Heather's husband, David, inspired David's Cooley's character. His kindness, loyalty, courage and sexy smile cemented in her mind the perfect man.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance in Mythos.
When Heather was creating Faryn's character, she had an image in her head of her character's physical characteristics. As soon as she saw a photo of Kristen Kruek she knew she had found her inspiration. Faryn's personality stems from the strong, willful, independent woman Heather wishes was more prevalent in books and movies.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance in Mythos.
Heather's son, Bryce. His fun loving and adventurous nature inspired her to create David Cooley's best friend. There isn't a national park he won't visit.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance in Mythos.
Heather's daughter—Charlie was her inspiration for Charlotte, a mer/selkie. Her love for animals is apparent in every stray she brought home...and it was many!
*This character makes a first time appearance in book two, Beyond Legend.
Heather's daughter—Kimber's unrelenting determination has always been an inspiration for her family. Kimber's innocent beauty and ability to enjoy life to the fullest despite her handicap helped to mold Cindel's character.
​
(This character makes a first time appearance in Mythos.
Briley Melcher, a good friend of Heather's step-daughter, Dakota, turned out to be the perfect inspiration for Briley Rose. Level headed and inquisitive, yet hot-headed and overprotective of her little sister Charlotte Rose, Briley keeps you on your toes!
​
*This character makes a first time appearance in book two, Beyond Legend.
Heather's step-daughter—Determined and athletic, Dakota was her inspiration for a baby albino dolphin; a character that Dakota jumped at the chance to represent. Her name means 'ally' in the Dakota Sioux language.
*This character makes a first time appearance in book two, Beyond Legend.
Brooke Greathouse and Heather McLaren have been close friends since the 10th grade. Brooke portrays a future character, Brooke Tempest. Her bubbly personality and unending loyalty shine through, bringing the mer to life in ways Heather never thought possible.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance as an infant in book two, Beyond Legend.
Devon Walker is a good friend of Heather's and the inspiration for Devony Tempest. She really brings this character to life with her outgoing sarcastic personality, and heartwarming smile.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance at the end of book two, Beyond Legend.
Heather's granddaughter, Jade Brylan, is a happy child, curious and playful. She will appear in future books as Ember Cooley.
​
*This character makes a first time appearance as an infant in book three, Fabled Tide.
Bahamian Elite Fighting Force
*They make a first time appearance in book two, Beyond Legend.
Commando Squadron Leader—Aubre Saosin, a family friend, gives Theresa Fox her endearing bossy quality, but she also molds a brave and determined character.
In reality, Dougie Furlow, a family friend, is nothing like his character. This is an example of a character influenced by his opposite. Where Douglas (Dougie) Furlow is sexist, egotistical, and dispassionate, Dougie is fun loving and kind. This is a character readers will love to hate.
Kaleb Alexander, a family friend, gives Ronald (Jinxy) Singleton his playful nature. He loves goofing around, but when a situation calls for him to be serious, he's all about the mission.
Heather's cousin, Patrick Shubert, molds Christian Pratt into a die-hard romantic and one of my favorite characters in Beyond Legend. He is couragous and bold, yet has a private side.
Josh Alexander, a family friend, was perfect for Beyond Legend's Link (Big Boy) Ryle. Link stands at a towering 6'6'', but he is a big teddy bear. He has a soft side, yet he is all about the mission and saving those in need.