Laurie Sparham/The Weinstein Company

Where did the character Rose come from? Was she based on anyone?

RM: Nope, she was just someone I wanted to write. You know, people say, "Oh, are you like Rose?" and if anything, I'm the opposite of Rose; I'm a much more cautious thinking person. Whereas Rose, you know, she'll act first, ask questions later, and I just really wanted to write someone like that who was so spunky and bold and brave and follow her transformation. Despite her being so outgoing and fearless, it can sometimes get her into trouble and so throughout the series she needs to learn how to temper that and mature, and that's a fun journey to do.

How about Lissa? Is she based on anyone?

RM: Nope. I don't base my characters off of anyone, I'm pretty sure you'll lose friends that way because they're never going to be happy with what you do to their characters. Lissa is from my head as well, she's kind of a counterbalance to Rose, a calming influence, and I was really fascinated by the whole bodyguard thing combined with the bond and how it can enhance their friendship, and that helps me create their characters.