Meet Sarah from Cafe Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island by Barbara Bonfigli

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? /"Café Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island" What genre is it? /Fiction


2. Who wrote the book? /Barbara Bonfigli

3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth. /She has excellent powers of observation, having picked me out of a crowded world.


4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look./I look you directly in the eye. I never wear shoes unless I have to. My hair is difficult to control. Loud music keeps me out of a lot of trendy restaurants. How do I appear? Either concentrating or day dreaming. The details of my physical appearance I leave to your imagination. I wouldn't want to spoil your picture of me as you read my novel.


5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else? / The hero, being the narrator and principal voice. But there are several major players on this stage.


6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want./The story cannot exist without the storyteller, and that's me.


7. What time period do you live in? / The recent present.


8. Where are you from?/ Northern California. But I've lived in several other countries. I'm presently living in London and spending part of every year in Greece. 


9. Do you live in the same place now? / I live between the covers of the book you're reading -- "Café Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island." Wherever you take me, there I am. And thanks very much for introducing me to all these places.


10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home./ Coming from California I'm very fond of fresh fruits and vegetables and sunshine. Sunshine is pretty much the same everywhere. Most of what passes for fruits and vegetables elsewhere in America tastes like their pictures on seed catalogues. California is also very large, so that when I travel in Europe and cross borders every few hours I feel like Vasco de Gama. London is a fabulous city. Almost no one at my gym speaks English as their first language, but we all understand sweat and effort. As a theatre producer I'm in bliss in London since all the actors answer their own phones and will agree to be in anything good; they don't consider every role a "career move."


11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life? / I live in a country in which people often speak in complete sentences. Taxi drivers know their way around. Strawberries are only sold in season. There's an excellent yoga studio within walking distance even in the rain. I love it here. If I tell you any more too many people will want to move here and they might crowd out this small discreet island.


12. What special skills or abilities do you have? / My coffee is superb. I can furl a mainsail without too many crinks. I can often figure out what people are trying to say though I don't understand their language. That's about it. And I write good ads for the play I produce.


13. How do those affect your part in the story?/ I attract men who think I can cook. It's hard to convince them otherwise; I'd have to cook something really awful and why would I do that?


14. Are you happy with the story? Katapliktika! (not in the Glossary I'm afraid. It's a big yes.)


15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here. /The author should have allowed me more time to swim and given me the chance to drink some really excellent Greek wines. She did find me a beautiful island to spend the summer on and I hope she'll figure out how to get me back here next year.


16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through./ I was surprised when my boyfriend Julian decided our affair was over the same week the show we were producing closed. We were both working so hard on the production I had no idea anything else was going on. (This all happens before the book begins.) At an early point in the story my friend Alex asks me to consider inviting Julian to the island, but I don't think it's worth re-igniting a fire I hadn't noticed was burning out. When he calls the island and mentions that the costume designer he'd moved in with no longer interests him, and that he misses me, I decide not to take the hint. One of the best things about travel is the perspective you gain by the simple act of removing yourself. With a little beach time and reflection I realize Julian had the right idea; we were not destined for a long run.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them./ At the moment it's Monika. She's playful and funny and she says exactly what's on her mind. That's provocative and exciting because her reactions to people and events are original. And she sees through the eyes of a visual artist, which is a great compliment to a writer's mind. 


18. Is that person in the story we're talking about? / Yes. My understanding it that we're talking here from inside my character's head.


19. How does that person impact you and your life?/ Monika impresses me for her wit, her originality, her sensuality, her talents. The ease with which she navigates the dramas of daily existence suggests a person who knows herself. I consider this the grand prize in the game of life and definitely the sort of person you'd hope to have as a lifelong friend...maybe even live with.


20. Do you have any children?/ No.


21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us. Thanks for asking good questions and for knowing when to back off. All my fellow characters are worthy of an interview like this one; luckily they didn't know about this. Stefano and Arabella would certainly be making a fuss.


22. What do you see in your future?/ The mantra article I've just finished may lead to other writing on spiritual themes. And the concept of "you love who you love" is very interesting to me. I'd like to explore both those areas in writing and in life. I'll also be finding and producing plays. And I'll be practicing yoga so I can continue to enjoy running swimming walking exploring and eating unlimited amounts of goat cheese.

23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series? /The author doesn't keep her imagination under wraps but she doesn't comment on the future, having good friends who are renowned astrologers and who steer clear of predictions.


24. Do you like being a character in a book?/ I love the possibilities. There's Nothing you can't imagine doing between covers.


25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why? I think this book is likely to be made into a film and as per #23 I'm not going to predict who'd play me. She'll have to have a pretty good sense of humor and of course a taste for retsina. You can't fake that.

Efharisto, Sarah

To learn about Barbara Bonfigli and Café Tempest, feel free to visit any of these sites.

Order Café Tempest directly from the publisher – http://www.tellmepress.com/pub_ct.php or from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Café-Tempest-Adventures-Small-Island/dp/0981645313

To see the complete tour schedule visit http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/cafe-tempest-by-barbara-bonfigli-summer.html

Barbara Bonfigli’s website – www.cafetempest.com

Meet Frankie - The Walk 'n Roll Dog by Barbara Techel

Tell us about your heroine --- the female lead in your book.

What's her name?

Frankie!

Why did you pick that name?

I had Frankie’s name picked out long before I got her. I’ve always loved the movie Frankie and Johnnie. If you are not familiar with it, Frankie is the female lead character. Frankie and Johnnie fall in love. I’ve always thought it was so fun and sporty for a girl to have a name like Frankie. My Frankie’s real name is Francesca, but I call her Frankie for short (no pun intended!)

Give us a brief description of how she looks.

She has 4-inch long furry legs, silky-soft ears, liquid brown eyes outlined in perfect black liner, and a 14-inch long body that resembles a scrumptious sausage.

Is there anything unusual about her appearance?

I guess you could say it is the wheelchair she gets around with, which you don’t always see a dog in!

Who does she love? Why?

She loves her human mom the best! Her mom thinks Frankie is one of the biggest blessings she has ever had in her life. Frankie loves her mom because she gives her at least 1,000 kisses and hugs a day. She also loves her because she takes her so many fun places like school, nursing homes and hospitals.

Does this person love her?

Oh, more than her mom could ever express in words. She loves Frankie so deeply.

Tell us about her family.

Frankie has a papa who lets her snuggle under the covers every night and lick his feet. Frankie also has an English yellow lab sister named Kylie who cleans Frankie’s ears every chance she gets.

Where is she from?

The quaint, picturesque, historical village of Elkhart Lake.

Does her hometown affect her behavior, thoughts and attitude?

Absolutely! Everyone in Elkhart Lake knows and loves Frankie. When Frankie went into the village the first time in her wheelchair everyone embraced her, and wanted to know her story. Because of their compassion and kindness Frankie’s mom was inspired to write Frankie’s story.

What does she want out of life?

She wants all children to know that they can always have a positive attitude. She also wants all children to treat all kids, no matter what their abilities, with respect and kindness. She also wants everyone to know that just because an animal has a disability does not mean that they can’t live a quality life. She wants everyone to know she is happy and healthy.

What's her biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)

I guess her biggest secret would be that she loves cats. J

Did you write more than one story about her?

Frankie will have another book coming out early 2010. It is called Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House. Frankie is a registered therapy dog. Once a month she visits Libby’s House where the elderly living there suffer from Dementia and Alzheimer’s. The book is about the people she meets at Libby’s House, and the lives she touches.

How would she describe you?

Frankie is one of the sweetest, cutest, kindest dachshunds you will ever meet. Her heart is so big I am surprised it fits inside her little chest. It is that big!

Is there anything else about your heroine that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Frankie changed my life for the better. She helped me to understand that challenges are given to us to help us learn and grow. She also taught me that I can always choose to be happy even when times are tough. Frankie is truly a blessing in my life and, she helped me find my calling. I will always be so grateful God entrusted Frankie’s care to me.

Please provide your website link.

http://www.joyfulpaws.com

http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com

What is the link to buy your book?

http://www.joyfulpaws.com/store.htm

It was wonderful to meet her. Thank you for bringing her to meet us.

Feel free to email your answers to nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com and I'll add your information. They will be posted, but not all at once. That will give everyone an opportunity to get plenty of exposure.

Meet Jane from Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber

Yesterday we met Gwen from Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber - today we will meet her best friend Jane.

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

Willing Spirits. The genre is Women’s Fiction.

2. Who wrote the book?

Phyllis Schieber

3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.

I think she is complicated. She writes from her heart, and I like that about her. She wants to write books that she would want to read. Sometimes she meanders and strays from the plot, but I relish those interludes. They have a dreamy quality that reflects her thought process.

4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance?

That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough

detail to get a clear idea of how you look.
I’m only five feet one. I would have liked to be taller, but I’m not. I’m not skinny. I have to watch what I eat. I have curly, brown hair that is going grey. I dyed it last year, just a rinse. Gwen didn’t like it. She kept calling me Lucy. It was so silly, but I stopped using the rinse. The grey is sort of interesting. I’m not as striking as Gwen, but I’m attractive. When we are out together, no one ever notices me. My lips are my worst feature. They’re too thin, but I know how to make them look fuller. Make-up is a blessing. I have good skin and nice eyes even if they are just brown.

5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?

I am the “other heroine.”

6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

I am the story. Gwen and I share the spotlight in Willing Spirits.

7. What time period do you live in?

Contemporary.

8. Where are you from?

New York.

9. Do you live in the same place now?

Yes, I do. I am a born and bred New Yorker.

10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home.

What’s to tell? New York is New York. You either love it or hate it. I love it.

11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home affects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?

I’ve never lived anywhere else, so I don’t’ know anything different. I love New York, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

12. What special skills or abilities do you have?

Well, I’m an elementary school teacher. I don’t know that I have any special skills. I’m a good friend, a good mother, and a good teacher. I thought I was a good wife, but apparently my soon-to-be-ex-husband didn’t share that feeling.

13. How do those affect your part in the story?

Throughout the story I am a betrayed wife, a mother and a friend, as well as a teacher, so I would say the entire story is affected by my roles. I bring something to each of those roles.

14. Are you happy with the story?

The story was hard on me from the beginning. In spite of that, I love how I grew. I was allowed to take risks, make mistakes and become a stronger and more independent person. I like that. So, yes, I am happy with the story.

15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here.

Well, sometimes I think I come across as a bit provincial. I’m not all that interested in the same sort of ideas that seem to intrigue Gwen. She loves all those esoteric religious and philosophical concepts. I resist all that. I think in some ways, Phyllis took advantage of my lack of sophistication, but I’m a good sport, so I went along with it. Until Arnold’s infidelity, my life was fairly routine. His betrayal forced me to reevaluate. I think Phyllis was often less sympathetic toward me than she was toward Gwen. Is it possible I remind her too much of herself?

16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.

You would think I would immediately say that finding my husband in bed with a girl practically the same ages as his daughter, would be my bad experience, but it was really my good experience. That single event really compelled me to question the authenticity of my marriage, as well as to face my own unhappiness and do something about it.

I think the hardest experience I had was learning that my daughter Caroline was pregnant. She’s so young and so not ready to be a mother, and I had so hoped for her to have a different life than the one I had. I think I really rallied after I found out, so while it was a bad experience, I think I rose to the occasion and surprised everyone, including myself.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.

Caroline is the most important person in my life. She is my daughter, and I adore her. Gwen is right behind Caroline. I don’t know what I would do without Gwen.

18. Is that person in the story we're talking about?

Yes.

19. How does that person impact you and your life?

Motherhood is the single most defining experience of my life. Everything I do and don’t do affects Caroline, so I am mindful of that. Still, I had to evolve. It was important for both of us.

20. Do you have any children?

My Caroline.

21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.

Caroline is a college student. She is a gifted artist. I think she is willful, impulsive, and quick to judge, but I also know her to be loving, kind and supportive. She is the love of my life.

22. What do you see in your future?

I see change, and I believe that is good.

23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

Oh, definitely not!

24. Do you like being a character in a book?

I didn’t realize I was until just now.

25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?

I love Marcia Gay Harding. She could play me. We have the same coloring, and we must be about the same age. She is emotional, but she is also strong.

It’s been great to talk with you. If you want to tell us anything else, feel free. Also, tell us about a website where we can learn more about you and where we can buy the book. If you have a picture of yourself, feel free to send it.

For more information, visit - www.phyllisschieber.blogspot.com

Order from the publisher - http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425225851,00.html?Willing_Spirits_Phyllis_Schieber

Order from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Willing-Spirits-Phyllis-Schieber/dp/0425225852

Meet Gwen From Willing Spirits by Phyllis Schieber

Let's start off Phyllis Schieber's virtual book tour to promote her new book Willing Spirits. Today we will meet Gwen - one of the main characters. Tomorrow we will meet Jane -- come back for more info. I could tell you about Gwen, but we'll let her speak for herself...

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

You would meet me in Willing Spirits, a Women’s Literature novel.
2. Who wrote the book?

Phyllis Schieber
3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.

I always tell the truth! I’m very much like the author in that way. She’s fairly irreverent, often cynical, but also very nurturing and loving. She demands solitude. I admire her outspokenness and her sense of humor.
4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.

I’m tall and quite thin, though not as thin as I was before I had my two boys. I have very long legs, a feature most people notice about me first. My eyes are blue and my hair is dark, blue black really, and very straight. I’m quite fair skinned for someone with such dark hair.
5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?

I am definitely one of the heroines. I think I share the heroine position with my best friend Jane.
6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

Well, there wouldn’t be a story without me. It’s my story, and it’s Jane’s story. We have our children, and our parents, and we have and then don’t have husbands. And we have lovers and some happiness and lots of disappointment. But we always, always have each other. That never changes for us.
7. What time period do you live in?

Contemporary.
8. Where are you from?

Fayetville, North Carolina

9. Do you live in the same place now?

No, I live in the North now. I live in an apartment in New York City.
10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home.

Everyone knew everyone else’s business in the town where I grew up. There were no secrets. The people were good people, and we had our share of eccentrics for sure, but it wasn’t a place where someone like me—tall, outspoken, independent—could blend in easily. I think my folks were relieved when I let. I’m more comfortable in New York. There is a certain relief in the anonymity. I have neighbors, but we have our boundaries. Still, I would be able to knock on someone’s door if I needed something.
11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home affects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?
I feel happy to be living in a city where there are so many choices. I can be alone, or I can be with others. I feel less judged and less pressured to follow a certain lifestyle.

12. What special skills or abilities do you have?

I’m an elementary schoolteacher. I also love to cook and bake. I tend to bake breads when I’m feeling troubled. My children are always suspicious when I start baking. They see it as a portent. I find baking immensely relaxing. I love working the dough and waiting for it to rise. It soothes me. `

13. How do those affect your part in the story?

The baking I do becomes sort of symbolic. I like the way my baking bread is worked into the story.
14. Are you happy with the story?

The story is truthful. I like that about it. I am not perfect, and I am not in a perfect relationship. However, I love Daniel even if I don’t always know what I want. In a perfect world, the story might not have had the impediment and delays that it does, but then the story would have been insincere. So, yes, I am happy with the story.
15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here.

I never liked thinking about myself as the “other woman.” It’s a very uncomfortable role. I do think that Phyllis deals with the complexities of that situation without judgment, but I think there could have been more discussion with Jane about my relationship with Daniel.

16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.

Some people might suspect that the worst thing to ever happen to me was the dissolution of my marriage. It was devastating. I was very young, alone in a city where I had no friends, and totally isolated from other women my age. However, in retrospect, I think my brother Warren’s untimely death was the worst experience of my life. Everyone blamed me even though it wasn’t my fault. My parents never seemed to recover, especially my mother. It changed our relationship and catapulted me into a different future, which is both good and bad. Nevertheless, combined with the actual loss of a brother I adored, Warren’s death was pivotal in my own life.

My friendship with Jane helped me redefine my belief in relationships. I can spend a day with Jane and speak to her on the phone later again. Daniel always teases me about that, but I think he understands. Actually, I can pretty much do the same thing with him, but not quite. Jane hears me differently than he does. There is less need for explanation with Jane. She just knows what I mean, and even if we don’t always agree, we always understand each other. That’s a very good thing in my life.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.

My sons are more important to me than anyone else. They have kept me sane. I have to be intact because I have to take care of them. I was a single mother at a very young age. And certainly Jane matters greatly. She’s my touchstone.

18. Is that person in the story we're talking about?

Yes, they are all present in Willing Spirits.
19. How does that person impact you and your life?

I would say that my sons define my place in the world, and Jane helps me make sense of that world.
20. Do you have any children?

I do. I have two grown sons, Matt and Ethan.
21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.

My sons were very young when their father left. It was very hard on Matt and Ethan because I came undone for a time. Children can get through most anything as long as they see their parent intact. Theodore, their father, just left, so I had to do everything. I was paralyzed with fear, and they sensed that. Fear is terrible. Matt is my older boy. He’s quite solid. He likes to tease me. His brother Ethan is the worrier. He’s my protector. He always wanted to take care of me. They’re both good boys. It was very difficult for me once they were both away at college. I was lonely for them, but I did everything not to let them know that. They don’t necessarily approve of my relationship with Daniel, but they like him.
22. What do you see in your future?

I don’t want to go into too much detail—it would be somewhat of a spoiler—but I am hopeful that I will be happy.
23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

No, I don’t anticipate a series.
24. Do you like being a character in a book?

I’m a character in a book? Me?
25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?

I think Geena Davis could play me. She’s tall and about my age. I think she could capture my restraint and my playfulness with equal candor.

For more information, visit - www.phyllisschieber.blogspot.com

Order from the publisher - http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425225851,00.html?Willing_Spirits_Phyllis_Schieber

Order from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Willing-Spirits-Phyllis-Schieber/dp/0425225852

Meet Laura Prince - From The Mind of A Genius

Question

What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

Answer

The name of the book is, The Mind of a Genius, and it’s a mystery/spy fiction novel.

Question 2

Who wrote the book?

Answer

David Snowdon

Question 3

What do you think of the author? You can tell the truth.

Answer

He likes exciting stories, exciting plots and exciting characters.

Question 4

Tell us about yourself. How you describe your appearance? That’s more than just cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.

Answer

I’m 46-years-old, blonde with blue eyes, slim and 5-foot-8.

Question 5

What character do you play in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine’s child or someone else?

Answer

My name is Laura Prince, the wife of the famous British scientist, Malcolm Prince.

Question 6

Is there any specific reason why you’re in the story? Don’t give us any spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

Answer

The author needed a sexy, female character to play the wife of the scientist. She had to be beautiful, intelligent and interesting. Thus, the character of Laura Prince was born.

Question 7

What time period do you live in?

Answer

The 21^st century.

Question 8

Where are you from.

Answer

Brighton in England.

Question 9

Do you live in the same place now?

Answer

I don’t.

Question 10

Tell about your hometown and your current home.

Answer

Brighton in East Sussex is one of the most interesting seaside cities in Britain. It’s very cosmopolitan, with plenty of bars and restaurants, a vibrant night-life and also has a racecourse. I currently live in Richmond, in Surrey.

Question 11

Tell us how your hometown or current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?

Answer

Richmond, my current home is very tranquil and I like it here. It’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of Central London at times, and Richmond is an ideal hide-out, which is not too far from Central London. I like going to Richmond Park, which lies on the edge of the Thames, on a daily basis for a jog. Where I live has a calming effect on me and I feel good about life.

Question 12

What special skills or abilities do you have?

Answer

I’m a chartered secretary by profession.

Question 13

How do those affect your part in the story?

Answer

I needed every skill I possess to be able to deal with the kind of characters that I encountered in, The Mind of a Genius. I did have to deal with some very shady characters, but it was fun.

Question 14

Are you happy with the story?

Answer

I’m very happy with the story. I had a very good time, playing Laura Prince, the passionate wife of the scientist, and travelling to all of those exciting destinations. It was wonderful.

Question 16

Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you’ve been through.

Answer

I was born in Brighton and came to London at the age of 21 after I finished my first degree. I married my first husband at the age of 26 and the marriage lasted for five years. I married my second husband at the age of 33 and that marriage lasted for seven years. Malcolm Prince was my third husband. The day I married my first husband was a memorable day. And it’s still very fresh in my mind.

Question 17

Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.

Answer

My mother is the most important person in my life. She still lives in Brighton, and she’s a retired accountant. My father passed away eight years ago.

Question 18

Is that person in the story we’re talking about?

Answer

She isn’t

Question 19

How does that person impact you and your life?

Answer

The good breeding I received from my parents as a child has made me the person I am today.

Question 20

Do you have any children?

Answer

No.

Question 21

What do you see in your future?

Answer

The author might use me again. But that remains to be seen.

Question 22

Do you think the author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

Answer

You never know. He might decide to use my character again in the sequel.

Question 23

Do you like being a character in the book?

Answer

Yes, it was fun playing Laura Prince, the wife of the scientist.

Question 24

If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?

Answer

I haven’t really thought about that. But I’m sure that there are many good actresses, who can play the part.

To learn more about Jason Clay, MI4 Secret Agent from The Mind of a Genius, visit http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2009/01/meet-jason-clay-playboy-and-mi4-agent.html

Meet Jason Clay - Playboy and MI4 Agent in Mind of a Genius

Question 1

What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

Answer

The name of the book is, The Mind of a Genius, and it’s a mystery/spy fiction novel.

Question 2

Who wrote the book?

Answer

David Snowdon

Question 3

What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.

Answer

He likes exciting characters. He gave me an interesting role in the book and I was very happy with it.

Question 4

Tell us about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That’s more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.

Answer

I’m now 35-years-old with blonde hair and blue eyes, tall, slim and people say I’m quite handsome. I think they’re right.

Question 5

What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine’s child or someone else?


Answer

My name is Jason Clay and I’m one of the main characters in the book.

Question 6

Is there a specific reason why you’re in the story? Don’t give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

Answer

There’s a very good reason why I’m in the story. The writer created me because he needed a character, who was dashing and suave to play Special Agent Jason Clay.

Question 7

What time period do you live in?

Answer

The 21st century.

Question 8

Where are you from?

Answer

I’m from London, in England.

Question 9

Do you live in the same place now?

Answer

Definitely. I’m a Londoner through and through.

Question 10

Tell us about your hometown and your current home.

Answer

London is the capital of England and the UK, and it’s a very cosmopolitan, global city. It’s also a global business and financial centre, and an international tourist attraction with plenty of entertainment and activities. I live in a detached house in Chelsea, in West London.


Question 11

Tell us how your hometown or current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life.

Answer

Living in London and being an MI4 agent means that I live life to the full, and I’m always on the move. I’m still single, and there’s a lot of beautiful women from all over the world for eligible bachelors like me. I frequently go to the trendy bars, restaurants and night-clubs with some of the most beautiful women in the world. Life is a ball and there’s so much to do in London. It’s absolutely fabulous.

Question 12

What special skills or abilities do you have?

Answer

I’m a special agent for the MI4. Espionage is my profession. I undertake dangerous assignments for a lot of money, and I love it.

Question 13

How do those affect your part of the story?

Answer

I was hired by the MI4 to obtain a secret formula that was invented by top British scientist, Malcolm Prince. And I had to use some of my special skills for the assignment, which turned out to be one of the most exciting assignments of my career. I won’t say too much. Read, The Mind of a Genius, and you’ll find out about it.


Question 14

Are you happy with the story?

Answer

I was paid a fortune to seduce a beautiful woman, and I had a fantastic time, travelling around the world with her, and giving her the loving of her life. It was great.

Question 15

Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We’re all friends.

Answer

I leave the ideas to the author. I’m Jason Clay, the playboy. I just play my role.

Question 16

Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experiences can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you’ve been through.

Answer

I live for today, and I’m too busy thinking about today, to be bothered with the past. As far as I’m concerned, that’s water under the bridge. Let’s talk about something else.

Question 17

Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.

Answer

There are two very important people in my life. My mother and father, and I’m very fond of them. My mother is a retired doctor and my father is a retired Judge. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I had other plans. They moved to the South of France after they retired, and I visit them on a regular basis.

Question 18

Is that person in the story we’re talking about?

Answer

No, but the author might feature them in the sequel.

Question 19

How does that person impact on your life?

Answer

What are you talking about? If you read, The Mind of a Genius, you’ll know that I’m a good boy. I wouldn’t hurt a fly. And it’s all because of them.

Question 20

Do you have any children?

Answer

Are you joking? I’m a playboy. I’m too busy, playing the field to be bothered with that. Ask me that question in three years time and I might have a better answer than this.

Question 21

What do you see in the future?

Answer

The author might use me in the sequel. We’ll have to wait and see.

Question 22

Do think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

Answer

I hope so. When he writes another espionage thriller, he might use my character again.

Question 23

Do you like being in the book?

Answer

I love it. I wouldn’t miss it for all the money in the world.

Question 24

If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?

Answer

I haven’t really thought about that. I’ll answer that question in my next interview with you. Thanks for the interview.

To learn more about Laura Prince from The Mind of a Genius, visit
http://fictionalcharactersindepth.blogspot.com/2009/02/meet-laura-prince-from-mind-of-genius.html

Meet Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere of Bloodstone Castle

What’s her name?

Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere

Why did you pick that name?

The name Morena is an authentic Italian medieval name. I wanted my heroine to have a title, one level of nobility lower than the ducal status of the hero and villain. This made her more vulnerable to both powerful men.

Give us a brief description of how she looks.

Morena is of average build, innocent looking and vulnerable, youthful, but mature. A true beauty with an upturned nose and rose colored cheeks. Originally, she had chestnut hair, but when the cover for the book was chosen, I decided to amend the hair color so she looks like the woman on the cover.

Is there anything unusual about her appearance?

There is nothing unusual about her appearance except for the fact that she wears a beautiful, ancient bloodstone pendant given to her by her mother. She never takes it off.

Who does she love? Why?

Morena does not love any man, however, with time Duke Amoro of Genoa begins to win her heart even though he is a life-long enemy of her family. But she is betrothed to Duke Ernesto of Savona and feels duty bound to marry him.

Does this person love her?

Duke Amoro does not love her at first. His only interest is because he is bound by an oath to marry her. But within a very short time, he grows to love her, long before his love is reciprocated.

Tell us about her family.

Morena is the only daughter of Count Umberto Monterossa and his wife Vittoria who died giving birth to Morena. The Count never remarried. He rescued a young orphan boy named Massimo who he raised like a son and with whom Morena has a very strong bond with.

Where is she from?

Morena was born in Bloodstone Castle in Portovenere.

Does her hometown affect her behaviour, thoughts, and attitude?

Morena feels the duty of her title and loves her home and the people who live and work in the vicinity of Bloodstone Castle.

What does she want out of life?

Morena wants to ensure she takes good care of the many serfs and vassals who serve her family. She wants to be loved. Morena is prepared to do her duty and will sacrifice her own personal love and happiness to do so.

What’s her biggest secret?

Morena knows about the existence of the ancient Roman treasure rumoured to be buried beneath Bloodstone Castle and the bloodstone pendant she wears is proof, however, she does not know its location and is suspicious of her suitors because of it.

Did you write more than one story about her?

No, and at this time I have no plans for a sequel. However, I did leave that door open because I think the minor character of Massimo makes an intriguing hero and perhaps there will be a novel about him with Morena as a minor character in the future.

How would she describe you?

Morena would describe me as a dedicated, obsessed author with a love to create and a passion for stories about Italy and medieval times.

Is there anything else about your heroine that we need to know?

Morena is not afraid to stand up and fight. She understands the duty that comes with her title and is ready to fulfill those requirements regardless of her own wishes or happiness

Please provide your website link.

http://www.mirellapatzer.com

What is the link to buy your book?

You can purchase my book at my websites:

http://www.mirellapatzer.com

http://bloodstonecastle.blogspot.com

http://bestofitaly.blogspot.com

http://mirellapatzer.blogspot.com

Or you can purchase it from Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Castle-Mirella-Patzer/dp/0978486528/

It was wonderful to meet her. Thank you for bringing her to meet us.

We encourage you to post a comment or ask a question. One person who comments during the tour will win an autographed copy of Bloodstone Castle. Will you win??