By now many of you have heard of NASA discovering my home planet, which they have erroneously dubbed, Kepler22b.
My people are in an uproar. What if Earthlings decide to visit? Even years from now the people of Earth won't be prepared to set foot on a planet like Kepler22b. After speaking to fellow writer and friend, Joylene Butler at http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com/, we decided that this discussion would be better tackled by a representative from each of our planets.
I've selected someone who knows me all-too-well, the protagonist of my novel, Theodora. To check out Theodora's argument, please visit Joylene's blog listed above.
To plead this case on behalf of Earth, Joylene has elected the protagonist from her novel, Valerie McCormick.
Thea: Valerie, tell me a little about yourself. How did Joylene come up with you? And why are you qualified to speak on behalf of Joylene and the Earthling race?
Valerie: My name is Valerie McCormick, I'm a mother, wife, bookkeeper, and girls' baseball coach. Joylene says I just showed up one day. That's probably true. It's been a few decades. I think I'm qualified to speak on her behalf because I understand her better than most. It's been my experience that people tend to make life more complicated than it needs to be, and generally the answer is right in front of their face but they don't see it. I actually like that about Joylene. Even with age, she's still ready to believe people are innately good.
Thea: I see. That is a fabulous quality. You obviously like her a great deal, but what about the rest of the Earthlings? In your opinion, what makes Earthlings so special? What can you as a species contribute to our society.
Thea: I see. That is a fabulous quality. You obviously like her a great deal, but what about the rest of the Earthlings? In your opinion, what makes Earthlings so special? What can you as a species contribute to our society.
Valerie: Human beings by their very nature are capable of great love, joy and kindness. Most of them. For instance Joylene has made me a worker. I don't judge. I don't pine. I don't abuse. If you need help, I'm willing. If you need an ear, I will listen. I'm not a mystery and I don't have an agenda. For instance, you're very unusual. I like that.
Thea: Well, thank you. That's one of my better qualities. Kudos for not staring at my cleavage, btw. Now, your creator writes thrillers. As a race, the people of Kepler22b are fascinated by writers. What made Joylene decide on that genre? Tell me the name of her current book and where it's available for purchase. And is there a character, aside from you, that she is particularly fond of, and why?
Valerie: Joylene has a dark side that I think embarrasses her. So she writes about those dark thoughts in fiction instead. Recently a friend asked her if she'd write a comedy or a child's book. She's convinced she can't be funny on paper, but she does have a story for children called "Spirit Eagle."
I think it would be good for her to lighten up a bit. Although from what I can see, even the children's story is about moral issues.
Her most current novel centers around a woman terrorized by her stalker, but who, when push comes to shove, takes back her power.
Joylene's most recently completed manuscript is also mental abuse and how a policeman grapples over whether to charge a suspect in a murder case because she was horribly abused by the victim.
Actually I'm partially right. It just occurred to me that all Joylene's novels are about the complexities of the parent-child relationship and how abuse leaves lasting scars that can't always be treated.
Joylene loves all her characters equally; though, if I'm not mistaken, she does have strong fondness for Corporal Danny Killian of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Danny's cute, a widower, and an Aboriginal man in a white man's police force. Not an easy life, but he carries on his duty with dignity. Joylene appreciates people like that.
Thea: Hmm, your creator sounds fascinating. You obviously know her well. As for this Danny character, seems like he'd fit in with Craven's crew perfectly. Tell me, if you could use one word to describe Joylene, what would it be?
Loyal.
Thea: Very nice. And finally, on your behalf, I will deliver a message to the people of Kepler22b. What would you like to tell them?
Valerie: Please extend them an invitation to read and enjoy Joylene's novels. She's a storyteller with an unique take on the human condition. I find her stories captivating. I think the people of Kepler22b will understand the human condition better through her novels.
Thea: Wonderful! Thank you for your time. I will deliver this information exactly how you've worded it. Laila's people will give careful consideration to your words.
To the rest of you, please see Joylene's book below. The first five chapters are now available as a sample from Amazon.
"Man's heart away from nature becomes hard." Standing Bear
blog - http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com
webpage - http://joylenenowellbutler.com
AND NOW FOR SOME WORDS FROM OUR SPONSOR.....
1. I hope everyone enjoyed the interview. We thought it would be a fun way to tell a little more about each other and our writing. Learn more about the people of Kepler22b and me at Joylene's site listed above.
Sia over at http://siamckye.blogspot.com/ will be posting some during the last two weeks of this month. Feel free to go check them out. She's a nice lady. I mentioned I might be able to supply her with one of mine...but that still remains to be seen since I'm up to my neck with other left-brained stuff and the only whispering my muses are doing involves cursing.
3. I won't see you guys till after the first of the year. And New Year's being my favorite holiday and all, I felt I should leave you with a parting chuckle.
Watch what you say, Santa.
It's a good thing the elves aren't around. I guess even Santa has needs.
So that's what happened to the cat. Milk and cookies weren't enough?
The day after Christmas. Move over Santa. This is what I'll be doing.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
...^-^...
This was fun, Laila. Thanks for thinking of it. You'll probably notice that I ended up interviewing Theodora. Valerie wasn't asking the hard questions. The girl is just too nice.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Laila, I hope you aren't traveling to Kepler22b with Thea during the holidays...besides your hubby needs you. If I don't talk to you between now and the New Year, well I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. It was great getting to know you this year. I wish you all the luck in the world with your writing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun interview Laila! I hope NASA loses the coordinates to Kepler22b until earthlings behave better, would you not agree? I love your cartoons and I better guard Ollie now. Merry Christmas and I am off to check out those Joylene chapters...: )
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Laila. Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteFun interview. Have a great holiday and enjoy your time off! See you next year. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are both brilliant and fascinating. I can't wait to read Joylene's books. They are right up my alley! This is an awesome post. Love the interview.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous holiday!
How fun! I love that you worked with my last-name-twin-who-is-of-no-relation on this project. You're both so very creative. :)
ReplyDeleteClever interview. Although I was temporarily sidelined by the cleavage comment. I follow Sia so I will definitely be watching her site.
ReplyDeleteSanta with his shirt off - not an image I wanted stuck in my brain today...
I loved both interviews! It seems Joylene and I have something else in common: we both write to express our embarrassing dark side. Who knew?!
ReplyDeleteHave a very merry Christmas, Laila! You will be missed, but enjoy your time away.
Enjoy your holiday, Laila!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview idea. Loved it. Joylene's characters sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures Laila.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
......dhole
That interview was great! And so where the pictures, lol!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very creative interview and hilarious pictures.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas and new year's Laila.
I'll see you in bloggyland soon.
xoRobyn
Have good time off. Loved the interview, and the cartoons.
ReplyDeleteLove those funny pictures and the interviews, Laila! Thanks for the smiles!
ReplyDeleteI read about this planet. I'm totally invading Kepler22b.
ReplyDeleteI love character interviews and you ladies gave two exceptional ones today. Both books, and characters, sound amazing.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Author of Concilium, available July 2012
Concilium: The Departure, November 2012
www.Michelle-Pickett.com
www.Conciliumbooks.com
Loved the interview. NASA never returned my calls about the prototype interstellar drive in my basement so I think Kepler 22b is safe from humans for a little while yet.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Thanks Laila. have a great christmas.xx
ReplyDeleteGreat interview!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Christmas! :)
That was brilliant :o)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. xx
Thanks again, Laila. It was fun. I'd have been around more if not for my computer crashing. Scary experience. But just goes to show that Macs do crash. Glad to be back!
ReplyDeleteHi Laila, Theodora, Valerie and yes indeed, Joylene,
ReplyDeleteLaila, you can relax now. I know you have been anxiously awaiting a comment from my shy and humble self known as Gary aka klahanie.
So here goes. Now then, Theodora, you have to be cautious with earthlings. Oh yes, there are earthlings who are genuinely kind and caring and embrace the noble attributes of altruism. Then there are those with hidden agendas just waiting for the right time to take advantage of one's good nature. Thus, Theodora, proceed with caution.
Of course, the legend that is, Joylene, is kind, caring and I'm truly blessed to have had ongoing support from her on my shy, humble, not very well known, unassuming blog, which really, is a total waste of time to read. Okay, the exception would be when Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star does postings on my site. Did you know that there are dogs that pawblish pawstings of pawesome philosophy? Well, now you know :)
And, not one to ramble on with disjointed, meaningless musings, I shall, for no apparent reason, abruptly end this comment, direct the commander of the space ship that brought me to earth, due to a wrong turn at the asteroid belt and wish all of you, whether from Kepler22b or good grief eh, the nation on earth known as Canada, I wish you a peaceful and positive 'Boxing Day Eve' and a hopeful new beginning in the earth year which will be known as 2012.
I assume the inhabitants of Kepler22b will get the e-book version.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and your family, Magic Laila. You know how much I adore you and your enchanting words....thank you so much for being there for me. All my love...
ReplyDeletePetronela (Unikorna).
What an amazing interview! It was fantastically informative.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
You have a fantastic home planet. I love the artist rendering of it. It's so far away from earth that I would daresay you are safe for all eternity.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy New Year :)
Just stopping in to say, "Happy New Year!"
ReplyDeleteI wish I were in the hammock that Santa is reclining in right now! Funny cartoons!! Happy New Year and best wishes to you in the coming days. Hope we all find success with our writing projects!
ReplyDeleteWhen you're back in service, I left you a small something over at my place.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Laila!
Let me know when you return from the holidays. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThat blog was a lot of fun. I needed to smile.
ReplyDeleteMissing you! Hope all is well and the New Year is treating you fabulously! :) Peace to you!!
ReplyDeletecome on Laila, its like 2012 already. I gave you an award BTW. go here: http://magickless.blogspot.com/2012/01/kreativity.html to see what it is about.
ReplyDeleteI am stopping by from the Top Writing Blog competition.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say hello. This is a great way to find new blogs and visit ones you haven't visited in a while. :)
Elizabeth - Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Hey, where'd you go? Haven't seen you on in a while? :)
ReplyDeleteLaila darling I hope you are ok. I miss you so :(.
ReplyDeleteThis design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep
ReplyDeletea reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own
blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what
you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
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ReplyDeleteI'll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
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