ARE YOUR CHARACTERS REAL?
By Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
(Author of The Cookbook Nook Mysteries & The Cheese Shop Mysteries)
I could protest for hours about how my characters are not based on real people, yet readers will still walk away convinced that my protagonists are thinly veiled versions of myself. As if. I’m not in my thirties. I’ve never run a cheese shop or a cookbook shop. I don’t live in a small town. And I’m definitely not courageous (or curious enough) to figure out whodunit in a local murder. Do I care about friends and family? Yes. Do I cook? Yep. Do I like pets? Certainly. So, in that regard, I guess I’m very much like my protagonists! J
Now, as for my killers and victims or the other people that populate my fictional towns, um…yes, there might be a few I’ve based on people I know, but I would bet no one could figure it out. Why? Because I take pieces. Perhaps the look; perhaps the attitude; maybe a phrase, or style of speaking, or a rhythm of speech. I was told once that if I simply switched the sex of a character of the person I knew in real life, I could create the person verbatim and the person would never suspect!
Yes, I have started reading friends’ books to find out whether I’m the basis for a character. Is there a type A perfectionist in the bunch? Someone who is rough on herself when she doesn’t get things right? An overachiever who doesn’t know how to say “no”? That might be me. Do I die? Uh-oh. Perhaps I’d better work at being a good friend. J
By the way, major reveal: In one of my short stories, I kill off a nemesis that used to ride me back in the days when I worked a nine-to-five job. She doesn’t have a clue. I promise you. She wouldn’t deign to read my work. I only changed her name and her career.
So…have you ever tried to tell a story about someone and changed basic facts to protect the identity of the guilty…ahem, I mean, innocent?
About the Author:
DARYL WOOD GERBER writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California. As AVERY AAMES, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.
Someone is cheesed off . . .
Providence, Ohio, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with weeklong events, including lovers’ baskets with heart-shaped cheeses at Fromagerie Bessette. Charlotte Bessette is celebrating by finally walking down the aisle with the man of her dreams, handsome artisanal cheese farmer, Jordan Pace. But when a beloved bar owner is discovered murdered on Jordan’s farm, he believes they should reschedule their wedding given the grim turn of events.
Charlotte is heartsick over the postponement. This killer crossed the wrong woman. No one, but no one, is ruining her wedding plans!
Jennifer’s Review of As Gouda As Dead
Review (4.5 Stars): This is the sixth book in the Cheese Shop mystery series and this is one of my favorite mystery series out there. In this book, Charlotte is marrying her boyfriend, Jordan and while she is excited to finally be walking down the aisle, things take a dark turn when the body of her friend, Tim, is discovered on Jordan’s farm. I have loved these characters since the beginning and I was very sad to say goodbye to one of them. As Gouda As Dead is a wonderful addition to this mystery series and each book feels as though you are spending time with good friends. The mystery was engaging and complex and I have to say that I couldn’t guess who the killer was until Charlotte found out. The recipes included in this mystery are to die for and I can’t wait to try to recreate some of them myself. Ms. Aames is a master storyteller and I’m looking forward to reading more about Charlotte in the future.
Giveaway
I’m excited to give away a copy of As Gouda As Dead. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by February 12th, please leave me a comment below:
Love the title, and thank you for the chance to win it 🙂
jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
Lisa, thanks! Lovely to see you here.
Daryl aka Avery
I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Sheila, you bet!
Daryl / Avery
Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the chance to win! =)
Thanks, Sara. Hope you get to read all of them.
Daryl / Avery
Thanks for the chance to win. Looking forward to reading this.
You are welcome, Dawn.
Daryl / Avery
Would love a copy of this book, it sounds fantastic!! pp92596 at outlook dot com
Thanks, Robin. Jennifer gave this a fabulous review. Love the words she chose to describe!!
Daryl / Avery
Thanks for the giveaway – this sounds like a book I’d love!
You are welcome, Lisa.
Daryl / Avery
Thanks, Jennifer and Avery…congratulations on #6, in a wonderful series.
Thanks, Patricia. 🙂 I’m thrilled you like the series.
Daryl / Avery
Yes please, I’m as Gouda as Thrilled to be able to win a copy of this book. I’m a HUUUUGE fan of the series and the author. I’d love to add this book to my (1823 books and) growing home library.
Wow, NoraA – do you ever re-read the 1823 books? Wow! I’ve moved too often to keep all the books my husband and I have bought over the years. Libraries have benefited. 🙂
Daryl / Avery
This sounds like a great addition to the series and it’s fun reading a series based in my home state. Can’t wait to read it.
Susan,
Holmes County, where this is based (fictionally) is so beautiful!! The rolling hills, so pretty.
Daryl / Avery
I enjoy reading the Cheese Shop Mystery series, and I am looking forward to reading As Gouda As Dead. Thank you for the giveaway. myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Jeanetta! You are more than welcome.
Daryl / Avery
Would love to read this new addition to the Cheese Shop Series.
Fun post! I don’t think I’ve told enough stories about others to have to change their names! 🙂 Looking forward to the new title! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks, Holden!
Daryl / Avey
Trying to collect all of your books and series. I have reserved a space for them already.
Nice to hear, Judy. Thanks!!!
Daryl / Avery
I’ve read any number of cozy book authors but this one is new to me and looks to be really good and her books will added to my TBR pile…which is in danger of toppling over!
I love the cute cover, and the title. It sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com
I’ve read the first 3 in this series—now I think it’s time to get caught up and read the next 3. But how many pounds will I gain as I try all your good cheese recipes?
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I can’t wait to read this book. The others were really enjoyable!
interesting title
I love this series, the recipes, and the characters.
kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net
Love this series and look forward to reading this book
This sounds good! I’d love to read it! Thank you for the giveaway!
Pick me! Pick me! I can’t wait to read this!