Characters of Melting Away the Ice

Numerous people have been asking me about my characters. Such as, why hockey? where did their names come from?, etc etc

So, I thought I would answer all the questions at once and give you a little insight to the characters.

Why hockey players?

I love 3 sports: hockey, football and basketball. I have for as long as I can remember.  When I was researching to do this book I knew that I would do a hockey player above any others.  I wanted that tough guy but with some type of sensitive side.

Why a Chicago Team?

Simple.  I was born in Chicago Illinois and raised in a small town outside of Chicago.  I love my Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls. When I was creating a "team" I knew that it was going to be set in Chicago because that is home to me.

How did you come up with the book plot?

The book is based on my life.  Well, parts of it is anyway.  No, I am not a lawyer.  Although I am a paralegal (legal assistant).  I was previously married and no, I don't talk about it.  However, Lucas Sharp's personality is my current husband.  No, my husband is not a hockey player.  In fact, he is the one that does not like hockey.  But, he does go to games with me. I am more like Rachel in the book.  I have an outgoing personality and (somewhat) smart.  However, I added the supermodel looks. *wink*

Where did your characters and their names come from?

Well, it will be easier to do this in a list:

Lucas Sharp - he is the captain of the Chicago Eagles.  His personality is just like my husband. The name Lucas came from my friend Jenifer's last name. Sharp came from Chicago Blackhawks Player, Patrick Sharp. He is my favorite player.  Lucas' appearance mimics Patrick Sharp's but it is not an exact carbon copy.

Sara Smith - she is the lawyer and has a big secret.  Sara came from my God-daughter's name. Smith, well, that is my last name. Sara has my hair and eye color, but she is much taller than me and thinner. Sara is the opposite of my personality, in every way.

Rachel Silver - Rachel is the name of a young girl that I tutor. Silver is my favorite metal. I know that is weird.  Rachel's personality is like mine.  Rachel's look, well, that just happened. Her smarts just came about throughout the story. It just felt right when I was writing it.

Max Crawford and Marc Perrier - their names came from various NHL Hockey players and the same for their personalities.

Jake Black - his name just came to me and felt like a "bad guy" name. His appearance is what I saw and thought a bad guy would look like.

Ava - her name came from friend.  She named her daughter that and I just liked it.  I gave her the supermodel look because I wanted to have Sara be jealous.

Victoria and Elizabeth - there was no real thought into these names or appearance

Charity Drake - she is an actual person. I used her personality and looks for this book.  She is aware of this too.

Betty - her name came from a wonderful woman, Grandma B.

Charles - he was just someone I created.

Karla and Faren - they are my cousins and I wanted them in the book, somehow.  That is why I made them lawyers!!!

So, now you know =)

If you want to ask me anything else just leave me a comment or email me at: authormarysmith@gmail.com