If Kendall can interview you, then I figure I can interview you too.
Has anyone ever told you that you’re bossy, Griffin?
Mark Harmon — the inspiration for Lt. Col. Griffin Walker of Catch a Falling Star
Besides Kendall?
Yes.
My younger brother, Ian, probably thinks I’m bossy — he’s just smart enough not to tell me to my face.
Then I’m not going to say anything.
Smart author. By the way, thanks for making me an air force pilot in Catch a Falling Star.
You’re welcome. Originally, you were going to fly helicopters, but then I switched you to A-10s.
Why the change?
U.S. Air Force A-10 Photo by Master Sgt. Mark Bucher
The former air force helicopter pilot I was talking with had a lot of travel and I was up against a deadline, which made it difficult to connect. So, I mixed things up a bit. You do still have his last name, though.
Do you do that a lot: name characters after your friends?
Yep. One of the fun things about being a novelist.
So why’d you give me a brother who is so much younger than me? That really complicated my life.
I’m supposed to complicate your life, Griffin. Creates tension. And my three older children have a much-younger sister, so it’s a bit of real life experience tossed into fiction.
That’s not the only real life experience you tossed at me—but I’m not thanking you for medical problem you wrote into my storyline.
As a writer, I don’t believe in wasting anything. The hero in my first novel, Wish You Were Here, broke his knee — just like my husband did.
You do realize you messed with my plans.
One of the scenes in Catch a Falling Star happens here, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Griffin’s alma mater.
If you read the back cover copy of the book, Griffin, you’ll realize that’s the main question of Catch a Falling Star: Is life about making plans … or wishing on stars … or is it about something more?
And the answer is—
You don’t have an answer?
I’m not much of a “wishing on stars” kind of guy. And like I said, you wrecked my plans.
So you’re going with “something more”?
Why don’t we let the readers find out?
Works for me.
Is there some reason why Kendall got the Jeep that worked and I kept ending up on the side of the road?
Didn’t like that much? It’s a Jeep thing, Griffin, you know that. And besides, sometimes it’s fun when the gal rescues the guy.
Is there anything you’d like to ask Griffin — or me — as we get “behind the book?” More interviews by imaginary characters & other “Behind the Book” glimpses of Catch a Falling Star to come!
NEW: FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR!
Comments 24
I love your interviews w/ your characters. So fun. Makes me wonder who’s next. Keep it up, and keep birthing great invisible people and making them visible.
Author
I have several ideas for who’s next … we’ll see who wins out.
Now I have things in common, not just with you, but your family and characters as well. I broke my knee. Noses and knees – I think we should stop now. 🙂
What a great idea to interview your characters. Enjoyed the fun post.
Author
Oh, Kim … why am I not surprised. The question is: Did you hike down a mountain with your broken knee?
No way! Now, that’s a story to tell.
I love this, Beth. Griffin sounds like an interesting character. It’s so fun to see part of who your characters are. 🙂
Author
I had fun with this too, Jeanne — even if my characters are a bit bossy. But, hey, I made them that way.
I love these interviews. Whets my appetite for the book which I have pre-ordered! Twenty-one days and it will magically appear in my Kindle!
Author
Thanks for pre-ordering CAFS. When can I preorder yours? 🙂
What fun and a great idea! I’ll have to interview one of my characters from my new study, Living for God in a World that Doesn’t.
Dear Grif, can I call you ‘Grif’?
One of Beth’s totally, totally favourite people on the planet, perhaps this whole solar system, is having a Big Birthday the day you’re released into the world. Why don’t you deliver the book to her?
Sincerely,
Queen Icanmakeitaboutme
Author
Dear, Queenie:
As the author, Beth has call on me after the book releases on the 7th. I’ll try to remember to wish you a Happy Birthday, though.
Dear Sir, First, it’s “Your Royal Highness” or “Ma’am”. Do you like your neck? Do you know I have a tower?
And umm, you know, Beth will be so busy she won’t notice you’re missing. Can you fly a like, really, really fast plane?
~~
4 weeks Beth!!!!
Fun interview, Beth! I’m loving these Q&As with your characters.
Griffin, if you could change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?
Blessings,
Andrea
Author
Andrea:
There is one decision I made that I regret — mmmfffmmmmfffmm!!
Sorry about that. Beth just put her hand over my mouth and was screaming, “Don’t ruin the book by telling readers THAT!!”
So I apologize, but I can’t tell you what one thing I’d change about my life … yet.
Boy — and people think I’m bossy.
Griffin, don’t worry about it. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it when I read Catch A Falling Star. If it makes you feel any better, I figured Beth would spoil our fun. 🙂 (I guess we couldn’t slip it past her, huh? I guess we’ll have to work on our coded messages…)
Andrea
Oh, I so wish it was out already!
Author
I’ve been told by Beth that she’s not counting the days too much — May 1 is her next book deadline.
Oh how FUN!!
I like this guy. Nice to meet you, Griffin. It’s tough when a meddling woman messes with a guy’s plans, but we sure to have fun during the process.
Just sayin’ 😉
I bet all those vehicle break-downs and,…er…dizziness will be well worth it in the end 🙂 Yeah, yeah, I’m sure it sounds like empty platitudes now, but I know the author of your story and she’s good tieing bows of loose ends 🙂
Author
Nice to meet you too, Pepper — although your name has me thinking that you and Kendall would be quite a matched set.
I think I remember you talking about basing Griffin on Mark Harmon when you were here.
I’m so glad that you posted the picture and the reminder….and the picture. 😉
I’ll be hearing “Gibbs” voice as I read the book. Love it. Can’t Wait.
Author
Hearing Mark Harmon as you read the book — that’s a good thing. A very good thing. 🙂
I will hear Mark Harmon’s voice as I read the book. I’m glad you chose him.
Pingback: Catch A Falling Star-Book Review | Jeanne Takenaka