R.M. Archer's Blog, page 44
August 29, 2018
Guest Character Interview: Narah Dagan
This interview actually comes at an opportune time, because it gives me the perfect opening to share my best friend’s new blog! Allegra/Allie is the author that Narah belongs to, and she just started a blog called Of Rainy Days and Stardust Veins. She plans to share various thoughts on life, hearts (she’s working toward becoming a cardiologist and she’s super passionate about hearts), writing and art… pretty much everything. She’s awesome, her thoughts are really interesting to read and she tends to have a really poetic writing style… You should go check out her blog.
Narah is a character from Allegra’s novel Sigma, which is a really cool high fantasy she’s writing. Narah is looking to become the apprentice of the second main character, Nori (who’s amazing and kind of like Detren and really sweet and one of my favorites), and so far she hasn’t come up in the story itself but she’s appearing in the next chapter Allegra’s writing and I’m super excited to see how she is in story form. She appeared on the roleplay that Allegra and I are part of because Nori ended up talking about her and now she’s a cool character, so… yeah. I hope you enjoy her interview!
Narah: *walks in, kind of bouncing a little, you can tell she’s excited to be here* *hops onto the chair with a little difficulty and smiles a little shyly at the interviewer* Hi. You wanted to see me?
Interviewer: Yep. I’m going to interview you. *smiles*
Narah: Oh, okay. *shifts a little in her seat, looking toward the doorway briefly before looking around the room curiously*
Interviewer: How are you today?
Narah: *smiles brightly* I’m pretty good. Nori showed me around the clinic today. *like ‘^-^’* What about you?
Interviewer: I’m also doing well. Who’s Nori?
Narah: He’s the Healer’s Protégé. I hope to become his apprentice.
Interviewer: Oh really? Do you have a favorite thing about healing or medicine?
Narah: *nods* Well, I think so. Nori let me use his stethoscope once and I got to hear my heartbeat. That was cool. *bounces a little* I think that’s my favourite.
Interviewer: How old are you?
Narah: Seven. I’ll be eight in the spring!
Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?
Narah: Two brothers. One is already an apprentice for the blacksmith, he’s twelve. My other one is younger than me. He’s four and likes to eat mud.
Interviewer: *laughs* That sounds like a four-year-old boy. Are you close to them?
Narah: *nods* I don’t get to see Asher very often because he’s gone most of the time. But I see may too much of Carin, my younger brother. I have to watch him while mama is working. *makes a face*
Interviewer: Does your mom have a job like your brother or does she work around the house?
Narah: My mom is a weaver. She makes the prettiest rugs and blankets you ever did see! *all proud*
Interviewer: That’s cool! Do you have a favorite color?
Narah: Blue. Like the sky. And the water. And my eyes. *smiles again* It can be so many colours, or close.
Interview: It’s one of my favorites, too, though I prefer green. *smiles* Blue is perhaps the most varied color. Do you have a favorite food?
Narah: *thinks* I like rice pudding. Is that a food or does that count as more of a dessert?
Interviewer: I think it counts either way. Do you like to read?
Narah: *nods enthusiastically* Yes! Yes! I love to read. I taught myself, you know.
Interviewer: Ooh, that’s impressive. What’s your favorite book?
Narah: Oh, I can’t pick. *swings her legs a little* I like The Tales of King Able. It’s a Garinian tale.
Interviewer: Do you prefer spending time by yourself or being around people?
Narah: It depends on what I’m doing. I like people a lot, but I’d rather not spend time with my brother. Or those people at the market who yell at you for looking at their apples. Like I’m going to take one or something.
Interviewer: That definitely makes sense. Those particular market people don’t seem very nice. What are some things you like to do, besides read?
Narah: I like to play sometimes. And I make beads out of the leftover clay from the potter. He’s really nice, he sometimes gives us coins for caramels. I like to climb trees and explore in the woods. Sometimes the village girls will let me some play with them in the lavender fields. My mom likes lavender, so I always bring her back some.
Interviewer: That sounds like a lot of fun. *smiles and glances at a question sheet* We’re almost finished. Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
Narah: Kindness. Though bravery is a close second.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?
Narah: Honesty.
Interviewer: Is there anything you always take with you when you leave home?
Narah: *cocks her head slightly, and then shakes it* I can’t think of anything.
Interviewer: That was the last question. *smiles* Thank you for the chance to talk to you. *offers his hand for a handshake*
Narah: *shakes his hand with her small one* Oh, you’re welcome. Thank you for having me. *hops off the chair and goes back to the door, where a tall black-haired guy is visible for a second, giving her a big hug*
August 28, 2018
Using Mindmaps for Worldbuilding
Mindmaps are awesome for brainstorming ideas. You start with a broad idea and then narrow your scope and narrow your scope until you can’t narrow it any further, and this is great when you want to figure out what sorts of details you need to develop about your fictional cultures. And since I’ve been experimenting with video recently and I think this post would be easier if y’all could see my screen… I’m going to do a video of this post rather than text.
I’m considering making video a common thing next year (the rest of this year is likely too busy), starting by converting my existing blog posts into video (actual video of my face, not video of my screen like this), but I haven’t decided yet.
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Let me know, do you like this format? Was this helpful? Do you have a method for figuring out what you need to develop for various worlds? I’d love to chat with you down in the comments!
August 26, 2018
Editing Giveaway
Are you looking for an editor for your speculative fiction book? You’re in luck! I’m offering a 25%-off edit to two lucky winners, lowering my rate from $2/page to $1.50/page. You can read more about my editing and hear what others have to say about it on my editing page. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Enter below to win one of two discounted edits!
August 23, 2018
Fawkes Excerpt
Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.
Read an extended excerpt of the story
Listen to an extended audiobook sound clip
Fantasy author Nadine Brandes brings fans a must-read saga of corruption, masked war, and a race against the clock in Fawkes. In 17th century England, Thomas Fawkes, the son of the famed anarchist Guy Fawkes, is infected with the Stone Plague, and the only cure is to join his father’s Gunpowder Plot to assassinate the king of England. Complicating things further, the family of the girl Thomas loves is on the wrong side of the fight.
An actual war on the monarchy is never declared, but the planning and plotting is carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death. But what if death finds him first?
The dueling sides both cry foul. The Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. All Thomas knows is that a mystical stone plague has infected his eye and is spreading. If he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So, when his father, who is on the Keeper side of the battle, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot-claiming it will put an end to the plague, Thomas is in.
The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow the Igniter King James and his Parliament sky high.
The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of Thomas’ love interest, but backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.
No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.
Want more Fawkes? Check out the rest of the blog tour!
August 22, 2018
Character Interview: Wren & June Lorne
I’m doing something a little bit different with this post and interview two characters together, because their characters lend themselves well to that and I think it’ll be fun. Wren and Juniper (June) are twins, expert swordplayers, and pretty much polar opposites when it comes to personality. They’re rarely seen apart, mostly because June is overprotective. I hope you enjoy their interview. :)
June and Wren: *enter the interview room and take their chairs across from the interviewer*
June: *sits back with her arms and legs crossed, looking totally disinterested*
Wren: *sits stock straight, face betraying no emotion*
Interviewer: Good morning. How are you two today?
June: Fine.
Wren: *nods once in agreement with June*
Interviewer: Are you ready to start?
June: *shrugs* Sure.
Interviewer: *looks to Wren for a response and gets none* *looks at his question sheet* What are your names?
June: Juniper Lorne, but everyone calls me June. And no, you may not call me Juniper.
Wren: Wren Lorne.
Interviewer: How old are you?
June: Nineteen.
Interviewer: *glances at Wren*
June: We’re twins. I’m older.
Interviewer: Ah. *forces a smile* Do you have any other siblings?
June: No.
Interviewer: Wren, do you have a job?
Wren: Swordsman. June and I both.
Interviewer: Do you two do a lot together?
June: We have our own lives, if that’s what you mean. *her lip curls* We’re not identical by a long shot. People assume that just because we’re twins and we’re both known for our swordplay skills we tote around after each other imitating each other. The very thought is revolting. The thought that people can assume it is more so.
Interviewer: I just meant it as a question.
June: *scoffs* Sure you did.
Interviewer: Wren, are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Wren: Introvert.
Interviewer: *turns to June* And you?
June: Extrovert. Although that’s a little misleading since I don’t like much of anyone. *shrugs* I’m content to stick around Rolan, Wren, Nyas, and Elashor. Sometimes Veda. I like her pretty well.
Interviewer: Are those family? Coworkers?
June: Coworkers. Rolan’s an ex, Wren’s obviously my brother, Nyas is my mentor, and Elashor is our boss. Veda’s the healer, but she doesn’t like people any more than I do.
Interviewer: Do either of you have a favorite food?
June: The blood of my enemies.
Interviewer: *raises an eyebrow*
June: *rolls her eyes* Relax. It was a joke. I guess I like raspberries.
Interviewer: *turns to Wren*
Wren: *shrugs* No particular preference.
Interviewer: *doesn’t look convinced but moves on anyway* A favorite color?
June: Red. *teases her hair out of her face*
Wren: Black.
Interviewer: Do either of you like to read?
June: Why read about adventures when you can have them? Real adrenaline is way more exhilarating.
Wren: *flinches when the interviewer looks at him* No.
Interviewer: *really doesn’t look convinced, but again moves on* Do either of you have any hobbies aside from swordplay?
June: Throwing daggers, darts, gambling over cards, standing on top of really tall buildings, stealing things…
Wren: *voice even* I don’t have any. *swallows*
Interviewer: We’re nearing the end. *glances at question sheet* Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
June: Intelligence. The world needs more of it. *curls lip*
Wren: Intelligence.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?
June: Can’t afford either in our line of work. *shrugs*
Wren: *mutters* Honesty.
Interviewer: Last question. What’s something you can’t leave the house without?
June: My sword and my brace of daggers.
Wren: My sword.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time. *smiles*
June: *gets up and leaves*
Wren: *looks briefly at the interviewer before following*
August 21, 2018
Pinterest Country Boards
After two weeks of tags I’m finally back with a worldbuilding post. I’m also promoting Pinterest again, because Pinterest is awesome and I use it for all sorts of writing-related things. (No, they didn’t pay me.)
I’m not sure Pinterest is really something most people think about as a worldbuilding tool, but it’s wonderful for that purpose anyway, particularly for visual people, so here’s a look at how I set up my Pinterest character boards.
This is my Eilis country board, and already you can see the sections I use. (Sections are one “recent” Pinterest update that I actually appreciate, unlike all the other “improvements” that just make Pinterest a bigger pain to use.) Wardrobe and Cuisine are pretty self-explanatory. Characters are not specific characters, in most cases, but they’re specific character banks I can draw on when creating Eilisian characters so they fit the culture and common appearance of Eilisian people.
Above are a couple sections of the undivided part of the country board. It’s basically the country’s aesthetic, consisting of textures, architecture, wardrobe and cuisine that isn’t specific enough to go in its respective section, flora and fauna, and some music from YouTube that I stumbled across and thought fit. There are also some aesthetic collages I found that fit. It’s just a mix of things that gives the feel and mood of the country.
Wardrobe is sectioned off partially because there’s a lot of it on most of my boards, partially because some of the images don’t fit the aesthetic style of the rest of the board, and partially so they’re easy to access for character boards later on. I sometimes have pins that go both in the “Wardrobe” section and in the aesthetic part of the board. This section could also come in handy when describing clothing in an actual story.
I’m really bad at developing cuisine on my own. I’m really uncreative with food. However, Pinterest has an excellent selection of recipes, which makes it a lot easier. On each of my Kersir country boards I searched for cuisine from whatever cultures the country was based on, or recipes using specific ingredients I knew grew in or near those countries. In the case of Eilis, I knew they specialized in pastries and breads and lighter foods, so I started with pastries and added more as I searched for other countries and saw things that fit.
I have a pretty big character bank to draw from when it comes to Eilis. These are all character inspiration that I either searched specifically or pulled from my existing character banks. Some look like they belong in Eilis due to obvious magic powers (Eilis is the only country in Kersir that uses natural magic openly), some have a haughty look that fits Eilis to a T, some just have the right coloring to be Eilisian. When I need Eilisian characters for the novellas taking place in Kersir, this is my first stop.
This section isn’t as necessary when you have someplace more similar to, say, the US as far as population goes and you can have a character of just about any ethnicity you want. In the case of those countries (like most of my Aleruus countries) the characters section are more collections of existing characters who are important figures in the country (royalty, famous opposition, notorious criminals, etc.) rather than character banks.
How do you find pins to populate your country boards? In the case of my Kersir boards I’ve searched for things like “Arabian aesthetic,” “Fig recipes,” “Desert fantasy characters,” “Ancient Rome aesthetic,” etc. Tacking “aesthetic” on the end of something can be a great help in finding country board pins.
With my Aleruus boards, which aren’t based on existing or previously-existing cultures, I tend to have a few key details for them that I build off of. With The Hylands those were forests, archers, and green. I searched for things like “Forest aesthetic,” “Green aesthetic,” “Fantasy hunter aesthetic,” “Green fantasy fashion,” “Archer clothing,” etc. With Remera it was learning, books, and maroon, and I built my searches similarly. Once you’ve started, the searches will generally generate more ideas and it’ll just keep building on itself.
Have fun falling down the black hole of Pinterest searches and don’t forget to actually write the story in the world you’re creating. ;) (I know how this works. There’s no coming back.)
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Had you thought to use Pinterest for country boards? If so, how do your organize yours? What’s been your coolest worldbuilding discovery?
August 15, 2018
Character Interview: Jake Grisham
Jake is another character from the Memories & Photographs short story series. Unfortunately the story he’s introduced in (Pumpkin Spice & Fallen Leaves) never actually got finished and posted, but he’s briefly mentioned in Rainy Days & Coffee Grounds, if I remember correctly. Anywho… He works for Livi’s grandparents on their farm in Maryland, and the two of them are really good friends. He’s basically a part of her family. I hope you enjoy his interview. :)
Jake: *comes in and takes a seat across from the interviewer with a grin* *in a British accent* Hello.
Interviewer: *returns the smile* Hi there. How are you?
Jake: I’m doing quite well. How are you?
Interviewer: I’m good. Are you ready to get started?
Jake: *nods* Ready when you are.
Interviewer: What’s your name?
Jake: Jacob Grisham. Almost everyone calls me Jake.
Interviewer: How old are you?
Jake: Sixteen and a half.
Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?
Jake: No, but I’ve always wanted a little sister. Livi and I used to pretend I was her older brother. *chuckles*
Interviewer: Do you have a job?
Jake: I work as a stablehand for Tori and Frank Beckham. I really love it there. They have a beautiful farm and they’re wonderful people. *smiles*
Interviewer: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Jake: I think I’m right on the line. I really love people, but I also really love the peace and quiet of the farmland and the surrounding woods and lake and everything.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite part of the farm?
Jake: Either the lake or the kitchen. Mrs. Beckham makes the best food. *laughs*
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite meal?
Jake: She makes excellent schnitzel and potatoes, but her apple pie definitely takes first place.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite color?
Jake: Any shade of red or orange. I’m in a good place for that. *ruffles his hair* In addition to this mess, the farm turns all shades of red and orange in the autumn. We grow pumpkins and apples and there are plenty of trees to turn. Although, funny enough, my favorite apple variety isn’t red. *laughs*
Interviewer: Which variety?
Jake: Granny Smith. I love the tart flavor. *grins*
Interviewer: Ooh. *mouth puckers* Sour’s not really my thing.
Jake: Well there would still be plenty of apples for you. *laughs* What’s your favorite?
Interviewer: Pink Ladies.
Jake: Ooh, that’s another good one. Sweet and crisp.
Interviewer: *nods*
Jake: Do you like apple cider?
Interviewer: Usually.
Jake: The Beckham farm is always well-stocked with cider. We actually sell it, but it’s my favorite so Mrs. Beckham makes sure to always save some. *laughs* You should come by sometime. The Beckhams love hosting people. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a more hospitable family. *grins*
Interviewer: The whole place sounds lovely. And it sounds like you’re really at home there.
Jake: *nods* The Beckhams are my godparents and I’ve lived with them since I was twelve. My parents were in a bad car accident… *swallows and forces a smile to displace the pain* Anyway, they’ve been really great. Living with them is really great. And I love the rest of their family, as well. I always look forward to Zach and Livi’s visits over the holidays. *smiles*
Interviewer: I’m really sorry to hear that.
Jake: *shrugs a bit* Thanks. Um, are there more questions?
Interviewer: *nods* We can stop if you need?
Jake: No, I was actually hoping for something else to talk about. *chuckles a bit*
Interviewer: Oh, of course. Um… *glances at questions* Do you prefer movies or books?
Jake: Books. Particularly the Safe Lands books by Jill Williamson.
Interviewer: Oh, I haven’t read those. I’ve wanted to, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet.
Jake: I’ve really enjoyed them. I hope you have a chance to read them soon.
Interviewer: *nods and looks at list* Do you have a favorite animal?
Jake: Specifically or generically?
Interviewer: Either or both.
Jake: Generally, horses. I work with them all the time. Specifically, my tabby cat Pumpkin. My parents gave him to me for Christmas when I was four and he’s stayed with me through everything. *smiles a bit*
Interviewer: What are your hobbies?
Jake: Reading and drawing, mostly. I really enjoy doing colored pencil drawings of places around the farm at different times of the year. I also enjoy baking, when Mrs. Beckham lets me take over the kitchen for a while. *grins*
Interviewer: That seems like it would be a lot of fun.
Jake: It is. Every year I see my skills get a little bit better. *smiles*
Interviewer: Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
Jake: Kindness.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?
Jake: Selflessness.
Interviewer: Is there anything you can’t leave the house without?
Jake: I have a cross-body bag that I take with me that generally has whatever book I’m reading, my art supplies, money and keys, and whatever fruit is in season. Sometimes Pumpkin tags along, too. *chuckles*
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite place outside the farm?
Jake: The college library in town. It’s a really nice library and it’s right next to the pond.
Interviewer: Sounds like a good place to sit and read.
Jake: *nods* It’s a really nice bike ride from the farm to the library, and I can spend whole days there when I’m not working on the farm.
Interviewer: Do you often bike places?
Jake: *nods* I have my license, but pretty much everything we need is within biking distance and I’m more comfortable on my bike.
Interviewer: It seems like living in a small town would be nice.
Jake: *shrugs* I like it. Do you live in a big city, then?
Interviewer: Not super big, but it’s certainly not small. *chuckles* I’ve wanted for a while to live somewhere where there’s more open space to run away to and people you can get to know easier than in a normal-size town like mine.
Jake: Small towns are nice for that, yeah.
Interviewer: *looks down at the question sheet and realizes she’s already asked the last one* Oh. Well, we’re done. *looks back up* It was nice to interview you. Thanks for your time. *smiles and extends a hand*
Jake: You’re welcome. Thanks for the interview. *shakes the interviewer’s hand with a smile* I enjoyed talking with you. *heads out*
(The image used at the beginning of this post is from Pinterest.)
August 14, 2018
My Favorite Things Tag
Thank you to Hannah at The Catwing Has Landed for the tag! This tag was created by Beth at Beth In Boots and was inspired by the song from The Sound of Music.
Rules:
Link back to and thank the person who tagged you.
Link back to and thank the blogger who began the tag.
List and picture seven of your favorite things.
Tag at least seven people (or as many as you can).
Use the picture above (at Beth’s request).
List the seven rules.
Have fun!!!
1. Music
For those of you who don’t know, music is basically my lifeblood. I listen to music constantly. And when I’m not intentionally listening to it, some song is still playing through my head. Music has helped me through a lot, and it can almost always cheer me up when I’m in a bad mood.
2. Friends
I have awesome friends, both offline and online. They’re loyal and encouraging and fun to hang out with and just as weird as I am and I don’t know where I’d be without them.
3. The Bible
I cannot count the number of times I’ve been actively grateful for a working knowledge of the Bible. I’ve been able to use it so many times to encourage friends and battle the lies they believe about themselves and figure out problems of my own, and I’m really thankful for the open access I have to it and for parents who familiarized me with it and taught me its importance.
4. Camp
Camp is, without question, my favorite time of year. It’s a week to connect with people in a way that “real life” doesn’t really allow for, a chance to focus on God and grow closer to Him, a chance to worship more wholeheartedly than anywhere else, a chance to disconnect from the stress and issues of the outside world and just focus on God and other people who love Him, and it’s just a really wonderful experience, every year.
5. My Blog
My blog has been a wonderful tool for learning, helping other authors, and connecting with other authors and bloggers. It’s a place for me to expand my knowledge of writing through translating it into something coherent to others, while helping other young authors learn more about writing. Helping young authors is something I’m really passionate about, so I’m really thankful for this platform from which to do that.
6. Books
Particularly books with deep, well-thought-out worlds. I love being able to delve into fascinating new cultures and landscapes. Generally books aren’t much more for me than an escape and inspiration for my own, but then there are also books like Chasing Jupiter that feel like they’re speaking directly to me and tell me what I need to hear, and it’s really cool that they can be both.
7. My Planners
I have two bullet journals, one of which I use as a daily goal checklist and one of which I use to schedule my day more specifically, I use Google Calendar to keep track of my blog schedule, and I have a box of index cards keeping up with my main writing goals for each month (mostly because I wanted to be able to shuffle them around if need be). These have all been super helpful for keeping on track with my writing, blogging, editing, and reading.
Nominees:
Leila at Wildflowers and Cosmic Tea
Mandy at Jumping in the Puddles
Felicity at The Wondrous World Around Us
August 12, 2018
The Language of Worlds Link-Up #2
Guess what? There’s a new Language of Worlds link-up and it’s replacing Snippet Sunday again because I was hosting a LotR marathon all day yesterday and didn’t have time to write a snippet. (I totally didn’t write this post at 6:45 yesterday morning. Excuse any places I sound tired.) (Also, you can read the first one here.) So instead you get to hear more about Detren, because I always talk about Nissa and I feel like Detren needs a turn. So without further ado, the link-up. (If you click on the image below you’ll be taken to Liv Fisher’s site, where you can join the link-up if you’d like.)
1. Where does your character live, and how does that impact them?
The palace of Roenor. Well… it’s not really so much the place that impacts him as the fact that he’s a prince/king? And also the people around him, most of whom are wonderfully loyal and good people. *smirks evilly at that one character who’s not what they seem* Anyway, living in the castle does mean he has a lot of space to go hide when he gets stressed. Except he only ever uses, like, four of the rooms when he’s bored and needs something to do or needs to talk to someone or needs to relax? In order: The garden, his bedroom, the library, and the awesome basement. That needs fixing.
2. If he could book a vacation to anywhere in their world, where would he go and why?
The pine knolls outside Girhan (which is one of the six cities clustered together that make up The Capital). He’s been there many, many times, but it has a lot of memories with his dad and he loves it there, so he’d still choose to go there again over anywhere else. Second choice would probably be Laemar, Mandoria (which is the capital). He’d love to see their passion for growth and health and stuff in action, and he also wouldn’t mind meeting his favorite author by happenstance.
3. On a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high), how ambitious is he?
Um… 5? (I’m generally bad with number scales on traits like this. XP) He’s not unambitious, and he strives to be like his father, but he doesn’t have a lot of trust in himself and he doesn’t have any super huge goals aside from being good and merciful and whatnot like his father. Ambition isn’t a trait I’d use to define him. So I’m gonna go with 5.
4. What does he want to achieve long-term?
Not– Okay, that’s more short-term. Um… Being able to rule as well as his father? Does that count? ‘Cause that’s kind of an ongoing battle and something he has to learn a little at a time, and he’ll never really have it figured out. So just ruling well and caring for his people and making sure they’re all happy and not dead and stuff.
5. Who inspires him?
His dad. Also Lucienne, and to some extent his mentor Terlon.
6. How would he handle seclusion?
He’s an introvert, but I feel like after about a day of being by himself he’d get really lonely and want to talk to Lucienne or Thorian or someone, because he’s used to being surrounded by those people and he cares about them and he’d miss them a lot if they were gone.
7. Is he a cat person or a dog person?
He actually has a brown Labrador named Devonly. So that should answer that question. (Nissa has a cat named Nava.)
8. What’s his favorite type of weather?
Um… good question. He likes warm, clear nights when he can see the stars from the castle roof. As far as daytime weather I think he pretty much enjoys anything short of a massive storm (hurricane, tornado, etc.).
9. When he’s hungry, does it show? How?
He will occasionally go get food straight from the kitchen. He’s particularly partial to lemon tarts. But generally I don’t think it’s something that really manifests itself.
10. What’s one Bible verse he would identify with?
“We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (This is actually kind of my theme verse for him.)
August 8, 2018
Character Interview: Dominic Cole
Dominic is another character from the Memories & Photographs short story series. He’s caring, protective, fun, humorous, and he’s an amazing friend both to Keslie and to Livi. I hope you enjoy his interview. :)
Dominic: *comes in and shakes the interviewer’s hand* Hello.
Interviewer: Hello. How are you today?
Dominic: I’m doing pretty good. How are you? *takes a seat across from the interviewer*
Interviewer: I’m not too bad myself. Are you ready to get started?
Dominic: *nods*
Interviewer: What’s your name?
Dominic: Dominic Ethan Cole.
Interviewer: How old are you?
Dominic: Seventeen.
Interviewer: Do you have any siblings?
Dominic: A brother, Gabriel, and a sister-in-law, Lucy.
Interviewer: Do you have a job?
Dominic: I’m a barista at the Piano Shoppe cafe.
Interviewer: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Dominic: Introvert.
Interviewer: What’s your favorite food?
Dominic: Chocolate pie.
Interviewer: Favorite color?
Dominic: Dark blue and dark red. Like Clarke, from Smallville. *chuckles a little*
Interviewer: You like superheroes, then?
Dominic: It depends. I like most superheroes and I’m partial to the DC comics since my dad loved them, but there are exceptions.
Interviewer: Who are some of the exceptions?
Dominic: The Hulk, CW’s Flash, most of the Legends of Tomorrow – I only watched that show one season – Iron Man, Hawkeye – way better in the comics – Daredevil… There are others, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite superhero?
Dominic: I love Spider-Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America.
Interviewer: Spider-Man and Captain America are a couple of my favorites, too. I prefer Marvel to DC, though. *chuckles* I prefer the tone of their movies and characters better.
Dominic: Have you read the comics?
Interviewer: I haven’t.
Dominic: Ah. You should read them sometime. I’d start with The Great Superman Comic Collection or some compilation like that.
Interviewer: I’ll do that. Thanks for the recommendation. *smiles*
Dominic: Sure. *smiles back*
Interviewer: *glances at question sheet* Do you prefer movies or books?
Dominic: Generally movies, but I really enjoy both.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite of each?
Dominic: Man of Steel for movie. As for book… I really like John Green’s writing.
Interviewer: What are your hobbies?
Dominic: Reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing football.
Interviewer: Was it music that brought you and Keslie and Livi together?
Dominic: In part. I’ve known Keslie for as long as I can remember, almost, and Livi just kind of appeared in our lives a few months ago and made herself perfectly at home. *laughs* We all just get along really well. Part of that is because of music.
Interviewer: Which of these is most important to you: Kindness, intelligence, or bravery?
Dominic: Bravery.
Interviewer: And honesty or selflessness?
Dominic: Honesty.
Interviewer: One last question before we go. What’s something you can’t leave home without?
Dominic: I’m always wearing a pair of Chuck Taylors, if that counts. *laughs*
Interviewer: We’ll count it. *smiles* Thank you for your time.
Dominic: Absolutely. Thanks for having me. *shakes hands with the interviewer before leaving*
