This week on Romance Writers Weekly, Xio Axelrod wants to know: Readers always ask “How much of yourself do you lend to your characters?” Here’s your chance to answer. What traits do your characters have that come from you? And if not you, someone in your life.

Writing is an extension of me. So I’d have to say traits of my characters are either a part of me or something I’ve witnessed through real life, literature, TV or movie.  I wonder to what extent all writers are affected by these mediums, and now add to that social media.

I write about everyday heroines, bartenders, firefighters, teachers, etc. I’m not fashionista and can’t walk in stilettos, so I’m not comfortable writing about a herione who is a devil or angel in Prada so to speak. The ladies I write, however, are a lot more daring than I’ve ever been in the flesh. I write them with to guts I wish I had. However, they have a sharp tongue and potty mouth and that is totally from me.

With heroes, I use traits I’m attracted to in men, but still most have a bit of bad boy in them. Even Ray from Hot as Blazes, who is a gentle giant, has a naughty side.

I don’t knowingly write about people from my life. Nor do I plan to get even with someone or kill them off. That’s giving someone too much free rent space in my head and I write for enjoyment.

Let’s step on over to A.S. Fenichel‘s blog and see how much of herself she writes into her characters.

Xio Axelrod http://www.xioaxelrod.com