SirKevin
Have only just seen this so presumably your novel is finished. I like to write short stories and poetry but would never be brave enough to attempt a novel.
I think most people who write sometimes include people they know, places they have seen, things that they have experienced. Quite often they don't often realise they are doing it.
In poetry it is easy to make it more obscure. Some years ago I attended writing classes and we produced a little booklet at the end. I gave a copy to my three sons and my sister. S.he told me later that she had wept over one of the poems. SHE was instantly aware that it was referring to our parents.
I hope your novel is appreciated and enjoyed. Good luck.
Good Morning Good Friday 29th March 2024