Inspiration: Real-life Heroes
By Marliss Melton (who also writes as Marliss Moon)
I have a tendency to base the heroes of my books on real-life men who inspire me. Many of my heroes have traits resembling my husband’s—a man with an extraordinarily tragic childhood who still managed to turn out great.
My inspiration for Gabe in Forget Me Not is a mix of two men. The first is a Marine major named Dave,who inspired Gabe’s physical attributes, including his yellow-green eyes. Gabe also has Dave’s uncanny awareness, his leadership skills, and his quick temper. Gabe is also like Chris, a Special Air Regiment serviceman for the Australian and Allied Special Forces. Chris is my advisor in the area of guns, fighting techniques, and tactics. He spent two decades combating terrorists. As a result, he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. Because of Chris’s influence, Gabe also suffers these disorders as a result of his captivity in North Korea .
Luther Lindstrom, the hero of In the Dark (June, 2005) is modeled after Pat Tillman, the former-professional football player who lost his life in Afghanistan this year. I’ve added complexity to Luther by making him realize that love isn’t a decision—it’s a gift.
The hero of my third SEAL book (Untitled, April, 2006) is based on an acquaintance at the gym, whom I call Sunshine. Despite his rough appearance, my inspiration for Westy demonstrates heroism in his everyday acts of kindness. Westy is my all-time favorite hero. He risks everything to rescue my heroine from her abusive husband; even so, it takes him a while to realize he is worthy of her.
If you want to see pictures of these real-life men, just visit my Inspirations page at www.marlissmelton.com. (I’m still working on Sunshine. Like a true hero, he’s terribly modest).
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