Designing Characters with Pieces of Me: Truths Hidden in the Story

Ever wonder how characters come to life? For me, a little bit of myself — and a few people I love — helped shape the women of my stories.

When I began creating the women of my stories, I didn’t set out to write better versions of myself. Instead, I pulled together little pieces of my life, the people I know, and aspects of who I am — mixing them with imagination to bring each character to life. Some of their hobbies and habits mirror my own, while their personalities often come from the people I admire most.

Klara Brooks – The Reflection of Me

Klara’s world came from a place very close to my own. Her bath and body shop is modeled after the store I once ran, and her love for yoga mirrors my own practice of over ten years. Even her music tastes echo mine. While her personality aligns most closely with me, her world allowed me to explore “what ifs” — imagining a life and space I had always dreamed of creating.

“Her shop is everything I hoped my own storefront could be — peaceful, inviting, and full of life.”

Alani Brooks – The Bold, Creative Spirit

Alani’s career in branding and social media comes from my current work helping small businesses find their voice. She’s sharper, braver, and more successful than I am in this realm — a little aspirational. Her personality draws from my sister: a wild fire ready to fight for the ones she loves. Her style and taste in music nod to my emo days, and her love of true crime podcasts? 100% me.

“If I had the time and money, I’d be covered in tattoos too — a little wild side in all of us.”

Sa’Riyah Lozano – Heart and Home

Sa’Riyah’s small bed and breakfast may be fictional, but her love for cooking and bringing people together reflects my own values. Her daughter mirrors my own, creating a special warmth in the story. Her personality draws inspiration from my adoptive sister — wise, honest, and compassionate, unafraid to tell the truth lovingly. Her looks nod to Dolores from Encanto, giving her that unmistakable presence on the page.

“Cooking isn’t just food — it’s community, love, and a way to gather people around you.”

Illiana Galanis – Strength and Discipline

Illiana embodies the dream version of physical and personal strength. A bodybuilder and fitness influencer, she reflects my love for weight training and a dream I hold for a gym of my own, Iron Gorgon. She’s stubborn, strong, and surprisingly unexpected — she arrived fully formed in the story.

“Even the strongest women can surprise you — and Illiana was a surprise I didn’t see coming.”

Reflection: Pieces of Me in Every Woman

Creating these women has been more than storytelling — it’s been a journey of reflection. Their lives, struggles, and triumphs carry pieces of me, my dreams, and the people I love. Through them, I can explore challenges and victories, experience growth, and share parts of myself I wouldn’t otherwise express. In every woman, there’s a little bit of me — and I am proud to see myself reflected in them.

Curious to meet these women in action? Their stories are just beginning — and you won’t want to miss what comes next in A Fragrant Melody.