The night mares are an integral piece of the Court of Midnight and Deception books, and I knew when I was plotting the trilogy out that I wanted them to play the roles of kingmakers and supporters. But when it came time to write, the night mares stampeded into the books with vivid personalities, specific body language, and a planned arc.
A lot of that was inspired by a real life gelding I rode, who was named Abo.
Abo was a huge gelding–his height specifically influenced Solstice–and he was a retired jumper with more training that I ever knew how to use. (This also inspired a lot of the scenes where the night mares jump and do fancy things that Leila is unable to keep up with.) As an older gelding, he greatly inspired Fax because it wasn’t safe for him to jump much, but he was still impressive enough to school me in riding even though I spent my childhood around horses.
Abo acted a lot like a grumpy grandpa–his body language very specifically inspired the night mares because he went through life with his ears half pinned more often then not, but he was the sweetest teddy bear ever. He nickered whenever he saw me, let me lean into him and wrap my arms around him whenever I’d had a particularly rough day, he’d press his muzzle against my temple after I kissed his nose, and he had the brightest, sweetest eyes.
Unfortunately, Abo died in October, right after I finished Crown of Moonlight. It was unexpected and very sudden, and it broke my heart. It’s been months and I still miss him and still cry for him occasionally, but it’s gotten a lot better. (I now ride a hilarious goofball of a horse who makes me laugh, so I’m still riding!)
The worst time was when I knew I needed to write the Queen’s Crown, and I had no idea how I was going to drag myself through writing about Leila and the night mares–who had to play a key role in several scenes in order to carry out the story properly–when I’d lost the horse that had inspired them.
How was I going to write about these horses, who all resembled Abo in a thousand different ways?
I’m afraid the books did suffer a little–the night mares aren’t in the beginning of Queen’s Crown very much as I was trying to figure out how to write them without crying. But I’m still really happy with Fax and the night mares and their contribution in the second half of the book, and this series will always be very special to me because of what Abo meant to me.
I’m afraid that’s all I’ve got in me for today. Have a lovely week, Champions! I hope you love the night mares a little more after learning about their inspiration.
I had my 3/4’s Arabian bay, Delrae for 25 years from a yearling. She passed away in 2003 and I still miss her!!! I will always cherish my time with her and her gentle spirit. Even her trainer saw this and never called her by any name except Honey. You will always remember Abo and your special times with him. Can’t wait until your next book!
Aww, Kitty, I’m so sorry!!! :'( As someone who’s always had horses and rode before I walked, I know well the pain of losing a horse. (I teared up reading this.) I hope that having him immortalized through the nightmares grows to be a comfort. He looks like the biggest sweetie, and he obviously adored you . Hugs!!
I’m so sorry for your loss! I did notice the loss of the nightmares’ presence, and was wondering why on earth you wouldn’t include them. Losing a pet is so tough – our hearts bond with these special friends in ways humans rarely understand. I’m glad to hear you’re still riding, and glad you introduced me to a beloved friend who inspired some of your best paper pets ever!
I am really sorry about Abo, Kitty. But I am sure that wherever he is now, he must be really happy to see your super cute nightmares and Fax inspired after him! I can almost hear him neighing in glee! And you can see from the pic how much he adores you!
Thank you so much for sharing about Abo and his inspiration for the Nightmares. I adore horses and he just sounds wonderful. I miss him and I’ve never even met him. I loved hearing how he was transferred to the page in your last series. Now I will think of him whenever I reread those books. Abo lives on. ❤️
I’m so so sorry to hear about abo. He’s a beautiful horse. I couldn’t help but think, when you told us he passed, of the moment in the queens crown when the night mares turned into unicorns. Transforming from black horses to white unicorns. I can still see how beautiful they are in my head. I’m sorry if that makes you feel worse but I’m hoping that, if you didn’t do it on purpose, it makes you happy. I’m glad you’re still riding and hope you ride for many more years.
Thanks Christina! <3 🙂 I appreciate your sweetness!
Oh no! I’m so sorry about Abo! He sounds like such a awesome horse. (This might sound really bratty, but) I understand how that felt. We, my family, were going to buy a horse we’d known for years and he was so sweet, but a week before we were going to move him to our house, he had to be out down because he couldn’t get up anymore. So I’m so sorry. But I’m glad for Abo to be in heaven, and that you have another sweet horsey friend!
🙂 It’s not bratty at all! I’m always happy to hear when people can understand. I felt a little ridiculous the first month or two at how badly losing him effected me, so I appreciate the sympathy/empathy!
A truly sad yet beautiful story about a lifetime of love and respect. Our love for our family(2 & 4 legs) are always in our hearts and souls, never to be forgotten. I’m very sorry for your loss, yet I can’t help but feel honored to know that the nightmares were inspired by a living being. When I think back on the stories and characters of the nightmares, you can bet I will forever think of Abo in the same breath. By doing so you have added a little more magic to your amazing stories.
Thanks, Terry! I’m really happy you liked hearing about Abo!
I’m so sorry he passed-he sounds like a very noble steed. I’m happy you’re still riding, and that you feel a bit better. Loved this post, and Abo is a very good inspiration for the nightmares. That was very sweet – looking back through the books and finding the parts with nightmares ❤
Thanks Ananya! There’s something freeing in sharing him with you–and thanks for the support!
Glad to learn about Abo and inspired by your description of him. May memories of him bring you great joy! I appreciate “seeing” the night mares a bit more. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Suebee! 🙂 I appreciate your support and sweet message.