I'm a writer who tends to visualize real people when I write. Now wait! Before any of my family, friends, mere acquaintances get panicky that they are going to appear as my next villian...or even worse in my next love scene, I do picture real people. But they are people I don't actually know. Say, actors, actresses, rock stars...

I find that just having a certain face, body type, voice or whatever based on a real person helps the characters become more real to me. And hopefully more real to you.

So that being said, this page is to celebrate a few of my very favorite muses.

I'll let you try to figure out who inspired which character.

Jude Law...
Very, very cute. I love his smile!


(Special thanks to Lilly and Lois for these pictures)

Christian Bale...
This guy is seriously handsome, and I have a great character in mind for him. Picture a sexy, sweaty lobster fisherman. Okay--maybe after a shower.


(Special thanks to Lilly and Lois for these pictures)

Roger Howarth...
This wonderful actor is currently starring in As the World Turns as Paul Ryan. He's one of my absolute favorite actors. I find him particularly inspiring... (big grin)


(Special thanks to Lilly and Lois for these pictures)

James Spader...
Does anyone play smarmy better than this man??? He is so great, and excellent on The Practice. Although, as you can see, I prefer his younger looks.



Matthew McConaughey...
So cute. The perfect laid-back gorgeous hero.



Johnny Reznick...
I really like his pretty boy/bad boy look. I have a great character in mind for him.



Ryan Phillippe...
He's a young'un, but a cutie. And he has that devious quality, which always puts my mind into overdrive. Love those wicked charmers.



John Corbett...
He's just an adorable, likeable, cerebral guy.



Johnny Depp...
He's a pirate.