A Character Interview with Herschel Kohler from BROTHERS OF THE NIGHT plus a conversation with author Linda Lee Williams!

Today we're bringing something different to Writing in the Modern Age in the form of a character interview.  These character interviews, now and in the future, should prove to be very enlightening for all of us. 

We have the pleasure of meeting Herschel, a character from Brothers of the Night. 

 

We'll get a chance to talk to the author, Linda Lee Williams, in a bit, but now we have on the stage...Herschel!

 

Interview

Marie Lavender:  Hello, Herschel.  Please have a seat.

Character Herschel Kohler:  Thank you.  It's a pleasure to be here. 

 

 

Marie:  We're going to start out with some simple questions, okay? 

Herschel:  All right.

 

Marie:  So, what is your occupation? Are you any good at it?  Do you like it?

 

Herschel:  I’m a hotelier—and yes, I’m good at it.  I’ve been at it all my life.  My wife, Trudy, and I own the Grand Bay Hotel—a resort in Traverse City, Michigan.  Despite the amount of work involved, we both enjoy the occupation.

 

Marie: Okay. What is your family like?   

 

Herschel:  (Laughs.)  That’s a loaded question.  Up until recently, I had no other family except my mother and my wife.  Now…well, now I’m adjusting to the fact that I’m not as alone in this world as I thought I was.  A good thing, I guess—although I still feel like I don’t belong at times; that I have no right to be part of my family.

 

Marie:  I see. So, what did your childhood home look like? 

 

Herschel:  The hotel has been my home forever—many rooms under one big roof.  It’s a Victorian-style resort on the Grand Traverse Bay, complete with built-in swimming pool and other amenities.  While I was growing up, I lived in the third-floor apartment with my mother.  After Trudy and I were married, she gave the apartment to us. 

 

Marie:  Very nice! 

 

Do you have any hobbies? What do you enjoy doing?      

  

Herschel:  Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes—which Trudy hates.  It’s about the only activity I can fit into my busy schedule.  Running a resort is a 24/7 job.  Other than that, I like spending quiet time with Trudy.  She’s my oasis in the chaos.  

 

Marie:  All right. So, what is your greatest dream, Herschel?

 

Herschel:  I’m rather unimaginative, I guess, because I’ve never had a “greatest dream.”  I used to wish I could have known my father—or at least have met him.  Even now, it makes me sad sometimes, knowing what I know.

 

Marie:  All right.

 

What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?  

Herschel: I wish I could be more open—but as a vampire-human hybrid, I spent most of my life hiding from what I was and trying to “fit in.”  I was kind of lonely as a kid, and I read a lot, mostly nonfiction books about the American Indians.  For some reason, I was drawn to history, and that’s what I majored in during college.

Although I’ve opened up more to Trudy, I’m still pretty closed off.  She’s working on me, though!

Marie:  (Laughs.) Sometimes it's even hard to open up to those closest to us. 

So...who was your first love?

 

Herschel: My first true love is Trudy.  She’s the only person I trusted enough to get closer to—although my being a vampire didn’t go over too big with her.  I made a lot of mistakes with Trudy, ones I will always regret.  She says she’s forgiven me, and I hope she means it.  I never want to hurt her again.

 

Marie: All right.

 

So, what's the most terrible thing that ever happened to you, Herschel?

 

Herschel: Learning the dark secret my mother kept from me until right before she died.  Her revelation shattered everything I believed to be true and forever changed me.  No matter how good your intentions, lies have a way of coming back to haunt you.  I’m worried the lie will come back to haunt me, too, since only a few other people know the truth…

 

 

Marie:  I'm so sorry you to hear that, Herschel. 

(Pauses.)

Let's try something else, shall we? 

(Nods.)

What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?

 

Herschel: Again, I seldom indulged in dreams.  I had short-term goals, which I always met—such as getting good grades and going to college.  The first time I allowed myself to dream was when I met Trudy.  I envisioned a life with her, even though she was a regular woman.  I destroyed any dreams she or I might have held beyond that because I was afraid.  In the long run, fear proved my worst enemy.

 

Marie:  So, who is your role model?

 

Herschel: My mother.  Winnie was the bravest, strongest person I ever knew, and she raised me by herself.  I’m sure I disappointed her, especially when it came to how I handled things with Trudy, but she loved me in spite of my faults.  She taught me the hotel business and left me a legacy I’m proud of—that Trudy and I are both proud of.

 

Marie:  (Smiles.) Let's try another question.

What is your deepest desire?

 

Herschel: I always wanted Trudy to love me despite what I am.

 

Marie:  Yes, I think we all want to be loved regardless of our mistakes. One more question...

 

So, what is your greatest fear?

 

Herschel: Having to live a single day on this earth without Trudy.

 

Marie:  I see. 

 

Well, it looks like we're running out of time, Herschel. Thank you for visiting us today. 

 

Herschel:  Thank you for letting me visit.

Marie:  Of course! I wish you luck with everything. It was so interesting getting to know you.  (Waves at her guest as he heads off the stage.)

Now, let's shift over and get the author's perspective.  We have Linda Lee Williams on the stage today!  Hi, Linda!  

 

 

Author Linda Lee Williams:  Hi, Marie! It's nice to be here!

 

Marie:  (Smiles.) Welcome back to Writing in the Modern Age, hon.

 

 

We just got to talk to the hero of your story, Herschel.  Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about him?

 

Linda:  It may seem that Herschel has a “way with words,” but he has trouble expressing himself.  If he hadn’t given me some glimpses into his mind, I never would have been able to write about him or tell his story.

 

Marie:  So, what are your character's greatest strengths? 

 

Linda:  His compassion for other people and his capacity to love, despite the fact that he was short-changed during his life.  His ability to forgive and his sense of fairness. 

 

Marie:  What are his greatest weaknesses? 

 

Linda:  Herschel is secretive, cynical, and distrustful.  

 

Marie:  Okay.

 

So, what are some of her favorite foods?

 

Linda:  Anything Trudy cooks for him!

 

Marie:  What's a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?  

 

Linda: Innate kindness.  

 

Marie:  Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?

 

Linda: There will be times when Herschel frustrates readers and times when he redeems himself.  Like most characters, he grows and changes during the course of the story.  In the end, he reveals himself for the person he truly is…the one who cares and tries to do what’s right.

 

Marie:  I can certainly admire that!

 

Well, now that we have a real taste of Herschel, we have a few questions for you as well as the author.

What first gave you the idea for Brothers of the Night?

 

Linda: The book solves a tragic mystery from twenty-five years ago, involving the Slater family, and brings together characters from the previous novels.  Readers can learn more about the Slaters in Old Town Nights, the first book in the Blood & Company Series. Brothers of the Night is the fourth & final book.  Although each novel can be read as a stand-alone book, I recommend reading all of the stories in order.

 

Marie:  Interesting!

What is your writing style like, Linda?  Are you a pantster or a plotter?

 

Linda:  I’m a plotter; otherwise, I can’t get from Point A to Point Z and have the story make sense.  It doesn’t mean, however, that surprises don’t happen along the way!

 

Marie: (Chuckles.) I know what you mean! 

So, I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers.  Did you come across any specific challenges in writing Brothers of the Night or getting it published?  What would you do differently the next time?  

I needed six viewpoints to tell the story and finish up the series.  In order to advance the plot, I had to decide carefully the order in which the characters would appear.  I’m not one to “head-hop”; therefore, a new part or a new chapter separates each character’s viewpoint.  I had practice in Sisters of the Night, which is told from four different characters’ perspectives.  Six proved even more challenging!

Next time I write a series, I’ll wait until all the novels are finished before I publish the books.  I think that readers can forget or lose interest when too much time goes by.  It’s also easier to market a series when all of the books are available.

 

Marie:  Well, judging by your release dates, I think you've done well on the time between them. Some reader anticipation is good. ;)

It was such a pleasure having you here on Writing in the Modern Age, Linda. We hope you can come back sometime!  :) 

Readers, I hope you all get a chance to pick up a copy of this awesome book!  Look for it to be released very soon!

 

 

Here is the blurb for Brothers of the Night.

 

Herschel Kohler harbors a terrible secret…and simmering resentment.  Although he hides the knowledge from his wife, Trudy, she senses the darkness within her vampire husband.

Hundreds of miles away, Stefan Slater receives cryptic notes in the mail.  His brother Ambrose’s daughter experiences strange dreams and ghostly visits.  Can a six-year-old girl, two brothers, and a group of friends solve a tragic mystery dating back twenty-five years?  Will Stefan and Ambrose find closure?  Or will the shocking truth shatter the Slater family?

 

About Linda Lee Williams:

 

Linda Lee Williams writes "contemporary romance with a paranormal twist."  Her stories revolve around imperfect characters, their families and friends, and a host of life issues.  Currently, she has four published novels and is part of a short-story anthology.

After moving to Denver from Chicago, Linda taught creative writing classes and formed a writers' group.  An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, biking, and birding.  She loves critters of all kinds.  During her journeys she's called Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, and Colorado home.  Wherever she roams, she finds inspiration in her surroundings.

 

Author Links:

 

Website:  http://www.lindaleewilliams.com
Blog:  http://indielindy.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/author.linda.lee.williams 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/williamslindal
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Lee-Williams/e/B00CB1K7SG

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123006.Linda_Lee_Williams

Linda's Books:  

 

Coming Soon:

 

 

 Available: 

   

   

 

 

 

It's Never Too Late by Barbara Weitzner

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE by Barbara Weitzner

The reason I started to write was because I was eating too much. I was bored, getting fat and had just celebrated my eightieth birthday. Old age can use new enterprises.

I bought a computer and with a few friends, I took lessons, learned how to use the internet and Microsoft Word. After the first few months of hanging around the house, a funny thing happened on the way to the kitchen. I changed direction, sat down at my new computer, wrote a short story and, for kicks, entered it in a contest I’d found on Google. I came in third! Then another surprise! Another short story was published in a literary magazine.

My husband was thrilled. I was spending less time at the mall snatching up have-to-have bargains.

Years ago, I’d visited my sister in California and read an article in her newspaper which haunted me and refused to leave the corners of my mind. So I decided to write a novel based on that unforgettable story, changing the locale and some minor characters.

It is about a couple who meet in a bar. He buys her a drink. He can hardly believe his luck. She’s gorgeous and fun. Where could it lead?

It was a story for every man or woman who had ever loved the wrong person; who yearned to experience true rapture—the kind that gives you shivers, staggers you, all-consuming, and leaves you breathless, ready for anything.

It began as a romantic romp that segued into a tragedy.

Sequestered in the den, smart phone turned off, I began to type my story. Family began to notice my less than perfect manicure, my rounded shoulders, the slight squint I’d developed in my eyes, a growing tendency for my mind to wander away from conversations.

Soon, my characters were wearing me down. I did everything to raise them right and as soon as they hit the page, they did anything they damn pleased.

I thought I might as well forget about it and join the knitting club.

Before I began to write this novel, I was unable to button my jeans. With each hour spent mulling and deleting they began to hang pleasantly loose. I lost my appetite and strange sounds seem to gurgle from my belly. 

My husband warned me my short temper was beginning to alienate a lot of folks. "Your daughters-in-law say you’ve been sulky. And forget about sex. I’ll settle for a good home-cooked meal. You never have time to cook. Shut down the computer and read the directions on the oven."

He was right, of course, but I was getting tired of him hovering over my shoulder. I needed less hovering. The hub thinks he’s Doctor Oz.

Well...the truth is, we’re compatible souls. I always know when he likes something and when he doesn’t. I understand what a shrug or a shift in his chair means or what he wants when he smiles a little too long. I expect we’ll rust or corrode, and live together forever.

In every book is the soul of the person who wrote it. I let the spell of each character, their words and thoughts take over until my characters seemed as real as my family.

While friends mulled over good restaurants and less-expensive hairdressers, I worried about my protagonist’s unsavory personality. Would my readers hate him, envy him? Identify with him? Wish him well or hell? Would my readers be titillated, or turned off?

Would I have any readers?

Hubby peered over my shoulder to read a sexy paragraph. He cleared his throat. He squinted. I noticed his eyes watering. Was he reading lines too shocking to be kept in focus? He began to show the first signs of his age.

My canasta partners got annoyed when I put down my cards to jot down an idea. Friends got annoyed when their phone calls went unanswered. Hubby got annoyed when I’d jump out of bed to rewrite a paragraph.

Finally the book was finished.

Carpe diem. I wanted to see my story in print before I dropped dead of anxiety or old age (even sixty-year-olds were now holding doors for me).

I received an offer from a small publisher, Solstice Publishing, and signed a contract without reading it. As the proofreading and editing progressed, I found myself arguing over changes and suggested corrections, also a title change. I’d called my novel, The Most Glorious Thing Ever, a reference to lovemaking. My editor thought it sounded like a religious book. Religious books don’t sell. I stuck to my guns with the sangfroid of John Grisham.

Hubby suggested I read the contract. Uh-oh. I had no control over the title or cover. I began to worry about both. Prayed if they were changed they would meet my taste test. Friends assured me sleaze sells.

But since these ruminations are neither, encouraging or useful, I try to put them out of my mind, and, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

      I sincerely hope my success will encourage anyone who has a story to tell, to write it down.

Guest Blogger Bio

Barbara Weitzner

My novels, The Most Glorious Thing Ever, The Parradine Allure and A New Start have been published by Summer Solstice. My short story, “Please Wake Up”, was published in the 2012 issue of Soundings Magazine. My short story, “An American Christmas”, received honorable mention in the 2006 La Belle Lettres short story contest. My article, “It’s Never Too Late”, appeared in the September 2014 issue of Southern Writing. My articles have appeared in the 2009 and 2014 issues of Breezes, a South Florida magazine. My short story, “First Love”, was accepted for the 2014 fall issue of Gemini Magazine. My short story, “Apt. 5B” was included in Steps in Time Anthology. My short story “Lost”, was included in the Solstice Anthology. My play, “Robbie Von Hooten Is A Jerk”, was chosen to be read to an audience at Sugar Sand Park, 2010 in Boca Raton, Florida. I am on Facebook and Twitter.

Author Links:  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/barbara.weitzner

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/barlon22wilson

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Weitzner/e/B00J0JNX10/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7797580.Barbara_Weitzner
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/pub/barbara-weitzner/56/841/140

Publisher:  http://solsticepublishing.com/barbara-weitzner/

http://crimsoncloakpublishing.com/barbara-weitzner.html

Barbara's Books: