The title character, Millie, is somewhat inspired by my Aunt Joanie (she spelled it Joani but never felt a need to correct me). Joanie was the matriarch of my family from my mother’s side. Strong-willed and outspoken, she took care of everybody. In particular she empowered the women of our family and was a role model for living life on your own terms. (Spoiler alert) She absolutely would have been the one picking up the knife in the story. As reflected, Joanie did in fact have one date with Howard Hughes and thought him rather boring turning him down for any future dates, and did live in Las Vegas close to the time represented but was a card dealer and somewhat of a social “player,” a role she also partook in Hollywood society. Along with Aunt Joanie, Millie has a drop of Flo from the Alice TV series in her character. Sassy and a bit noisy.