Thursday, November 20, 2014

A Just-for-fun Character Interview

I like to offer my readers a variety of bonus features for the books I write. Character interviews are always a part of the list. But this is the first time I've interviewed a four-legged character:



This is Rusty, from my November release from Love Inspired Suspense, Identity Withheld.

Sandra Orchard: Hi Rusty, thanks for joining us at ICFW today. Could you start by telling us about yourself? 

Rusty: I'm a really, really, really good dog. Don't pay no attention to what Tommy's dad, Jake, says. He's a firefighter and gets hot under the collar just because I chew a shoe or corner of the couch or something. His parents adopted me for their grandson Tommy who is the nicest boy on the face of the earth. I live with them, next door to Tommy and Jake. Tommy's mom died not long after he was born so Tommy's at his grandparents a lot when his dad's working, and we play and play and play. 

Sandra: I hear you took a shine to Kara Grant, too, when Jake brought her to his parents after her house burned down and she had nowhere to go. 

Rusty: Oh, yes, I loooooove Kara. She understands dogs. I could tell she was sad so I sat right down beside her and let her cry into my fur and she let me sleep on her bed with her. And she taught my person, Tommy, how to train me so his dad wouldn't get so mad at me. Of course, I didn't listen when she told me to stay before she went out for a jog, because I sensed she wasn't coming back and I knew that would make Tommy real sad. 

Sandra: So what did you do? 

Rusty: I chased after her. And it worked! She came back to the house to stay a while longer. But...she was more scared than ever, because bad guys are after her. 

Sandra: Did Jake have a new respect for you after that, too?

Rusty: More like he was jealous that Kara was always hugging me instead of him.<big, tongue-lolling grin> But after that, at least, he figured "I was smarter than I looked." Although...I think I look adorable. Don't you?

Sandra: Absolutely. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

Rusty: I don't want to give away the story, but everyone keeps calling Jake the hero, when I should get top billing. Kara fell in love with me the first time she laid eyes on me and... <glances from side to side and lowers his voice> if you read Identity Withheld, I'm sure you'll agree that it wouldn't be much of a story without me.

Oh, and the story ends at Christmastime. So it's a great read for this time of year, even if you don't think I'm adorable.

Your Turn: Any questions for Rusty? 

WITNESS IN HIDING
After exposing an illegal adoption ring, newly named “Kara Grant” is promised safety in Witness Protection. But someone has found her—and wants her dead. If only she could trust the handsome firefighter who catches her fleeing from a suspicious fire. Jake Steele seems to think she’s guilty of burning her own home. But how can she tell him who she really is and what she’s been through without bringing danger to the widowed father’s door? Yet with the criminals fast closing in, taking such a risk might be her only chance at survival. Because the price she’ll pay for her silence could be her life.



Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense with Revell Publishing and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. She is an active member of ACFW, RWA and TWG (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren.  Learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

15 comments:

  1. Hi Rusty, I think any book is better with a dog or a cat or even a turtle. Congratulations on getting your own story.

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  2. What a creative way to introduce your book. I already had this on my wish list to try but this encourages me to move it to the top of the list. Animals are special and mean alot to me as they do to many people. They are great stress relievers and heroes. Thanks for sharing your dog in the book as well as in this cute interview.

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    1. You're very welcome, Susan. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We have an Alaskan husky who is a pet therapy dog that my daughter takes to retirement homes and to children's reading times at the library and even to the university for students to de-stress. The seniors who can no longer have pets, especially appreciate it

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  3. What a fun interview, Sandra. Love the premise of your story, and can't wait to read your latest!

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    1. Thanks Lisa, it was fun getting into a different kind of head. :D

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  4. Lots of fun, Sandra. Being a dog lover it's nice to see one feature on ICFW. And fun way of sharing a little of your story.

    And Rusty great to meet you. And well done not giving away too much of the story.

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  5. Sandra, cute interview :) I really enjoyed reading your book and I agree with Rusty - he's definitely a hero in the story!

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  6. I loved the interview with Rusty. The next time my husband and I drive through Niagara, Canada, I'll wave and think of you.

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  7. What a brilliant interview. Thanks for sharing. This sounds like a definite must-read book. And Rusty,that's all because of you. I'm sure Jake and Kara have good stories too, but I'm sure yours in the best.

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  8. How engaging! Rusty, you are my hero. Sandra, thank you for the introduction.

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