As a first time novelist, I’ve learned how easy it can be to make your character hyper-realized versions of people you really know. In one case I even used the guy’s real name.
Adam Gratz has been a friend of mine since he had a stint in the real estate game several years ago. While the character in the book bears some similarities to the real man – Adam is an internationally recognized moonshine distiller, he is widely traveled from youth including a trip to China representing a national champion high school wrestling team to points throughout America for competitions with his distilled creations – Adam is a colorful character in his own right.
Adam explains the fermentation process to me and our friend Sarah.
I’ve enjoyed his and his wife Amanda’s company in any number of fun situations from late night poker games and tailgating before watching our beloved University of Tennessee Vols to watching him demonstrate his stock in trade, actually helping pour fermented mash into a still that he once kept in a beautiful outdoor kitchen near his home.
There are many elements of the Adam Gratz character in Principles of Real Estate and Murder that aren’t real. He isn’t a Knoxville restaurant/bar mogul … yet. I don’t think he even has designs on doing that. He certainly isn’t tangled up with the mob and Amanda doesn’t have a food-truck park – though I’m certain she would make an excellent one if she wanted to do so!
Team Adam before playing “The Price Is Right” at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, NC for Adam’s bachelor party weekend. I lost my requisite $25 at roulette.
Rob Howard | Knoxville Realtor and Author | KnoxvilleRob | Frank Merchant Mysteries
Rob Howard is more than just a Knoxville, TN real estate agent; he is the author who captures the story of Knoxville. 23+ year industry veteran, Rob combines the data-driven expertise of a top-producing team with the narrative insight of a local historian and novelist.
Rob’s unique approach to real estate. Rob has focused on "wandering, listening, and absorbing" Knoxville since becoming a student at the University of Tennessee in 1991. Rob's relational approach to Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate earned him a feature in Jay Papasan’s (co-author of The One Thing) acclaimed book on real estate success. Whether navigating the revitalization of Downtown Knoxville, the historic charm of Fourth and Gill, or the community fabric of Farragut, Rob helps clients understand the true character of the neighborhoods they are buying into.
Beyond the closing table, Rob is the author of the Frank Merchant mystery series, set locally in Knoxville and around East Tennessee. He leverages this deep knowledge of the region’s history and culture to help relocation clients and locals alike find not just a house, but their place in Knoxville’s story.
Specialties: Knoxville Relocation, Historic Homes, Luxury Real Estate, and East Tennessee Investment Properties.
Connect with Rob: 🌐 Search Homes: KnoxvilleRob.com 📚 Read the Books: RealEstateMystery.com 📸 Follow the Journey: @KnoxvilleRob on all social media!
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