Not
so long ago, someone wanted to know how one of my characters would respond if
they were being interviewed. So when I
asked which character they were interested in and what specifically they wanted
to know. They asked about Jamie and
provided the following list of questions.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you
come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Jamie: Well, I’m 31, single, the only child in an
Irish American family. My father was a sculptor who was very successful.
Unfortunately, he died when I was about seven years old. My mother decided that
staying with one man made no sense, so she has been married many times since
then, which makes me a little skittish about relationships. I’ve always been
interested in writing, studied journalism in college and worked for newspapers
for about eight years. I learned a lot about people and writing, which I now
utilized for the kind of writing I was born to do. Mysteries! I recently sold my first novel and I’m
working on my next one.
The
author read some of my columns and features when I was still working as a
reporter. We met for coffee a couple of times. I think he liked my style. At
times I can be a bit of a smart ass. I’m pretty observant, quick with a laugh. But
I’m a redhead, so you know I’ve got a fast temper too!
2. What or who is the greatest love of your
life? Why? What drew you to them?
Jamie: Wow,
that’s a tough one. There are different types of love. I mean, I really love
Bert, my step-father. He was my mother’s third husband, from the time I was
thirteen until I went to college. He’s always treated me as an adult, has
always been there for me. We’re still close. Then there’s Linda, my best friend
since we were six years old. I’d do anything for her. Now if you’re talking
about romantic love, there’s a guy who recently entered my life. Malone. He’s
charming and self confident and smart. One look from him and my knees come
unhinged. He’s got these incredible blue eyes that pierce my heart. We’re still
getting to know each other. I think what
appealed to me is that we met through my work several times before we started
to date. By that time, we had developed this low key friendship. I was still
nervous on our first date, but that’s fairly normal. (Laughs) He still makes me
nervous.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Jamie: That
I’ll do something to ruin the great thing I have with Malone. When it comes to
relationships, I’m always looking over my shoulder at my mother’s crazy antics.
I’m afraid that it’s hereditary and I’ll end up driving Malone away. But the
longer we’re together, the more confident I’m becoming. I think.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Jamie: What the hell. It’s an old expression from a dear friend.
When I wanted to try something different, like writing mysteries, I figured,
‘what the hell’. You can either keep doing the same thing, or take some chances
with life and see where it goes. I owe a good part of that philosophy to Bert,
who has always encouraged me.
5. How do the other characters in your book view
you?
Jamie:
(laughs) Stubborn, determined, self-conscious, shy, (yeah, I know) focused and creative. I’m stubborn about getting to the truth. I’m
self-conscious about my body. I am definitely shy and a little awkward with
guys. And everyone says I can be a real smart ass.
6.
What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip
fodder?
Jamie:
Oh baby, I want to create the gossip fodder. And it’s even sweeter if it’s
about me. (Laughs) I like to think I can keep a secret, but only if I have to.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us
readers in?
Jamie: Readers will be able to identify with me. I’m
a real woman, not some Hollywood creation that required assembly. While I doubt
my body would stop traffic unless I am sprawled across the highway, I’m fine with
the way I look. Like many women, I struggle sometimes with my self-confidence.
I might read too much into what someone says or does, wondering if there’s more
to it than what’s on the surface. But my
heart is strong and true. I want the same things we all do: to have a few good
friends we can count on, a job that I’m successful at, and someone to curl up
with at the end of the day and love.
8. What was your happiest moment?
Jamie:
To share my successes with those closest to me. Having Bert, Linda and Malone
in my life bring me happiness. Lately, having Malone in my life has certainly
made me happy.
9. What trait in others do you find most
deplorable?
Jamie:
Dishonesty. I can’t stand liars. Sadly, I’ve dated a few and when their lies
tripped them up, they were out the door.
10.
The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Jamie:
(laughs loudly) Oh, I’ve got to say red. Since I’m already a redhead, it only makes
sense. Red can be bright and vibrant and glowing. My face turns red when I’m
excited or embarrassed. It’s the color of roses, of blazing sunsets, of
passion, of love. Yes, I am definitely a red.
Sound interesting? Here's a little excerpt from "Devious" the first book in the series, where Jamie and Malone acknowledge their mutual attraction.
The first
time on the sofa was wild. There was no chance for foreplay. We both wanted it
too much for that. Clothes were flung so far that I didn't find my red bra
until two days later. It must have
bounced off the wall and slid behind the planter. After the initial rush,
Malone introduced me to the romantic aspects of each room in my apartment. At one point after a warm bath together, I
was on my stomach in bed and he proceeded to drive me crazy by slowly making
patterns down my spine with one solitary fingertip.
Each time
after the first started out slow and tender. A kiss here, fingers stroking
there. Malone was toying with me, bringing me to the edge of excitement now,
his lips following his finger. My whole
body felt alive, energized with the reactions to his touch.
He kissed his
way up my body, taking his time. A nuzzle here, another tantalizing kiss there. My skin was singing. My face was flushed,
probably as red as my hair. At about the
time I could actually feel my body starting to recover, he zeroed in on my
breasts.
Now I can’t
say this is true for all women. I can only speak for me. Maybe it’s because of
the infrequency of romantic interludes. Or maybe it’s my age. Or maybe the moon
was rising.
My breasts
are small. I hinted at that before. There are fourteen-year old girls out there
with bigger breasts than mine. To clarify the situation, all my bras are padded
and yes, the cup size is A. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what
I’ve got and I’d never consider surgery to pump them up. All I know is that when Malone starting
stroking and kissing my breasts, it’s like there was a direct connection down
below. I was immediately wet with anticipation yet again.
“What am I
going to do with you,” I whispered my voice little more than a feathery gasp.
“Whatever you
would like, I’m open to suggestions.”
Jamie Richmond?
Here's a link to an older post you might enjoy.
