Before they take the “stage,” Shannon and John are working on their questions for me. I agreed to let them ask me questions about the books they’re in and their lives. As an author, it seemed like a fun idea, so I agreed. But then I realized, how do I handle spoilers? Naturally, I don’t want to ruin the stories for the readers.
My decision: Just be honest and let them know that I can’t share everything or it spoils things for the readers.
Shannon and John are ready now. I’ll introduce each of them, then let them fire away – just questions. Hopefully that’s not dangerous, although it is a little scary putting details out there that I hadn’t planned to share!
(Now seated in director-style chairs, with me facing them at an angle, Shannon and John can’t wait to get started.)
Good Afternoon!
I promised to offer Shannon and John, my main characters in Love at First Sight, the opportunity to ask me questions.
First, Shannon Bell. (Shannon stands up and waits nervously to ask her questions.)
Shelley: (Narrating) Shannon’s a talented artist who already has a sculpture installed in her California home town. Working on many projects while attending school, she’s also assisting with campus housing designs and décor to brighten up the lives of those who rent the married student and staff housing. She designs wedding jewelry for a well-known jeweler in town.
Next, John Dominico. (John moves toward Shannon and stands, waiting. He acts as if he’s waiting to have a tooth pulled.)
He designs ecologically and environmentally safe buildings that are also a pleasure to live, work, or play in. A sophomore, John plans to earn licensing as a structural engineer that will take him an extra year to complete once he has his degree.
John and Shannon sit down.
Ms. Shelley Sommers: Who would like to ask the first question? (Neither says anything at first.)
This is a friendly chat, you know, sociable. Don’t be shy. You asked me to talk with you both.
John: I’ll defer to Shannon. This was her idea.
Shannon: John, thank you! You always put me first. (Pauses, clears her throat.) Okay, Ms. Sommers. I’d like to say thank you for creating us. Sometimes, I almost feel as though I can hear you in my head.
(Shelley laughs.)
Shelley: The feeling is mutual. Sometimes both of you say things that make me laugh. Please, what’s your question, Shannon?
Shannon: I have several, but my first question is: Why did you create us?
Shelley: Funny thing about that. I woke up one morning and both of you, plus Louisa, and your whole family were in my head! I’d been touring the vineyards in Temecula and my brain cooked up all of you in my sleep.
Shannon: Wow! With all of the details?
Shelley: With most of the details. Somehow, after writing the first book, Louisa’s Passion, I decided I needed to write a prequel. I’d already written the second and third books, Will’s Secret, and A Vision of Home, but they needed editing and preparation for publishing. At first, I couldn’t decide who to be in the prequel, but then I knew it had to be how you two met. Oh, I don’t think I told you yet, you’re the parents of Louisa, who I just mentioned.
Shannon: Oh, John! We are having a little girl like we talked about! I’m so excited. So, Ms. Sommers, did we have the son we talked about, too?
Shelley: Yes. He’s quite a character and is Louisa’s younger brother, Randy.
John: Are you sure you want to be sharing all of this with us?
Shelley: I’m fine with this, but I’ll let you know when I don’t feel like I can share everything.
John: Since it’s my turn, I’ll share with you that we’ve had premonitions, or in my case, dreams, that we’re going to have the two kids we’ve agreed upon. My dream was very vivid.
Shelley: See, you don’t even need me.
John: But what is the reason for our existence?
Shelley: Like any other author, the story just had to be written. I’m really very fond, maybe even love, both of you, maybe like a doting aunt.
Shannon: It can’t be that simple, Ms. Sommers.
Shelley: It is. I felt compelled to write about you both.
John: I hate to give you a hard time, but frankly, it sounds like a boring story. Meet cute. Fall in love. Get married. Have babies. Convince me that I’d like to read this!
Shelley: Well, at least out of curiosity of what will happen to you . . .
John: Since we’re part of your imagination, maybe we could convince you to free us from the book?
Shelley: I don’t have any idea how that could happen. Do you?
John: Well, we’re here now talking with you. That doesn’t usually occur in real life.
Shelley: True. Is that all you want to ask?
John: I’ll be brave, and maybe a bit rude. I’ve heard it said that writers are told to create scary stuff for the characters to experience. Have you created havoc for us?
Shelley: I’d rather not share that. These are happily ever after stories. Your story is a romance.
Shannon: That’s wonderful to hear, Ms. Sommers. Lots of romance? Like not behind closed doors?
Shelley: Yes. Lots and lots of romance. You two do love each other, right?
John: Very much so. What are we missing?
Shelley: What are you asking?
John: Bluntly, what bad stuff have you written about that will happen to us?
Shelley: I’d rather not say. It’ll spoil the happy times. Kind of like “don’t think about the purple elephant in the corner.”
Shannon: There’s a purple elephant? (She looks around.) What? Where? (She laughs.)
Shelley: See what I mean?
John: You’re evading my question, Ms. Sommers. I don’t want to be mean, but what are you going to do to us?
Shelley: Lots of amazing sex before anything otherwise happens. Er – I’m at the ‘can’t share’ portion of our interview.
John: That’s not good enough.
Shelley: I don’t want anything bad to happen to either of you. Please don’t push. Maybe I’ll need to wipe your memory of this meeting.
John: Sounds bad. No hope?
Shannon: No hope?
Shelley: There’s always hope. I’ll just suggest that you enjoy every day. The phrase is “carpe diem.”
John: I’ve learned a little Latin. That means “seize the day?” Take everything that you can and enjoy it, right?
Shelley: That’s it.
John: Shannon, c’mon. She’s not going to tell us what we really want to know. Let’s go seize some days.
Shannon: That was rude, honey.
John: You’re not understanding the subtext, Shannon. Let’s go live and enjoy life as much as we can.
Shannon: That’s what I’m doing, anyway. Btw – let’s go spend some time seizing the day.
Shelley: Have a wonderful life, both of you!
John and Shannon, together: We plan to.
Shannon: At least we know we’re having the two kids! I’m going to learn how to knit, so I can knit some baby clothes!
John: You can’t believe how much I love you, Shannon!
Shannon: I think I can. Let’s go rehearse for having babies.
John: That’s something I can really enjoy! Oh, and Ms. Sommers, go seize some days yourself!
Shelley: Certainly, and thanks for coming in.
# # #
Dear Readers,
Hope you enjoyed this dialogue. I know my characters seemed angry with me, but since they’re “alive,” I don’t blame them!
Join us next week for the August 29 launch of Shannon and John’s book, Love at First Sight. Your book could be waiting for you at popular book sellers!
Love at First Sight, the story of how Shannon and John met, is the prequel to the Louisa’s Vineyard Series. The above dialogue with Shannon and John has some slight spoilers. The book takes place over 20 years before, when John and Shannon meet in college.
Next week, you’ll also see the debut of my short story, The Bride Wore White, which you can receive for free by entering your email on the bottom of the web page,
So excited to have you join us!
Hugs,
Shelley Sommers