Book Inspirations: The Story That Inspired Me
If you’ve ever worked a job where you quietly observe the world around you, then you know how much it can shape your perspective. For me, it turned into the foundation of two stories I’m incredibly proud of. And while not every detail comes from real life, the inspiration is deeply rooted in my time behind the front desk.
For seven years, I worked as a concierge in a luxury high-rise condo building. It was a world of polished marble, breathtaking views, and residents who seemed to have it all. But beneath the surface of luxury, there was a current of human drama – secrets whispered in the elevators, hidden tensions simmering behind closed doors, and the occasional eccentric character that would make you raise an eyebrow.
With my overactive imagination, late-night delivery, a whispered conversation in the elevator, a misplaced package – these everyday occurrences would spark a chain reaction in my mind, weaving tales of intrigue and suspense. The grand foyer transformed into a crime scene, the rooftop terrace became a clandestine meeting point, and the seemingly harmless old lady with the chihuahua? Well, she was definitely smuggling diamonds in her handbag. (Okay, maybe not, but a I can dream!)
As a concierge, you become the silent observer of people’s lives. You see them at their best, their worst, and every moment in between. I’ve seen countless residents come and go, each with their own routines, personalities, and secrets. While I would never base a character solely on someone I’ve met, the patterns and behaviors I’ve witnessed certainly influenced the way I write about the residents in Murder at Heaven Heights Condo. In this story, the residents each have something to hide, and their interactions are as much a part of the mystery as the murder itself.
The experience wasn't without its challenges. Long hours, demanding residents, and the occasional odd request (you wouldn't believe what some people ask for!) took their toll. But it also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities of human nature, the power of perception, and the endless possibilities for storytelling.
So, when I finally sat down to write, the stories flowed naturally. The characters, the setting, the drama – it was all there, waiting to be brought to life. "Murder at Heaven Height Condo" and "Midnight Shadows" are a testament to those seven years, a blend of real-life observation and fictionalized thrills.
My two books was born from those long, quiet nights working the graveyard shift. During these hours, when the world outside the building seemed to sleep, my imagination would often run wild. Strange noises, flickering lights, and unexplained moments would fuel my mind to wonder, “What if there’s something more going on here?” Midnight Shadows is a psychological thriller that taps into that sense of isolation, blending the eerie quiet of the night with the mounting paranoia of a sleep-deprived mind. The main character, Ethan Mitchell, a nighttime concierge like me, finds himself questioning reality, just as I sometimes would during those long, lonely shifts.
