Many people in French Cup are based on real people in my life. Some are a blend of people I know. Many of the events are based on real life events, too. The characters going to a Grease sing-along lead by drag queens is based on real life. The gay prom is based on a real annual event in my queer community. Then, the coffee shop itself, French Cup, is based on a real shop that we all meet in all the time. Except, the real one serves sandwiches and milkshakes instead of fresh pastries and cakes. Even the Nguyens' international grocery store is based on a real store in our neighborhood. A lot of it is my real life. I was even working in a high class hotel like the one that's trying to take over their neighborhood. In these ways, the story is incredibly authentic and feels real, because it pretty much is.
