Literary Fiction Inspired by Family, Grief, and the Paths That Shape Us

Meet the Characters

The people who shape Ryder Dale’s journey across the Pacific and through the final ordinary days that change everything.

The character images shown here are artistic interpretations created for this website. They are intended to reflect the author’s vision of the fictional characters from The Last Ordinary Day, while allowing readers the freedom to imagine them in their own way.
Charlie Dale

Charlie Dale

A respected attorney, accomplished sailor, and Ryder’s estranged father, Charlie spent much of his life chasing distant horizons. In death, he leaves behind a sailboat, a compass, and a final journey that becomes the bridge between father and son.

Ryder Dale

Ryder Dale

A Ventura bartender with little interest in following his father’s path, Ryder suddenly finds himself responsible for a sailboat, a legacy he never wanted, and a journey that will test every part of who he is.

Kelly Wheeler

Kelly Wheeler

Ryder’s lifelong friend and loyal sailing companion, Kelly brings humor, honesty, and unwavering support to the voyage. His friendship becomes one of the anchors that carries Ryder through unordinary days.

Jenny Leigh

Jenny Leigh

Warm, grounded, and fiercely loyal, Jenny sees strengths in Ryder long before he sees them himself. Her love gives him something worth sailing home for.

Pookie Dale

Pookie Dale

Ryder’s older sister has spent most of her life looking after everyone around her. Protective, outspoken, and deeply devoted to her family, she often understands Ryder better than he understands himself.

Michelle Spencer

Michelle Spencer

Jenny’s cousin and trusted friend. Independent, thoughtful, and grounded, she never expects that the voyage will introduce her to the person who changes the course of her life.

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