell you he’s way better than my book hero!). Truthfully, I have no interest in find out (sorry, Jim). But there you have it. I named my hero after him, then had to turn around and play racquetball against the guy after just having fantasy, on-paper, hotness with him. It was very weird.
So…here’s my question. Anybody else have this experience? Know of someone who named a character after a friend and had unexpected results? Tell me! Tell me please! Jim and I are about to be doubles partners in a league, and I really can’t be thinking sex while I’m trying to win a racquetball match!
Entries (RSS)
What a hoot! No, Jade, I’ve never named a character after anyone I know. You have, in fact, confirmed that I probably shouldn’t. Like you, I’d find the later visualizing somewhat problematic. I did auction off a character name for my work-in-progress and I’ve been trying to figure out how to make the poor guy’s life sexless. He’s a minor character, but his benefactor is on the Board at my day job. I just think it would be awkward — as you point out above. However, I have been known to steal a nuance or two from a “source” in my past. He shall forever remain nameless.
I dedicated one of my books by naming all the characters after friends I work with. However, I didn’t give anyone’s full name. I mixed up combinations of first and last names from different people. It was fun. They all enjoyed seeing their names in print.
Well, if one is to have problems, I guess that would be the problem to have. LOL I suggest lots of ice water.
Good luck with the match.
I mixed up names the way Lori did. But in my next book, I used dog names, LOL!
Oh wow! It seems you’ve put yourself in quite a pickle with this situation. Good luck with that! LOL… I agree with Lillith, LOTS of ice water…heavy on the ice.
-Pamela
We LOST in the tie breaker! But he sure was cute with his tee shirt all wet! And truthfully, he’s got a great butt!
Hey Jade….LOL
!!! I have never had that experience, but I can only imagine what it would be like. Racquetball must be lots of fun after writing scenes like the on-the-hood sex scenes.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
You are very nice to include them in your books. I hope they appreciate that.
I can’t use my kids’ names, brothers’ names or dad’s name. It’s just too…ick. Also, I can’t use names of ex-boyfriends who know I write. Wouldn’t want them (or their wives) to think I’m really writing about them, especially since I write erotic romance!
Good luck!
Bethany
If i were you i would give jim a chance. he sounds great. as far as racket balling goes, that can be a great fore play.
Love you jim my man:)
sorry never wrote a book in my life