Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
You might have guessed this one already, but The Simpson's Homer Simpson was named after The Day of the Locust's resident buffoon. (Source.)
Nathanael West was known as "Pep" to his friends. This nickname is meant to be ironic, however, as West was famous for his laziness and complete lack of physical fitness. (Source.)
West actually has a bit in common with Homer Simpson: like his character, he spent a decent chunk of his life working as a hotel manager. We wonder if there was a real Romola Martin too... (Source.)
West famously inspired his childhood buddy John Sanford to start writing after revealing during a chance encounter that he was working on a book. Sanford went on to have a successful career as an author in his own right. (Source.)