Yes, often. Most of my books contain personal experiences, but I'm not going to own up to which, especially as my books are quite 'spicy' at times and that might get me into trouble!
My writing has become more 'devil may care' over the years, my plots have changed to include certain current events rather than just my own experiences.
Always the first on my list would be Charles Dickens, I am in awe of how he put his stories over and the characters that he created. Second would be the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, his compassion, wisdom and what meditative and esoteric happenings he could pass on would be enough for a few novels. Last but not least Spike Milligan for who wouldn't want this craziest, creative writer and poet, his irreverence for pomposity and humour would make even Dicken's laugh.
