Hello, Caprina. You're one of the characters in Jessica Bruyere's novel tentatively titled Soul of the Silver Tree, which is about stolen souls and friendship. The future readers would like to get to know you. We'll start with some basic questions and move on from there. How does that sound?
Caprina: Sure. May I just say y’all have a real nice studio here?
Interviewer: Thank you. You’re very kind. And I love your accent. Can I get you anything? No? Okay, let’s get started with a basic question. What do you do for a living?
C: I'm a Sister with the Order of the Velvet Mirror.
I: I’m sure the readers will want to know what your job title entails but first, what can you tell us about the Order of the Velvet Mirror?
C: The Order is an organization that protects the people of our world, both magic users and those without magic, from harm.
I: And how does it do that?
C: It keeps Starkhearts, or those without magic, from doing things that would cause themselves and others harm through their inability to empathize with others or understand more than basic human emotions. It provides Fatebloods, or magic users, with healthy boundaries so they can use their magic in compassionate and environmentally conscious ways.
I: That sounds like a quote right out of the Order’s mission statement.
C: Very nearly.
I: Fair enough. So what do you do as a Sister?
C: Sisters have many different roles depending on their assignment but I perform Ensoulment rituals. Meaning that after a Starkheart wins a soul at the Soul Lottery, I perform the ritual that places their soul within their body.
I: I imagine that’s quite a spectacular experience. You sound like you enjoy your job.
C: I do. It’s very rewarding. Not all Sisters are as lucky as I am. Some have jobs like rule enforcers or librarians.
I: You’re lucky you found the right role. Now let’s switch gears. What can you tell us about the Soul Lottery? It sounds like an important ceremony.
C: I don’t usually attend those but what I can tell you about them is what every child is taught at arcane Academies. The Lotteries are held on the solstices and equinoxes, or as close as possible. Each region holds their own. Every Starkheart is required to attend and names are drawn to determine who will win a soul. The new Fateblood then picks a Dawnguard, who will assist them in their journey and protect them from negative magic until the soul is firmly seated.
I: That’s fascinating! Would you mind answering a few personal questions?
C: Of course.
I: Tell me about your home.
C: I have a small, cozy one bedroom apartment in St. Paul. I live there alone with my plants and my candles and my movie posters. I live in PJs on the weekends when I’m not doing rituals. I watch movies on the couch and order takeout.
I: Do you have any hobbies that you wouldn’t mind sharing?
C: Um, other than watching movies, I guess I love kickboxing and embroidery.
I: What’s your role in the story?
C: I’m a secondary character but I can’t really say more without giving things away.
I: Fair enough. Oh, I do have one point to make. In a previous interview, I mistakenly said that mirrors are outlawed in your world for Starkhearts. But that’s not quite true, is it? Can you steer me in the right direction?
C: Absolutely. It’s an understandable mistake to make. Everyone can use regular mirrors and cameras and such. The mirrors that are outlawed are magic mirrors that reveal if the person reflected has a soul. Only Fatebloods and Sisters are allowed to own those. They also have other magical properties.
I: Finally, tell the readers a little about your appearance.
C: Oh, I guess I’m short and what you might call curvy for my height. I have long, black wavy hair and brown eyes. I wear glasses and I have dimples when I smile. I have tan skin.
I: I have to tell you that I love your outfit. Tell me about it.
C: As Sisters, we’re required to wear black and grey. Other than that, we’re allowed some freedom, as long as we’re dressed appropriately. I like ruffles and lace, so I tend to wear things that are slightly frilly but still business casual.
I: Thank you for your time. I think that’s all the questions I have. You’ve been very kind to take time out of your busy schedule.
C: It was a pleasure. One of the perks of working from home and setting my own schedule is being able to do things like this. I enjoyed chatting with you.