Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Character Interview – with Roger Woodbridge from Storm Clouds by M.E. Sutton and a Giveaway

Character Interview – Roger Woodbridge, Interviewed by M.E. Sutton

M: Welcome, Roger. Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me.

R: Not a problem. My pleasure.

M: So, you are the chief steward for Mallory. Just what does a chief steward do?

R: I’m responsible for daily operations for the manor. I oversee all of the other servants, deal with minor disagreements or discipline issues, that sort of thing. If visitors come to the manor, I am responsible for seeing they are given appropriate rooms, meals are planned, etc. And, since Lady Starla is not married, I often accompany her when she travels, both to be a companion and security. I am not, however, involved with the governance of the estate or affairs in Mallory town.

M: You also seem to be the main contact for Lyla Stormbringer.

R: I suppose so. It certainly is true that when Lyla visits she spends a good amount of time with me. I suppose that’s natural since I’m in the best position to know what is going on in the estate.

M: You two do seem to have a special relationship. Do you see yourself as a mentor to her?

R: Well, yes. I lost my own daughter years ago, so Lyla kind of fills that role for me. She has more potential than she knows. The father in me wants her to fulfill that potential. So anything I can do to help, I’m glad to do. And she’s a good companion and friend. We trust each other.

M: In your most recent adventure, you two had to engage it a little hand-to-hand fighting, as well as some investigation. What was that like?

R: Challenging. I wasn’t particular worried about Lyla’s fighting skills, but she was wounded. That concerned me. Sometimes she seems to have crises of confidence, and that makes her be a bit headstrong. Hopefully I can help her get past that. But she’s very smart and strong, more than she gives herself credit for, I think. Yes, she’s well on her way to becoming a find young woman.

M: What do you mean? Isn’t she already a young woman?

R (smiles): Yes, of course.

M: Okay, well then. You seem to know something we don’t, but that’s okay. So, what about Lady Starla? How would you describe your relationship with her?

R: She is a very lovely lady, dignified, beautiful, and accomplished. I am proud to be her steward and am her faithful servant.

M: Really? That’s all? I mean, anyone can tell you care about her very much.

R: I really don’t want to continue that line of conversation.

M: Good enough. So, based on recent events, what do you think is going on? Isolated events or something bigger?

R: I’m not sure yet. Certainly there have been hints that someone is behind both Oscar’s bid to take over Mallory and the recent troubles with Devin. But nothing concrete. It is very troubling. Fighting between estates is bad enough, but not uncommon. If someone is trying to destabilize the entire Empire, that is bad. It must be stopped.

M: Do you think Lyla is up to the task?

R: Absolutely. And of course I’ll be there to help her.

M: Of course. Well, thanks again for talking to me. When you see Lady Starla again, please give her a hug and kiss from me. (winks)


R (blushing): I, ah, will give her your regards.



Storm Clouds
Hero’s Sword Vol. 2
M.E. Sutton

Genre: fantasy -middle grade

Publisher: Delabarre Publishing
Date of Publication: April 24, 2013

ISBN: 9781619410558
ASIN: B00CIUR7HO

Number of pages: 76
Word Count: ~24,000

Cover Artist: Jen Domani


Book Description:

Eighth-grader Jaycee Hiller is beginning to fear she only imagined her trip to Mallory. But when a rainy afternoon leaves her with hours of playing Hero’s Sword, her favorite video game, she finds herself drawn back into the game – literally.

STORM CLOUDS is the exciting second volume of the HERO’S SWORD saga – chronicling Jaycee Hiller’s trials in eight grade, and her exciting adventures in Mallory, the setting of her favorite video game. Jaycee enters the video game realm via a special controller and is caught up in the action of this fantasy realm.

In STORM CLOUDS, a valuable jewel belonging to the neighboring estate of Devin, the Sapphire Star, is missing, stolen at the Fall Consortium. Lady Starla stands accused of the theft. Devin’s demands are clear: return the Star or they will take it back by force.

Now it’s up to Lyla Stormbringer to find the Star and the thief. before Mallory finds itself at war.


About the Author:

A software technical writer by day, Mary Sutton has been making her living with words for over a decade. She writes the Hero’s Sword middle-grade fantasy series as M.E. Sutton, and The Laurel Highlands Mysteries series as Liz Milliron. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two children.









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3 comments:

Liz Milliron said...

Thanks for hosting a stop on the tour!

Roxanne Rhoads said...

sounds like a fun book, I think my kids would like it

Liz Milliron said...

I'd love to know if they do!