(Okay, so “piss off” is probably not a politically correct term.  But it’s so much more…appropriate than “anger”.  I mean, really, anger sounds so civilized.  And that’s not what I’m feeling right now.  Warning:  if you’ve done me wrong recently, I’m talking to you. <insert evil grin>)

Everyone knows it’s not a good a idea to cross Taylor Swift.  That’s a good way to end up in a hit song, and even her veiled references to events don’t always protect the guilty.  But have you ever thought about the people who cross, say, Stephen King?

Most writers take inspiration from people they know.  It may be a single character trait.  It may be an odd quirk they notice in a stranger.  It may be the way someone walks.  But all those little things combine together and end up in a single, life-like character that jumps off the page.  Now, if you’re on the writer’s good side, you can find yourself in the pages of their newest novel, and take pride in the compliment.

But if, on the other hand, you and the writer have a bit more…hostile relationship, you might also find yourself on the pages of a story, albeit in a much less complimentary fashion.  Think about it:  all those horrible villains are based on someone.  And villains have to die somehow (and usually, the more painful and gruesome, the better).  I’m just saying, maybe all those Stephen King characters wouldn’t have died so violently if the people he was thinking of when he wrote them had not made him angry.

Personally, I’ve been known to base characters, events, clothing, lots of things on people I know.  And the way I’m feeling right now…well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be too surprised if a character in my newest novel happens to be heavily tattooed, short, selfish, and full of lies….and dies tragically when run over by the karma bus.  Repeatedly.  I’m just saying….revenge is sweet.  Even if it’s only in my own mind.

• characters
• real life
• writing