Years ago, I wrote the first draft of my first novel. Later, I wrote a prequel to that story. Those drafts have been revised several times over the years. When I started on my MacPherson Brides series, I knew I had to include them. In October of this year, I published them as The Medicine Box and The Sampler. The words of the books changed over the years, but the inspirations for two of the characters never did. I’d like you you to meet the two men who inspired my vision of Jacob Matthews and Brad Connors.
My son Steven was in college and had started growing a beard when I wrote the first book. In this story, Jacob was a large man with black hair and beard (just like my son). In his life, Jacob faced terrible losses and turned from God in anger. Thankfully, he comes back to God. Steven was the inspiration for Jacob in looks and a few other things, but Steven has always had a heart for God. Even though I first created Jacob when my son was in college, my character was in his thirties throughout the books. The picture above was taken this year, and I must say Steven looks more like Jacob now than when I wrote the first draft. I have to thank Steven because he let his beard grow extra long so I could get this picture. He has since trimmed it quite a bit.
While my son was in college and for several years after, I had a Sunday morning coffee service at church. A young man in high school helped me with it. His name was Brad May. Throughout the time we worked together, I came to know him as a gentle, funny young man, always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a ready smile and always brightened my day. Brad Conners was a lot like Brad May in looks and spirit. I will always treasure the friendship I shared with him. The second picture above is of Brad in his senior year (I think). When I think of Brad Connors, this is exactly what I see in my mind.
I thank God for these young men and the influence they have had on my writing.
