Character Interview – Alexis Winston
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself--both something we learn from [the story] and something that readers might not guess?
I’m so glad to be here and share a little bit about myself! This place I’m living in, the Sierra Pines B&B, is near and dear to my heart. My great aunt Julia willed it to me, and I have to say, I have my doubts about running such a business. I mean, I know plenty about screenwriting, researching, and prop designing, but not about a bed and breakfast. Thank goodness I have the Bellwethers to guide and help me. At twenty-eight, I have goals, both personal and professional, and I’m unsure if staying in Sierra Pines is in the plan. Romance has been put on the back burner. After a disappointing relationship with someone else in show business, I can safely say when I am ready to open up to dating, it won’t be with someone in acting.
2) How did you first meet your writer?
How did we meet? I believe it was in one of her dreams about Hollywood or maybe during a tv show production. I’m a behind the scenes person, unless I’m discussing a line or action in my writing. Some actors are so difficult to work with, you know. Anyway, before I knew it, I found myself in the pages of her book, center stage where I’m not exactly comfortable. But hey, it’s her book after all!
3) Want to dish about him/her?
Oh yes! Besides actors, writers can be difficult, too. LOL. I mean, there were a couple of scenes in BOARDING WITH MURDER when I wanted to change my reaction or to take a different path. It took a lot of persuading, but I finally convinced her my way worked better. Writers can be so touchy!
4) Why do you think that your life has ended up being in a book?
I think I covered that, but maybe I can add a little more incite. The story calls for a main character that’s both talented and compassionate. That fits me perfectly! I love my work in show business, and think I do a pretty great job. My family and close friends are everything to me. If any of them need my help, I’m there for them. If you read BOARDING WITH MURDER, you’ll see there are plenty of moments when I end up helping those in need, especially my friends, the Bellwethers who are deep in trouble. I do everything I can to make things right! That includes looking for the killer, believe it or not. Guess that makes me curious and determined too!
5) Who's your favorite character? Why?
Ooo, that’s a hard one! I mean, I love Gladys and Ollie Bellwether. We’ve been friends for years, and they were so close to my great aunt Julia. They’ve been helping me to run the B&B, and I enjoy those moments when they talk about their years with Julia in show business during Hollywood’s golden era. But then there’s Quint Sterling. He’s not only the sheriff. He’s the one who’s touched my heart and might very well make me change my mind about romance. Maybe once this murder case is solved, we’ll have time to explore!
6) Who's your least favorite character? Why?
That answer might give too much away! Let’s just say, I don’t like people who are selfish and never lift a finger to help anyone else. I’ll leave it at that. 😊
7) What's next for you?
If I decide to keep the B&B, I have plans for sprucing up the place. Gladys and I discussed changing the guest rooms by creating a Hollywood theme. Name each one after a movie that Julia loved and maybe even worked on as the prop designer, and add touches like movie props and photos. On my list so far are Notorious and Casablanca. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Then, there’s a certain sheriff I wouldn’t mind spending more time with. I’m planning for that too!
About Boarding With Murder
Take one quaint B&B, two kind but quirky caretakers, a dead aunt, a murdered friend, and you have mystery. Ali Winston finds she's inherited trouble along with her aunt's B&B, but can she reveal the killer before the curtain closes?
About Kathryn Long
Retired teacher, Kathryn Long now spends her days plotting and writing mysteries. Her most recent credits are romantic suspense novel, A DEADLY DEED GROWS and mystery, BURIED IN SIN. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Under the pen name, Bailee Abbott this author writes the Paint by Murder cozy series, starting with A BRUSH WITH MURDER soon to be released. Kathryn lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio.
Thanks so much for hosting and for the nice review of BOARDING WITH MURDER. Ali and the Sierra Pines gang enjoy the attention :-)
ReplyDeleteNeat Review!😊
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