#CharactersTell Background Characters Week - Interview with Collar

Hello there, people!

We're back to our regularly scheduled interviews, and boy oh boy, today we've got a good, and pretty chaotic one - good to start the interviews under this new account!

Is he really a cop? The jury is still out!

For this interview, we visit Soulful once more - the place where we encountered Tweety, the main character of the Red Letters Series, but this time our guest...is more than one! We start by getting to know Collar, the cop (?) who during our daily game on Twitter seems to have displayed a knack for misplacing his underwear in interesting ways. But then we get to know Chef Winner, the local sous-chef, and some cameos from other characters, as we seem to have gotten ourselves in during quite the birthday party!

Our returning author! And birthday girl!

These characters all come from Nicole's mind (our beloved Ladyofmind on Twitter and the amazing host of #CharactersHell) and are written on paper as part of her Red Letters Series, her upcoming books in the Women's Fiction genre, with some Romance elements!

You can find her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ladyofmind721

She also has an Instagram, which is this one! https://www.instagram.com/ladytweet721/

And a delightful Tumbler blog on this link: https://ladyofmind.tumblr.com/

So go follow her on all those places! And wish her HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

But enough talking - let's get to the madness, shall we?

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After last week’s announcements, we’re back to our campsite with our background character of choice! It’s the first time this is under the dedicated account, and someone even had a birthday just yesterday...we do live in exciting times! But, before I get ahead of myself - would you please introduce yourself, your author and the book you’re from?

“HEY! Hey man, glad you could make it!” *hooks around the neck* “I see you decided to come visit the Red Letters birthday bash weekend extravaganza. Tweety really outdid herself this time, and Bebe came up with a great gimmick! Can you believe those Double Trouble girls share the same birthday? OH! I’m supposed to ask… Single or part of a couple?”

Hey there! The pleasure’s all mi-Ooof. Well, at least I have to say I’m getting quite the warm welcome! And Bebe has a gimmick? Reminding me of my last visit here...And...uh...what’s the difference between the two? And which one are you?

“Oh! So you’re the one that got away? Better stick with me for your own safety. I’ll bring you around to Chef Wieners, if he’s not still tied up in the kitchen, if you need protection. Bebe and Tweet have gifts for each other, though not really normal things.” *Loud squealing giggle from a different room echoes by* “That sounds like Tweety gave her the bull. Not long until Bebe rounds up some men for Tweet’s present.” *Realizing there was much to answer for, Collar held up his wrist, showing off a colorful single handcuff, with a short chained key attached* “Single and ready to mingle of course. I think Tweeter decided on this lock and key idea after the time I pranked her. No one but me dares to, or at least does it and survives to tell it!” *Chuckles and snorts laughter*

I think I still have the number I got assigned last time...And...Chef Wieners? You guys really don’t lack colorful names, do you? How did Chef get this name?

And speaking of mingling...does that mean the lock and key are gonna come into play in this whole ‘singles/couple’ thing?

*Letting go long enough to helpfully plop guest onto empty stool with back to the crowds, Collar slips behind the bar to fix drinks, while a man in a chefs hat comes out to refill food tables* “Oh yeah, if you’re a couple, there’s a set of cuffs for you, so no one tries you. But if you’re single, then you get to play the game, and meet new people. If you see two different sets of cuffs, that’s your bi sort.” *Collar flashes his wrists, showing his two cuffs, before downing a shot*

“Hey, you know you shouldn’t be drinking, no one needs a man thong hunt again.” *Realizing he had been brought up, the chef hat man steps forward to introduce himself with a handshake* “Nathan Winners, Chef Nathan please. You have one person slip up on your last name, and you have a never dying nickname...” *With that thought, Nathan turns to watch Collar as he asks* “Do you happen to know what happened to all my cake supplies? Buckets of frosting and decorations are missing. You aren’t planning another prank are you Collar?” *Collar only snickers as an answer*

Aahhh, needed a bit of a stretch. And oh, I see! That does actually sound like quite the fun game, too...Might have to gather a couple of handcuffs myself for after we’re done with the interviews!

Glad to meet you too, Nathan! I get what you mean about names...Do you bake a lot of cakes around here? What’s your speciality dish?

And do they steal your frosting supplies often? I have to admit, considering the people around here I am curious about where on or who they end up…

*Nathan answers, as Collar’s attention is elsewhere for the moment* “Don’t worry, there are a ton of those cuffs around here, both the games one and the real kind, Bebe and Nira leave them everywhere! Oh, I bake a lot, because there are way too many sweet tooths in this place. Plus I am only the second in command of the kitchen, so the head chef does it all. The wee lasses never mind my savory dishes too, but you still need to supply them with cupcakes.”

“Ladies and Gentleman! The lovely Miss Tweety just gave me the best birthday gift ever! So, what does one get the woman who has just about everything? Do I have any volunteers?”

*Collar starts to grab a bottle to go, heading around the bar and outside* “That’s my cue. This cop can’t arrest what it doesn’t see happen...”

Good to know, good to know. I’ll make sure go get my cuffs then. And that not minding the savory dishes *can* be kinda taken in a weird way...speaking of which, I bet there’s a lot of gossip going around the kitchen. Anything saucy to share?

And Collar...you’re actually a cop? Like...a real cop? How did you end up here?

“Oh Collar is off to hang by the pool until whatever Bebe plans to do is over. I mean, on one hand, she is a bouncer, but on the other, she’s way out there.” *Nathan shakes his head, and then rearranges the cupcake display* “Honestly the best gossip happens out here, you miss everything being back there. And as far as Collar being a cop? No one is really sure… Doesn’t act like one, yet he knows everything. Knew who you were before you arrived didn’t he?”

“Oh good, one willing and one semi willing volunteer, my favorite!!”

Mmmh. I can’t help but notice you didn’t really share much...are we going to see a lot of the kind of gossip in the book? Do tell, and I’ll try to behave with my questions. About Collar...well, it does sound like a good plan, to stay out of trouble until trouble is over.

Then again, I would be betraying my..’not-journalistic-but-kinda’ duties as an interviewer if I didn’t at least spy on what sort of trouble is happening. Have you ever been dragged into this sort of stuff?

“I can’t share what I don’t really have. I make food, I could gossip about the time Tweet and the head chef cooked together, but Gus said that was part of being a good boss. Something about proving oneself. I mean, most of my stories are Deej, Roger, the cupcake racks, and Deej’s insistence he makes his own brownies, without my help.” *Nathan takes a step back, cowering slightly as some kind of clothing goes flying* “No! No way do I get involved in any plan of Bebe’s. At least Tweety plays to my strengths and only asks me to cater!”

Bebe does seem to be quite the troublemaker around here, for being the bouncer… ‘worst’ thing you saw her do in the club? Don’t worry, we’re not in a PG-13 space. You can tell us *everything*!

And, just to at least *try* and maintain the theme of camping for today’s interview… you guys seem pretty close to each other. Have you ever gone camping together? Do you cook there too?

*Nathan blushes crimson red* “Bebe has a thing for streaking, whether its herself or someone else...” *Peeks over and promptly turns not to watch* “Deej and I? Nah, Catman likes to take Roger out to forage, but also likes to have food delivered. That’s how Collar ran into me in Camp #CharactersTell. I barely made it out of that situation, and Collar now assumes I still have his thong when he’s drunk and forgets where it went.”

Oooh I see. Then again, considering how he acts...I’m quite sure the misplacement of underwear does tend to happen quite often.

Anyway! With that reply, I admit I do find myself a lot more invested, and I need to find some handcuffs and go take a nice good look. Anything you’d like to tell our readers before we close this off? You have free reign!

*Chef Nathan nods, then fixes his hat and smiles as if shooting a commercial* “Hi, I’m chef Nathan from Soulful, please enjoy the meals today! We have a lovely table with chicken spice rubbed with...”

“Ach lass! Donne record that! Let the blokes have their pride!” *Very large man takes a wee Cockney lass’ camera near you all*

I’m sure we will, and I can’t wait to see that cooking depicted in the Red Letters Series! Thank you guys for your time, despite the...clearly chaotic situation we’re in! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some cuffs to find!

Goodnight!

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Soooooo...yeah, that was a very interesting night indeed! I had pictures of the other characters, and I have a lot more to recount...but let's just say I don't want to go too out of PG on my personal blog.

But, aside from that! Before we bid goodnight, let me remind you that you can have YOUR CHARACTERS interviewed on this blog! Just contact the @characterstell account on Twitter or send a mail to characterstell@gmail.com to get settled in one of the slots!

And with that being said - goodnight!!

#CharactersTell Antagonist Week - Interview with Count Cadarn

July is rolling on and our camping theme is still going strong! With the second week, of course, we get to know our antagonists a bit better - then again, we're the ones calling them antagonists due to our knowledges, but some of them have a vision and an ideal. And one such character is the one we're interviewing tonight!

Our guest for tonight's interview is Count Cadarn. He's a nobleman, but more than that he has noble ideals - a man who's after bringing a strong change to his country and the way of life of his people, to enlighten them to a better tomorrow...despite what others might think of his plans. He's a well spoken idealist, who was gracious enough to give us a bit of an insight to his life and his vision.

The lovely author! Look at that smile!

He comes from Jamie Marchant's current work in progress, "The Shattered Throne". This is the third book of her ongoing series, the Kronicles of Korthlundia. Already a prolific author, the other two books of the series can be found on amazon, through these links here:

I-The Goddess's Choice

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RQ786T/

II - The Soul Stone

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y26WHZN/

Along with that, Jamie is active both on 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jamieofkorthlundia/) and on 

Twitter (https://twitter.com/JamieMarchantSF) and she's quite the amazing woman all together, so go follow her!

Finally, her personal website can be found 

here: http://jamie-marchant.com/

But enough about this! Let's get to know the Count, shall we?

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Our camping adventures continue with this week interview! Last week we had a main character, and as always, the second week is all about the antagonist! This is who we have as our guest tonight - can you please introduce yourself, your book and your author?

I’m count Cadarn, but you seem confused. I am the hero, not the antagonist of this book. The book is called The Shattered Throne because I shattered it to do away with the outdated and oppressive political system. My author’s name is Jamie Marchant. She seems confused as well, as she keeps writing about me on the antagonist week of #CharactersTell. I repeated again. I am not the antagonist. I am the hero, as Annagret was before me. Some day my statue will be in the city square as he is in Svirza.

A lot of people tend to be misunderstood, especially when they hold positions of power. You introduced yourself as a Count. Can you tell us a bit more about your land? Were you born in nobility?

I was born noble, but don’t hold that against me. It isn’t as if I had a choice in the matter. I have modest holdings in the south of Korthlundia, but I was able to get a seat on the Royal Council. I will not be a count much longer though because when my revolution succeeds, there will no longer be a noble class. All of Sulis’s children will be equal, as the goddess intended they be. A man will be judged on his own actions, not his bloodline.

Oh, there’s no judging here, don’t worry. Your world does sound very different from ours, between those names and the worship of a different divine figure… What else is different between our world and yours? Is magic part of it? Are there any different races and cultures?

Your world is ruled by the voice of the people, as should be true everywhere. We are ruled by a queen, who merely inherited the title. Sulis is the mother of us all, so I don’t know what divine figure you could possibly be referring to. There is some magic in my world, but magic requires the mixture of blood between parents of different cultures. Korthlundia is a small, isolated country with little diversity because of that there is little magic. The king, whose mother was foreign, was a very powerful sorcerer, but fortunately, he was blown up when he destroyed the Soul Stone in the previous novel, which is conveniently titled The Soul Stone. If he weren’t gone, my revolution would have no chance of succeeding, but the queen has no magic and is only 20 years old. It shouldn’t be too hard to overthrow her.

Let’s talk about your revolution for a moment. You seem to garner quite the antipathy for the current ruling of your country - how did you end up starting this movement? What gave you the push to champion for the people and go against the same nobility you were born into?

My father was a progressive man and sent me to university in Svirza, which is ruled by the voice of the people. I became enamored with how peaceful and prosperous Svirza is. At the university I was taught how this marvelous system came about. In the city square are the statues of the heroes of the Svirzan revolution--Annagret and Dritan. My friend Nisse and I frequently hung out with these statues, and I vowed at merely 19 years of age that some day I would bring about the same kind of government to my homeland. I would be Annagret, and Nisse would be my Dritan. I had to bide my time waiting for the old king to die, but the time is finally ripe. The queen is young and inexperienced. She just gave birth to a baby. Nisse, who is Svirzan by the way, is now the captain of a company of mercenaries. As everyone knows, Svirza is noted for their mercenaries. With his help, Korthlundia will finally join the few free countries of my world.

That sounds like a very inspiring tale...it must have been hard to bide your time to put your plans into motion. But at the same time, have you ever noticed malcontent in your people when you came back home from Svirza? Were there already talks of revolution when you left?

The common people don’t know any better. How could they when they’ve never heard of Svirza’s marvelous system? The old king was extremely popular. He was able to unite the joined kingdoms and keep them at peace for 50 years. In 50 years, my people have known no war. He didn’t have an heir until he was in his 70s, and when the princess was finally born, they celebrated. And she is still quite well loved by the ignorant commoners. But since she is a woman and so young, other members of the nobility have been plotting against her, but they seek power for themselves, not for the people. They don’t know this, but I’m using them to not just overthrow the queen, but the entire system itself. The people will come over to my side when they see how good the new system is.

Don’t you fear this might backfire horribly? Once they figure out that your first rule of order is gonna be destroy the nobility and radically change the government system, there are bound to be some revolts or assassination attempts...then again, you seem to know your way and have a strong ally with Nisse’s company.

There you go with your doom and gloom, just like Nisse. He says my plan to kidnap the baby crown princess and use her to force the queen to surrender is excellent. Few people will have to die in my plot, but ever the doubter, Nisse insists that the few plans survive the first battle and that things might turn much bloodier. But I assure you, as I have assured him, that my plan is foolproof. The noble system will be overthrown. The people will reign supreme, and none of the atrocities that took place in the Svirzan revolution will be necessary. So stop your nay-saying and welcome Korthlundia’s freedom.

Well, I definitely hope you’re right, and I do have to say you have all the best intentions. Anyway, let’s lighten up the mood a bit - tell us a bit more about you outside of these plans: what are your interest? This month the theme revolves around camping...do you enjoy it?

Yes, I love the outdoors. Being out in nature brings me closer to the goddess. When I was at university, Nisse and I would frequently take a few days to escape to the countryside, fish at the rivers and lakes, and spend the night staring up at the stars. Plotting a revolution takes quite a bit of time, so I haven’t been able to camp recently, but once my country is free, I hope to return to such innocent pastimes. But mostly, I’m a scholar. I love to read and analyze all the governments of my world so that I can build the best system for my own nation.

A scholar, then? That’s quite intriguing. Is there any sort of odd fact about your world that you came across in your studies of the other countries’ government?

The oddest thing I’ve discovered is that dragons aren’t merely a myth. In the south seas, there are islands where they actually exist. Can you believe that, dragons? Since I was merely a child, I’ve wanted to ride a dragon like they do in the stories, but of course, no one does that. Despite how friendly the stories show them to be, dragons are dangerous beasts. They’ll eat you long before they’d consent to give you a ride. The island nations are positive terrified by these beasts. It’s truly a good thing that they don’t like the cold, so Korthlundia isn’t troubled by them. Still, it’s fun to think about, isn’t it?

Definitely! And hey, never say never - you might always be in a diplomatic expedition and manage to ride one, eventually. Before we have to call it a night...what are your thoughts about your adversaries? Considering your misunderstood position in the book, I guess you know this is gonna take some effort against certain someones…

One can always dream, can’t one? Yes, it will take effort. The common people are ignorant. Queen Samantha isn’t exactly a bad person. I’m willing to accept that she thinks she’s doing the right thing, and her consort King Robrek did destroy the Soul Stone, which was draining all life from the land. People want to call him a hero because of that, and I guess he was.The people feel sorry for the queen because she lost him. Theirs was truly a love for the legends. But she is too young, and besides, she’s a woman. The system is rotten to begin with, and with a young woman in charge, they are bound to go rapidly downhill. Progress can’t be stopped by sentimentality. It may take a short time, but the people will come to see the wisdom of what I’m bringing about.

That’s an interesting take on the situation...and I’m not sure everyone would agree with you on certain points. Anyway...I’m afraid we’re running out of time for tonight! Is there anything you’d like to say to our audience?

Thank you for having me, and all I ask is that you correct this misconception that I am a villain. I am the hero of this book. Can you be sure my author knows this, or who knows what she might do?

I’ll do my best to do it! Thank you for your time, Count! And best of luck on your endeavors! We’ll be sure to check how they unfold in “The Shattered Throne”!

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And there we go! As the old saying goes, everyone is the hero of their own story, and it's always nice to see an antagonist with a noble ideal!

But witht his, our time together for tonight is coming to an end - as always, let me remind you that if YOU want YOUR characters interviewed, the only thing you need to do is send me a message on Twitter! You can find it on the right-hand side of this blog!

And tomorrow we've got the next WIPchat/CharactersTell crossover, so make sure to bring your antagonists to Hollie's WIPchat!!

See you around people!

#CharactersTell Main Character Week - Interview with Tweety

And here we are again with a new month! It's May, it's International Workers' Day, and for such an occasion we have an interesting character to interview!

Lovely lady as well as gorgeous!

Today's guest is Tweety, from the Red Letter Series a Women's Fiction New Adult work with romantic undertones. She's an upbeat, fiery redhead that works at the Soulful, this very interesting club that seems to be located in Jersey! She's surrounded by colorful (and sharpie-happy, in some cases) friends and co-workers, in an environment that definitely feels alive and intriguing!

Here's a rare glimpse of the author!

The book is penned by Nicole, who on Twitter goes by the name Ladyofmind (and where you should absolutely follow her using this link!) You can find her on Instagram as well, as usual following this handy link, and do keep an eye on her blog on Tumblr too! It's right here on this link!

So! Are we all ready for May? I surely hope you are, because here we go, starting again with this new interview! Enjoy!

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And here we are, back with another month! And of course this means getting back to our Main Characters, like our lovely guest of today! Can you please introduce yourself, your author and your book for us?

Hello there, Tweety here! I’m from the Red Letters series from the author behind the ladyofmind twitter account. Spoilers you know? But I can say that the first book is nearly ready, going by Red Letters, Sinful Sunrise. All about how I got my start in this lovely bar business!

Oh, that does tie pretty perfectly with the theme for this week! Today is the International Work and Workers day. So, how did you come across this job at the bar? What sort of bar it is? And what were you doing before being employed there?

“Is it really? I suppose that means drinks are on me for the night.” Loud cheering distracts her a moment. “I’m sorry? Oh, Soulful is my nightclub and bar now. Lots of music and parties, fun patrons, crazy staff. Funny enough, we all started at this place called Sinful, but well, it was time for a change.”

That’s a very evocative name. And with a name like that, I can imagine it having quite the colorful crowd. I know a couple of people who’d be attracted by it…What city is it based in?

A moment of giggling before Tweety dared to answer this. “You know those places that you either know about them or you don’t? That’s us. Many have guessed, many show up to different clubs thinking it’s us. Copycatting is good business. But the real party stays closer to Jersey if one must give a hint.”

That’s a pretty interesting hint! How is Jersey this time of the year? The weather is getting warmer, and we’re approaching the hot season. Do you enjoy it?

“Oh us girls love it! Soul finally built a pool area out back, so we can fit more people and stretch the crazy. Right now the weather’s fine, about to come up on some big things, like Martini man and his label party. Also planning a Double Trouble birthday bash. So it will be nice to get outside again, if only to close the sliding doors and ignore the streakers, and man thongs.”

Wouldn’t being outside near a pool expose people more to man thongs? And a Double Trouble Birthday Bash? I’ll need at least some explanation on that one. I think it’s the first time I heard that term.

“Yes deary, when the man thongs come out, Miss Tweety tends to go back inside. Depends of course on who’s in the thong, but I do have a bar to run, so someone has to be responsible.” A wicked little smile only grows at discussing this birthday bash. “You must be new to my club if you don’t know about Double or Triple Trouble girls. In that case, my apologies. It’s coming up on my birthday, and Bebe shares the same exact day, so we throw a big bash. I’m thinking we need to get that woman a mechanical bull so she stops riding Nira around. But I am worried what she might do for me in return. Bebe’s gotten into this habit of tagging men, and we all know about her whipped cream fascination...”

...Well, now I really want to get a lot more familiar with your bar. And you definitely seem like you’re having quite a bit of fun working there. Have you ever envisioned this as being the direction your life was going to take?

“It’s fun because I make it fun, we’ve made such a better atmosphere here, getting rid of all the bad vibes from that first place. Soulful is the place to let loose and be you, no matter your fascinating quirks. You will earn a nickname, but that’s all love. As for your other question? Never in a million years. Who knew walking into a bar would turn into a business, family, a home and a decent life that helped us all figure out who we are?”

Hey, nicknames are good. No issue being given a nickname here. And, while I absolutely appreciate how well you seem to go along with the others and your attitude...work still tends to be work. What are the most stressful things there? Or is there some of your duties you really don’t appreciate?

“We were smart, splitting the duties, Nira is in charge of the back end of the business, I run the front. I have a much higher tolerance, and tend not to show my stress as easily. It’s actually become a game of sorts, with pranks and all, to see who can make me crack. Why it’s an honor to get yelled at by me, I don’t know. But there are people here, staff included, who enjoy teasing me. Sometimes it’s strange, like the couple of geniuses who tried to turn the pool into a giant jello mold. Other times it hits closer than I like to admit.” Nods over to a jumping energetic woman. “Bebe tops everyone anyway. Streaks, double entendres, makes me blush as red as my hair, you name it, that girl does it. After all, it’s not really Trouble as a nickname if your not up to something.”

I can imagine in a place like this it might take sometime to you know, get a feel for the limits of someone new. And Bebe does sound like quite fun to be around...even if it might be too much sometimes. Do you go along this well with all your coworkers or is there someone you really can’t stand?

“I’ve built my business on my kind demeanor. Of course people have rubbed me the wrong way, I mean… there is all this drama from past places. But that has been handled, I think, and we have moved on since then. Either those people are out of my life, or the more aggressive sorts of patrons make friends with my bouncer friends. I really don’t know who’s scarier. Bebe, or Frost with the whole giant Scot don’t-make-fun-of-my-kilt approach. Maybe it’s Malta, the Cockney waitress, dancing tornado, third member of Triple Trouble, who frequently tries to drink the Scot under the table. It’s nice having odd friends, they can scare off more people than I could possibly charm, if they really tried.”

After all, surrounding yourself with the right people is almost an art, and for a business like a pub is a downright necessity. Anyway! I’m afraid the time for tonight is almost up! Do you want to say anything to our audience?

Giggles erupt, as Tweet grabs a napkin and a pen. “You don’t know the half of it! First, I should warn you that Bebe has her sights on you. Guessing you’ve made her work while monopolizing my time.” Writing quick notes about “#16” before Tweety smiles and waves. “Please don’t hesitate to visit Soulful, anytime… I would love to meet you all!”

Riiiight. Giggles and now I have a big ‘16’ drawn on my arm. She is a quick one with that sharpie, isn’t she? That’s… unusual. Then again, from what you told me I might not find it unpleasant. It’s been an absolute pleasure Tweety! Can’t wait to read more about you and Soulful in the Red Letter books! Thank you for your time!

...And do put a good word with Bebe. This interviews are for a good cause. Actually, what’s with the 16? Any idea what I might have to expect?

“Anytime deary, and I could try, but I don’t quite know why you’ve tickled her fancy. It’s only sharpie, and you’re lucky it’s your arm. Last one needed new pants… Good luck?”

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Well, that was... interesting. I'm kinda worried, but with all we came to learn about the place, I do have to admit I'm excited as well. I think it's the streaking mention.

But! With that, our weekly interview is concluded! As always do remember that you can have YOUR characters interviewed on this blog! Just send me a Direct Message on Twitter (you can find the link on the right hand side bar!) and I'll get you sorted!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go make sure the sharpie isn't permanent...