Twenty Questions With...

Hi all! I had another idea that I wanted to try...


Twenty Questions with...


Basically it will be a game involving one of my favorite writing-related exercises: Character interviews.


It's a really good exercise to do, be you a plotter or pantser, because the answers help you to know your characters on multiple levels...


So how does it work?


My friend, Theresa and I are picking ten (this time eleven) questions, alternating who's asking. Then we're letting one of our characters answer then. After that, we have a more specific section where we ask the characters specific questions. 

Her character's interview will be posted here. My character, James Braden from Doorways, will be on her blog.


So, without further ado: Please welcome Mia to My First Book.


OK, Mia, we're going into some easy questions first.


1)  How old are you?

I'm not sure.  Nobody ever told me and since I was so young when I was taken from my mother  that I can't remember.  I am of "indeterminate age".  I guess I am about 18.  Maybe a bit older.

2)  Where were you born?
In a small house near a river.  My first memories are of bright light shining off the surface of the calmly flowing water.  It is still my favourite place.

3)  Do you like animals?

I guess so.  The only pets I have ever had are the rats that share my room.  They are really kind creatures once you get to know them.  My owner had a dog once but it was vicious and dangerous.  I avoided it at all costs.

4)  What is your favorite pass-time?

I like to think about what it is like out there.  I see people walk about without someone guarding them.  I wonder what it is like to go to the park.  I walk around the city in my imagination.

5)  If you could take a holiday anywhere, where would you go?

Home.  I would go back to where I lived with my mother.  Maybe she is still there.  Then we can go to the beach like we used to.

6)  Who's your best friend? Be honest.

My best friend is Charlie.  We don't talk much.  He is actually my guard when I get to go outside the compound.  But he once bought me an ice cream.  I think I like him *blush*.

7)  What really gets on your nerves?

Incessant drinking.  And people who treat you like dirt.  I know I am just a servant, but would a little kindness and consideration really hurt that much?

8)  Have you ever wished anyone dead? Who?

I have wished that Jules was never born.  He is my owner.  He treats me like dirt.  Please refer to previous question.

9)  Have you ever been in love?

Not officially *smile*  Maybe a little bit with Charlie.  Please don't tell him!  He would hate me forever.

10)  What would you rather have: a house or a car?

I would prefer a house.  Who needs a car when you can walk?  But I would love to one day have a place of my own.  With a bit of garden.  I know it is highly unlikely that that would happen though.  Unless Jules sells me as someone's wife.  I think he's up to something...

11)  Describe yourself in three words.

Strong but frail.

That's an interesting combination. OK then, on to the more personal questions:

12)  How did you end up working for a beast like Jules?

He bought me from my mother when I was three. She had to pay off my father's drug debts. I was all she had to pay with. He would have killed her.

13)  Three?! Wow. How did you survive growing up like that?

I had to. My mother wouldn't want me to give up. The important thing is to not draw attention to yourself.

14)  You said earlier that you think Jules is up to something. Does he get up to stuff a lot? What does he do?

Jules is a drug lord. He has gang wars, orgies, you name it. But lately he talked about getting rid of me. At first I thought he would kill me. Now I think he has something much more sinister in mind.

15) Like what?

Strange as it may seem, I have never been ... Used. I am very valuable as a wife.

16) You mentioned that Jules might sell you. Would you see that as an escape?

It depends on who he sells me to. I don't think his usual business partners would treat me well. But maybe a stranger... I don't know.  This is all I've ever known.  I am afraid that a change would be for the worse.

17)  Rather the devil you, know...
Something like that. Still, maybe I could get away one day.
 
18)  Why would you wait to see what happens? Why don't you escape right now?
Where would I go? Who would help me? I am no one. The police would put me in jail because I don't have papers. Nobody would give me a job for the same reason. I am on my own.

19) I see... And Charlie? Does he make you want to stay too?

Charlie.  In a way I want to stay with him. But he made his choice. He is here because he wants to be here. If he wants to leave I would definitely go with him.

20) But if you had your chance, you'd leave him to Jules?

I... I would leave him *sniffs*

Aw. I really hope things work out for you, then. Best of luck, Mia!






Thanks for lending me your character, Theresa. It was fun!

So, ladies and gents. What did you think of the characters and the interviews? Anyone else interested in playing? I've got plenty of characters who'd love to talk. Let me know if you're interested. Extra reminder: Tomorrow's post will have a voucher up for grabs. So don't miss Guest Post Friday!