Hi, Val. You're the Best Friend Character in Jessica Bruyere's novel tentatively titled Soul of the Silver Tree, which is about stolen souls and friendship. We'd like to know a little more about you. We'll start with some basic questions and move on from there. Does that sound okay?
Val: Sounds great!
Interviewer: Let’s start with a basic question. What do you do for a living?
V: I'm a nurse at the St. Cloud Hospital
I: Do you enjoy your work? What’s your favorite part of your job?
V: I love my job! My favorite part is when patients are released to lower-level care. It means they’re on their way to home and their families. I also love interacting with patients’ families. I’m really a people person.
I: Let’s talk for a little bit about winning a soul. How did that feel?
V: It was amazing! I’ve wanted a soul since I was a little girl at Lexworth Academy, where we learned about the Soul Lottery. In case you didn’t know, no one is born with a soul. You have to attend an academy to be eligible and then you have to win one at a Lottery. You get to keep your soul for two years.
I: Tell us a little about why having a soul is so important to you.
V: Of course, everyone wants the Ability, the magic. But it’s more than that. It’s the ability to have empathy, intuition. Fatebloods, or soul holders, can feel so many more emotions than those without souls. They can tell right from wrong. They can help other people, which is what I’m looking forward to the most.
I: It sounds like you’re really motivated to help others. Tell us about your relationship with Lenny.
V: Lenny and I have been best friends since childhood. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for each other.
I: That’s amazing. And this friendship grew when you didn’t have souls, so it’s a very special thing.
V: Yes, it’s quite rare, I’ve been told. Starkhearts, or those without souls, rarely form such strong bonds outside of their birth families.
I: What is it about Lenny that makes her that kind of friend?
V: She’s stronger than I am. I can lean on her when I’m having a rough time and I know she can handle it. Although she does have a hard time asking for help when she needs it. She’s my diamond in the rough and my rock when things get hard. Pardon the pun. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
I: Here’s a tissue. I can tell you’re very close to her. Do you need a moment? No? Let’s change direction now, if you don’t mind. Do you have any romantic interests in the story?
V: I’m very interested in romance and it’s been a long time since I’ve had a relationship, so I guess we’ll see.
I: Fair enough. What about your relationship with your family?
V: Oh, good question. My brother died when I was a child. I was very attached to him, so it was hard on me. After that, it was just me and my dad. We’re very close. We have dinner once every couple of weeks. Lenny comes, too, sometimes.
I: Okay, only one more question: Tell me about your perfect ending to the story.
V: It would be a happy ending, of course. Lenny and I would go back to living our lives peacefully, I suppose. Although I do love an adventure. I work so much, it’s hard to find time for fun. Maybe it’s time for me to use up some of my vacation time and do something just for me. Oh, and world peace.
I: I think that's about all the questions I have. Thanks for your time and for your honest answers.
V: It was my pleasure! This was fun!
