What makes the Denver Demon book series unique is it is a blend of both fact and fiction!
The Denver Demon Series is based on horrific nightmares and true-life experiences I have had with the paranormal. The combination of those to factors is what makes this book series truly terrifying! However, I didn't want to write a book that people would be too afraid to read so I added some characters and elements that would lighten things up a bit. I have always been a sucker for a great love story. I wanted the Denver Demon to have one too. For David (the main character) to find love in the midst of such turmoil and negativity is truly inspiring!
I wanted the characters in the series to be memorable and characters the readers would connect with. That is why most of the characters in the books are based on real people I know and love. I knew doing so would add an element of realism to each character. Having based each character on a real person enables the reader to not only identify and relate to the characters but to grow attached to them as well. I wanted my readers to feel as though they know the characters personally. When the reader develops an attachment to the characters they are able to see and feel what each character is seeing and feeling as if they are there in the story with them.
I have received countless e-mails and letters from fans who often tell me that they have become emotionally attached to one character or another. I have received phone calls from the people I based the characters on, saying things like, "I knew the minute I read this that character was me!"
Sasha, was and is one of the most important characters in the Denver Demon series. Although, Sasha’s role in the third book is minimal her presence is not. When creating Sasha’s character, I already knew everything about her. Her beauty, wit, and charm were just a few elements I really wanted the readers to connect with. Sasha is a rare and fascinating creature whom I knew the readers would love as much I do. The reason for this is Sasha is the characterized version of a woman I have known and loved for many years!
The woman I based the character Sasha on happens to be a very close friend. Her and I have a unique relationship. We know, understand, and relate to one another in ways neither of us have with anybody else. Her real name is DeLacey and I knew the minute our eyes met that this magnificent creature was someone I had to get to know. I soon learned she was thinking the same thing. We become instant friends and we grew as close as any straight woman and gay men could be! We are like Will and Grace but the real-life version. Although, sometimes we were more like Jack and Karen.
It was 2011 and I had just started writing my first book Denver Demon when DeLacey just disappeared. I say disappeared because there was no explanation as to why she had left so suddenly and there was no goodbye. DeLacey and I talked daily so I knew she had some things she needed to separate herself from and that it tore at her heart to have to do so. I also knew her leaving town was what she needed to do in order to break free and I was all for her doing what she needed to do in order to find happiness, and to find herself again. I will admit that I was upset at first because I didn't get a chance to say goodbye and I had no clue where she was headed or when I would hear from her again.
I was so lost when she left town. Her absence left a giant hole in my heart and sent me info a major depression. Other friends and loved ones became concerned because I was no longer my upbeat jovial self. As my mother put it, I was like an empty shell without a soul.
It took me six months to pull myself out of the darkness and depression. I resumed writing the book I had started and abandoned when the depression took over. It was them that I realized the best way to heal and to honor my friend was to make DeLacey a character in the book. This is how Sasha’s character came to be.
I found that by making DeLacey the main character's closest friend in the book I was able to keep her close to me as well as celebrate such an amazing friendship. In doing so I was able to immortalize her as well as our friendship though the book series.
As the years past and the second book was published, I was growing more concerned that I might never see or hear from DeLacey again. I had searched and searched all the social media platforms and everywhere I could think of for her. I never did give up looking because I knew deep in my heart that one day, I would find her or she would find me.
I am so thrilled and excited to say that DeLacey and I have recently reconnected through Facebook. I was checking my messenger, which I seldom use when BAM! There was a message from DeLacey. I was so overcome with emotions I just sat down right there and cried. When I could pull myself back together, I messaged her back, with my phone number of course.
In one of our first conversations DeLacey brought up the books. She told me she was proud of me for seeing it through and that she was blown away when the second book came out. That is when I informed her there is third book that is nearly finished. She asked if Sasha's character was based on her. I admitted it was. She explained that based on the things Sasha would say or do is exactly what she would say or do. I believe what she said was, "Wow, you nailed it! You truly do know me, and above that you get me! That is clear from Sasha's character!
I love all the characters I created because nearly all of them were inspired by people I know and love! However, Sasha will always be my favorite simply because Sasha is DeLacey. Now that you know all this you have more than likely figured out who David Arbor (the main Character) of the books is based on. That’s right I used myself as inspiration for David’s character. By doing so I believe it gave those characters more dimension and certainly more life. This holds true for all the characters because they too were inspired and based on real people. I will tell you about each character and the real life person they are base on in upcoming blog posts.
Donovan
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