The Chapel on the Rock-Perfect Setting – FACT or FICTION?

The Chapel on the Rock, formally known as St. Catherine of Sienna Chapel, is the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Situated in the Colorado Rockies, its beauty is revealed in its simplicity.

Colorado Rockies
The Chapel on the Rock, set in the Colorado Rockies

Pope John Paul II was one of a number of dignitaries who visited this chapel and it still attracts visitors both near and far. The Chapel on the Rock is the only real place in my novel, After the Verdict…And yes, it is the setting for a wedding.

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Bride & Groom Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

This chapel, built on a rock is reflective of scripture — “[O]n this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). And Hell did try to overcome it — twice.

Attempted destruction

The first time was with a fire in 2011 which destroyed the 60,000 square foot St. Malo retreat center. With the exception of an old stone fireplace, there was nothing much left of the lodge and guest wing. The chapel was untouched despite the fact it sits on the same 160-acre property.

The second time was with the devastating Colorado flood of 2013. A five-mile landslide started on top of neighboring Mount Meeker causing tons of debris made up of soil, rock, and trees to surge onto this same church property. In some places, the debris was 15 feet deep.

Although this landslide destroyed the beautiful, serene Cabin Creek Trail walked on by the Pontiff during his 1993 visit for World Youth Day, the wave of debris ended at the base of the chapel. Miraculously, the Chapel on the Rock was unharmed.

Chapel on the Rock

Prior to the “100 Year Flood” of 2013, plans were in place to rebuild Camp St. Malo. Unfortunately, with estimated costs of $4.4 million to rebuild and a determination that the future sediment and water flow was uncertain, rebuilding St. Malo on that site is indefinitely on hold. However, the untouched Chapel on the Rock is still open to the public.

Built in the 1930’s, Boulder County designated the Chapel on the Rock as an historical landmark. Weddings and masses are still held at this beautiful chapel. For anyone interested in reserving this chapel for a wedding, contact Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park, Colorado. It is available as the perfect setting. This chapel is not to be missed, if not in person, than in After the Verdict.

A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?

After the Verdict

Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal.

Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life. Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding.

The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana.

With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict?

You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second.

Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. A selfie revealed his last known location was the summit. Search Beyond is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.

The search was covered by the media far and wide. J.C.’s pleas for volunteers brought in many from along the entire Front Range. Why did so many come forward? It was J.C. and Kimo’s care, concern, persistence, loyalty, and dedication to finding Brian that exemplified true friendship—and that is a contagious type of friendship experienced by very few.

(C) 2024 Karen VDH Fischer

AFTER THE VERDICT: THE SUPERNATURAL FACT OR FICTION

Is the supernatural fact or fiction? Angels, demons, ghosts/spirits, the Force, God…anything that cannot be explained by science or the laws of nature. Don’t we all in one way or another believe in the supernatural? Books, movies, and stories abound. How many of you remember sharing ghost stories around the campfire?

around the campfire

camp fire, stories, fun, laughter

Just look at some of the most popular television shows, both past and present — Touched by an Angel, Poltergeist, Game of Thrones … the list can go on and on. Prior to the political campaigns, the news was fraught with stories of successful exorcisms and exorcisms gone bad. Numerous reports of hauntings and sightings by ghost busters made headlines.

It makes for great marketing potential. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, featured as one of the most haunted hotels in the country, inspired the setting for my book, After the Verdict.

the stanley hotel

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The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

It started with a weekend adventure at the Stanley Hotel for our wedding anniversary and we were definitely in for a treat.

wedding

At the registration desk, a group of ghost busters, replete with the necessary equipment joined us. Their excitement was contagious as they discussed what ghosts they hoped to detect as well as when and where it would all start. We were even invited to join them. Even though we declined their kind invitation, we heard them in the halls outside of our room trying to detect a spirit seen on a ladder going to the roof.

Although they shared their disappointment with us the next day, it did not stop them from planning their next visit. They just knew the next visit would be THE visit.

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The Supernatural – Fact or Fiction? Night Fog …

Solicitations for stories on miracles, angels, and other unexplainable happenings occur on a regular basis. I have received such solicitations more times than I can count. Many have either personally experienced miracles or know someone who has. I have.

What do you believe?

Book Two in my Search & Recovery International Series, After the Verdict, is available on Amazon at:  https://amzn.to/4a7UVOv

A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?

After the Verdict

Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal.

Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life.

Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding. The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana.

With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict?

You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second. You can find the first in the series, Search Beyond Lies at : https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. A selfie revealed his last known location was the summit. Search Beyond is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.

The search was covered by news media far and wide. J.C.’s pleas for volunteers brought in many from along the entire Front Range. Why did so many come forward? It was J.C. and Kimo’s care, concern, persistence, loyalty, and dedication to finding Brian that exemplified true friendship—and that is a contagious type of friendship experienced by very few.

© 2024 Karen VDH Fischer

A Writer’s Inspiration When Life Drops Lemons in Your Lap

This was not the article I intended to write, but on my recent birthday, life dropped lemons in my lap. However, I intend to create delicious character driven lemonade with these lemons.

In an earlier Fact or Fiction article, Search Beyond Lies – Fact or Fiction, I wrote about the creative process and the inspiration that real people, places, and events provide writers for their stories. In this article you’ll get a sneak peak into my birthday lemons which will provide the inspiration behind some incredible characters.

Birthday Plans

I have an August birthday – not exactly a time when you choose to be in Florida, especially when Florida has been experiencing extraordinarily high heat and humidity. However, my parents are elderly, and I thought I’d spend it with them. Between my writing and my legal practice, I predominantly work remotely so I could work from Florida as easily as Colorado.

We had plans for dinner at a special restaurant when my 90-year-old dad fell and hit his head on the wood floor. I’m a lawyer and not a doctor for a very good reason – I don’t do well with blood. There was blood everywhere.

I knew head wounds bled profusely, even if not a serious wound, but I would not let my dad get up off the floor. My parents have Life Alert and my mother hit the button. I brought washcloths and a pillow and told my dad to wait.

The Heroes

Within 5 minutes, we had 6 members of Fire Rescue entering my parents’ home. I was very impressed with Life Alert and how quickly we had help. Frankly, until that moment, I didn’t realize how valuable Life Alert was. It wasn’t over with that initial call. Life Alert had reached out to everyone on the emergency contact list and followed up to assure everything was fine.

Needless to say, birthday plans changed drastically.

The Heroes

These 6 gentlemen assessed my dad and helped him up. Yes, my dad repeatedly told me he could get up and would be fine, but I wanted to make sure. These first responders agreed with him.

He was fully bandaged and refused to go to the ER – my dad said it wasn’t necessary and as a physician, he said he’d know if it was. They agreed that he didn’t need to go to the ER and we signed off.

While 5 Fire Rescue members were taking care of my dad, another was obtaining medical information from my mother. This guy had a wonderful bedside manner and was patient and kind to my mother who was trying to find the information he needed. He also belonged on the cover of GQ, he was that drop dead gorgeous with a physique to match. My only regret is that I did not take his picture. Rest assured, this gentleman will inspire a future character.

Thankfully, I did take a picture of the group surrounding my dad and bandaging him up which I included in this post.

I thank all First Responders and Life Alert! Please share any experiences you have had with first responders or Life Alert. They are amazing!

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Scientist

Independence Day is the perfect day for this Fact or Fiction article in honor of Brian Perri, a veteran who was dedicated to protecting our country’s freedoms. We are in the midst of the 5-year anniversary of that fateful day when Brian went missing. This special Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction article will explore what is fact and what is fiction behind the character Brett Powers, who was inspired by Brian.

The Five-Year Anniversary

In Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Missing , we saw that the last selfie taken by Brian Perri was June 30 on Mt. Meeker’s summit, but no one knew he was missing until he failed to show up for J.C.’s graduate school defense on July 5. Hence, we are in the midst of the anniversary period. The specific facts surrounding his failure to show up are found in this article. However, we will delve deeper into the character.

The Scientist’s Backstory

Nuclear Power Plant

The backstory surrounding Brett Powers for the most part belongs to Brian, from his background working at a nuclear power plant back east, to his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Radiation Health Physics and being one of the rare scientists who has earned both Health Physics certifications. He was a nuclear “genius.” As a novelist, I do confess to taking liberties since this story, although inspired by real-life, is classified as fiction.

A Deeper Dive

Brian went through SERE training with Kimo as noted in the last Fact or Fiction article, Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer. As described within the novel, Brian passed SERE at the top of his class and did in fact stay out the maximum number of days before they had to bring him back in.

As noted in the last article, he was a member of Special Operations as a paratrooper rather than Special Forces. Like the character Brett, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.

Family time with Brian.

The graduate school ties between J.C. and Brian are fact. Since Brian’s family was back east, he joined our family for most if not all of the holidays during his graduate school tenure. This gave me the opportunity to get to know this amazing man.

The End

The search ended when a body was found on Mt. Meeker. This was fact. The description of the body and how it was handled as noted in the book, are facts. But is the happy ending fact or fiction? What transpired after the funeral in Search Beyond Lies, is fiction, however the glasses … Check out the story behind the glasses in Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Clues: Part 2.

Brian & J.C. hiking wearing the infamous sunglasses.

When you look at the fact that Brian was a former member of Special Operations, a nuclear genius fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian, and then add the glasses… Rather than a tragic ending, could there actually be a happy ending? Let me know what you think.

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer

In my last fact or fiction article, we explored the character names. This article will delve into the character, Kale McLaren, Search & Recovery International’s (SRI) Chief Operating Officer, and explore what is fact verses the fiction behind this character.

The Inspiration Behind the Character

Brian Perri’s former army buddy and close friend, Kimo McEwen inspired the character, Kale McLaren. Once Kimo learned that Brian was reported missing on Rocky Mountain National Park’s most dangerous mountain, Mount Meeker, he reached out to my son, J.C., who was gathering volunteers to help with the search.

Searching for Brian

This special man asked if he could camp in our backyard so that he could help J.C. search. Needless to say, the answer was a resounding “NO” – he was required to stay inside our home, as part of the family. The fact that he came from sea level, was a disabled veteran, and had no hiking experience at the elevations in the park did not deter him. Day in and day out for 3 straight weeks, the two of them did not give up. They not only put their lives on hold, but they risked their lives in the search.

The True Background

Kimo did go through SERE training with Brian. Although the character Kale was a former Special Forces member, Kimo and Brian were both a part of Special Operations as paratroopers. Like the character Kale, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.

Veterans

Basically, their friendship, special army ties, and some of Kale’s physical characteristics are based in fact, while the association with SRI is fiction.

What’s to Come

Although Kale is a secondary character in Search Beyond Lies, he is the hero in After the Verdict, Book 2 in the Search & Recovery International Series. Look for it in December 2023!

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Character Names

Since Search Beyond Lies, is inspired by a real-life tragedy involving real people, key characters are inspired by these same people. In this fact or fiction article, we’ll explore what is fact and what is fiction regarding the character names. First, we’ll look at a few rules of thumb regarding choosing character names.

Rules of Thumb

The way writers choose character names differs among writers, but there are a few rules of thumb for the reader’s benefit.

1.You never want to confuse the reader by choosing names with the same first letter or the reader will have difficulty keeping the characters straight.

2. The names should fit within the era and culture. For example, if you write historical romance, like Amanda Cabot, you won’t want to pick a new generation contemporary name like Aurora.

Before we uncover the selection process for the character names in Search Beyond Lies, a brief look at its inspiration is in order.

The Tragedy

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park, after a selfie revealed his last known location as the summit.

Inspired by my son’s role in the search that was covered by news media far and wide, I penned Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series (SRI). Though a work of fiction, the book’s inspiration lies in the rare type of friendship my son, J.C. Fischer, and Brian’s former army buddy, Kimo McEwen, had with Brian, where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.

Searching for Brian

Key Character Names

As the back story revealed, I chose the key character names based on the initials of the real people that inspired them with one exception.

J.C. Fischer inspired the hero, James Frankel.

Brian Perri inspired Brett Powers.

Kimo McEwen inspired the COO of SRI’s Kale McLaren.

The exception was Charlie Sommer whose inspiration was Priscilla Jane Kurtz Williams. To avoid confusing my readers, I had to come up with a name that didn’t violate the first key rule. After brainstorming with my writers’ group, Charlie Sommer was chosen because of the character’s military background and the letter “C” was not used for any other character.

The Romance

Basically, the initials are fact, while the actual name is fiction.

My fellow readers, what rules of thumb do you believe should be added? Writers, how do you choose your character names?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Presidential Letter

In Search Beyond Lies, a call back was issued via Presidential Letter to Brett, who we know was inspired by Brian Perri. Is there such thing as a call back? If yes, could it be possibly done with a Presidential Letter? Before we explore the reality behind the Presidential Letter in Search Beyond Lies, we need to know whether it exists, and if it does, the history behind it.

veterans, call back
Can veterans be called back?

Can you be called back to active duty?

Yes. Once in the military, you can be kept longer than planned or be recalled after you get out or retire. There are many ways this can occur. Typically, the recall is at the behest of the Secretary of Defense (10 U.S. Code Section 688) and there are various ways this can occur:

Military –Call Back

Stop-Loss Program


Military Working Dogs, Military Service Dogs, Parachute Dog, Silent Heroes

You can be kept on active duty longer than your discharge date if you have a particular valuable skill or “in the interests of unit cohesion.”

Mobilization of the National Guard

Without a state of emergency, the president can recall up to 200,000 reservists for at least 400 days. A state of emergency allows the president to activate up to one million reservists by his order.

By the way, since November 14, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12170 after the start of the Iran hostage crisis, the United States of America has been in a state of national emergency. President Donald Trump continued that order in November 2017.

Iran

Officers and Retirees

An officer’s commission usually remains in force and effect even after retirement. Why? It’s for the privilege of retaining the legal right of being addressed by their military rank and receiving their retirement benefits. Although they can resign their commission, very few do. Because of this privilege, they can be recalled to active duty.

Presidential Letters – Fact or Fiction

The president can recall officers in the state of emergency as well as mobilize the National Guard, which as noted has been ongoing since 1979. Is it common? A few years ago I was a guest speaker at Romance Writers of America and attended a session on Military Characters. I met 2 officers who were recipients of the Presidential Letter. I was informed that you either “go back or go to jail.” No doubt, the Presidential Letter is fact.

The Possibilities

The existence of the Presidential Letter is reality. Whether Brian Perri actually received a Presidential letter is a mystery. But when you consider the glasses … .

What are your thoughts about the possibilities?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Search Beyond Lies is available on Amazon.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Gelden Ranch

A number of people posed questions regarding Gelden Ranch. Is Search Beyond Lies’ Gelden Ranch fact or fiction? Before I answer this question, a little background is necessary.

Some History

When I finished graduate school, earning a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition, I completed the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian and started my job search. Law school was not foremost in my mind at this time.

Women's Magazines

I had the most unusual, but incredibly insightful interview with the owner of a renowned women’s magazine. After briefly discussing my background, the owner handed me a quarter and paper cup, then asked me to place the paper cup in the middle of the floor. She wanted me to get the quarter into the cup.

Okay…. I looked at her and asked, “Do you want me to get the quarter in the cup in the manner I would dare, or the way I think you want?”

When she wanted to see what I dared, I moved to the farthest corner of the room and pitched it. This was followed by her question as to what I thought she wanted me to do. I thought she wanted me to make certain it got into the cup by going to the cup and placing it in.

What I dared was what she wanted to see since the magazine business is risky and she needed to make sure I was a risk-taker. I was hired and was the only member of her staff that worked directly with her in her “home” office.

The Magazine’s Owner

The magazine’s headquarters was about 20 minutes from the owner’s “home.” Only the person in charge of the staff at the office ever saw or met with her—I was the only exception. She was a reclusive heiress, and even though she was brilliant, beautiful, and kindhearted, public appearances were very rare.

The Ocean off South Florida

I was one of her key editors, so galleys had to be run from the “house” to the office. The runners were forbidden to talk to me aside from “hello” or “thank you” type language. I didn’t realize this until a new runner asked how I liked working there and my response was a simple, “I like it.” When this person reached the office, he was fired. There was no one around during our brief meet, but the walls apparently had ears…

The “Home”

The “home” was a mansion built in the early 1900s with more than 25 bedrooms. An entire wing was dedicated to staff who historically lived there. It was on the ocean, surrounded by walls, with a guarded gate, and an occupied gate house.

Saddle
Western Ranch Saddle

Gelden Ranch was inspired by this mansion, tweaked to fit a western ranch. Where there were horse stables for the ranch, the mansion had garages that housed very expensive vehicles driven by a chauffeur.

Antique Car

Technically, Gelden Ranch is fictional, but inspired by fact.

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Kindle Countdown Deals for Search Beyond Lies — Day 3. At 2 p.m. PDT, the price moves from .99 to $1.99. Find it on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Romance

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Romance. Is the romance between Charlie and James fact or fiction? Since that question is multifaceted, we’ll take a look at its parts.

The Hero and Heroine

The actual hero and heroine are inspired by real people. Writers envision who their characters look like and often keep a photo handy of these characters to keep them on track. The photo can be a snapshot of people they know, or a photo of a popular actor or actress or … .

J.C. & P.J.'s photo at the Stanley - the inspiration for the hero and heroine in Search Beyond Lies
J.C. & Priscilla Jane

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction — Missing revealed that the character James, was inspired by my son, J.C., who actively participated in the search for Brian. But how about James’ love interest, Charlie?

Charlie

The heroine, Charlie, was inspired by a real person – Priscilla Jane (P.J.). Charlie’s physical description mirrors that of P. J., a true 6-foot beauty.

Many of Charlie’s character traits are actually those held by P.J. who is beautiful on the inside and out. However, her history and participation in the search is mixed with fact and fiction.

Charlie’s background as an expert skier is fact. At one time she considered training for the Olympics until a high school soccer accident made that impossible is fact. That same accident made P.J. unavailable to be on the front line in the search for Brian. She needed surgery from that same injury years prior.

However, P.J. worked in the background in the search for Brian by getting volunteers, and doing all the behind the scenes work on her computer.

Charlie’s military background is another story. It is pure fiction.

the romance

J.C. and P.J. at their engagement.

The romance between J.C. and P.J. is real. They are engaged to be married this year and although I already consider her a part of my family, it will be official.

How they met and the romance as portrayed within Search Beyond Lies is fiction. Speaking of romance, do you consider Search Beyond Lies a Romantic Suspense Thriller or a Suspense Thriller with a dash of romance? The next article will look at the “rules” for determining genre and survey what the readers feel, after all, it’s the readers that count, not the rules.

writing, inspiration, time, events, characters, Thyme for Writers, books, articles, short stories, graduation, Washington, D.C., Georgetown School of Medicine, army, residency, neurosurgery, radiation, Radiological Health Sciences
Priscilla Jane, Karen, J.C. & Joe

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Paintings

In the last Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies – The Clues: Part 2, I left you with a mystery about the real glasses. A particular painting was the source of a few of the clues revealed in the book. Does this painting exist? If it does exist, who is the artist? How about the other painting described in detail?

the artist

art gallery, Denver

Brian Perri did in fact have a favorite artist and he collected a number of this artist’s paintings. The name of “Brett’s” favorite artist in the book is fiction. As a matter of fact, that fictitious name is an alternate since unbeknownst to me (until pointed out by one of my beta readers), the original name I planned to use belongs to a professional basketball player.

The real artist’s name is Greg Pettit. Brian discovered Greg’s paintings in a Denver art gallery and since he found his paintings fascinating at many levels, he started collecting his work.

  • Greg uses colors that bring joy.
  • Every time you look at his paintings you discover something new.
  • His work inspires creativity.
  • Each painting is unique.
  • The work is captivating.

The painting

The clue-revealing painting described within Search Beyond Lies is a real painting that was painted by Greg Pettit. It is now owned by J.C. and came into his possession in the manner described in the book.

Painting by Greg Pettit
Artist: Greg Pettit

This painting can captivate someone for hours, and it was a source of inspiration for me. Since I know I didn’t do the painting justice in its description, I received permission from Greg Pettit to post a picture of it. If you want to explore more of Greg’s work, feel free to click his name which is linked to his Instagram account or copy and paste: greg_pettit@instagram.

the other painting

To my knowledge, Brian did not paint. The example I used of “Brett’s” painting hobby was that of a skunk painted on the wall of his parents’ guest bathroom. You could not sit on the commode without the skunk’s lifted tail aimed at you. The fact that the character, Brett, painted it was fiction.

Painting of a Skunk with lifted tail, by Brett Rosenberg
Artist: Brett Rosenberg

However, the painting itself is fact and was painted by a family friend, Brett Rosenberg. It is the real Brett’s hobby – he is very creative, a great artist, and is a Radiation Health Physicist, as Brian was in life, and as my character, Brett is in Search Beyond Lies. I received Brett’s permission to share it with you. It brings a smile to my face every time I use their guest bathroom.

What would you like to see for the next Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer