I get asked frequently which character in the Haunted Series is most like me. I really can’t pin one down, but there are aspects of me in all of them. I draw from my experience, strengths, and insecurities to develop my characters. I also use my observations of how people react to create, hopefully, realistic scenes in a fictional world.
In The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow, I introduce you to Mia who is bitter at the way the town treats her; yet, she’s their handy person, dogsbody if you will. Her language is crude – according to Murphy, it’s from a parental lack of soap application. The evolution of Mia over 24, now 25, books is amazing. She goes from being a leaf in the wind to being the wind. But, occasionally, she still could do with a little bar of soap.
Murphy, my axe man, has moved from being tied to his decaying cast-iron axe head to being very mobile. He can travel ley lines on his own and, for the most part, doesn’t get lost. Stephen is like a lot of us at one time or another. He’s in love with someone who can’t be his. Still, he protects her and hers. He’s my hero (Murphy insists on me saying that).
Ted is my insecure leading man. His memories have been fooled with, so he’s never quite certain he remembers things correctly. He’s a genius who went for the girl he wanted. He accepts every change in Mia. Yes, wouldn’t we all love to have met a Ted at least once in our lives? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to move through the changes that age bring and have them be welcomed with glee fit for a newly minted superhero? Ted is secure when it comes to friendship. He has the best friend a man could have. Cid.
Cid is my pedantic, sometimes whiny, stud muffin (do they say that anymore?). He’s smart, loyal, strong, handsome, and unaware of the effect he has on women. He loves cooking and eating to the point of steering Mia away from the frypan for all their sakes.
Lazar is just emerging in The Haunted Series. He is the youngest adult in the Martin household, but he’s the most mature. He’s a disabled veteran but doesn’t let the lack of a leg get in the way of helping the Martins to manage their household and their boys.
Mike Dupree and Burt Hicks, the original founders of the Paranormal Entity Exposure Partners, are both alpha males. Mike is romantic where Burt is all business. Mike enjoys being a thorn in Ted’s side while playing uncle with Brian, Mia’s eldest son. Burt is still trying to make a living out of ghost hunting. He’s still living rent free in Mia’s peninsula home. He will be joining Cid on his next adventure. I was pleasantly surprised when more than a few readers asked for more Burt after The Candle. Burt still is a bit of a mystery to me. I will enjoy writing him and see how he develops.
Audrey Stavros brings such dimension, and sometimes, comedy, to PEEPs. She’s a voice of reason when needed. She also has taken a path she never thought she’d be on. She married an older man, by 469 years, Orion. He’s Mia’s grandfather. I thought it would be a nice twist on today’s families. Her son is Mia’s uncle. Somehow that just cracks me up.
Susan Braverman and I share a love for the Chicago Bears. I may not be a year long fanatic, but when they play, I do my best to be glued to the television to watch them. I live in Michigan now, but I’ll always be a Bears fan.
There are so many more characters, be they paranormal or not, in the Haunted Series. Hopefully, you’ll find a little of yourself in one of them. If not look around and you may just see me watching you. I’m always looking for inspiration.
