Author Interviews Novels & Stories

Today. The interview is scheduled for the next morning. A hotel room in the city, neutral ground, swept for bugs by Marcus’s team. The reporter’s name is Sarah. She is older, grey-haired, with sharp eyes and a calm voice that commands attention. She has won two Pulitzers for investigative journalism. She does not work for tabloids. She works for the truth. She sits across from me at a small table. Nathaniel is beside me, his arm still in a sling, his jaw tight. Marcus stands by the door, his arms crossed. Sarah places a recorder on the table. She asks if I am ready.

“Sorry to disturb you, Diane. The interviewer for the International Women’s Day feature is here. It’s about celebrating women’s success in media and leadership. Should I let him in?” I nod, setting the diary aside. “Yes, please. I’m ready.” Elise smiles and opens the door wider. A tall, familiar man walks in with a confident stride and a charming smile. My stomach drops instantly when I realize who he is. It’s the guy from the art gallery. “Damien Cole,” he says smoothly, extending his hand as if we’ve never met. “Lead journalist for the Global Women’s Voices series. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Harrington.”

And wasn’t it interesting that he couldn’t wait to find out? Let her interview you, Aunt Bev had said. He considered the ramifications. Agreeing to an interview would allow him to spend time with a woman to whom he was attracted. That, alone, was worth major consideration. Let her ask her questions. He didn’t have to answer every one of them. He didn’t have to answer any of them, for that matter. All he had to do was stand his ground, ignore that electricity that arced between them whenever they touched—simple enough, just don’t touch her—and pay attention to her questions. Reporters were sneaky. They had a way of getting you to say things you hadn’t intended to say.

Anyway, I managed to put you in the media, magazines, and newspapers. - - And what exactly am I doing there? - - It is not you in person but it is something you said…well, I said on behalf of you. - - Whatever it is I am sure it is fine. - - It is an imagined interview in which you explain to your fans why you cannot honor your concerts. - - I imagine that this interview is not telling all the truth. - - Actually there is just a bunch of lies but it will do. You are covered until you find Rita.

" he inquired. "I am Evelyn Rogers you can call me Eva; will you give me your interview? I am a reporter for the local newspaper here, and I would be happy to tell our readers about you," she responded. "Sure, when do you want to do it?" he inquired. “Today would be better," she explained. "Okay, I just came; can you wait for me outside?" He asked. "Okay ". Eva replied with a nod, feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of interviewing such a talented and intriguing artist. She quickly gathered her belongings and made her way outside to meet Kim Alexander eager to learn more about his artistic process and the inspiration behind his stunning paintings.

Calix picked the people he wanted to work with while I picked the Kyrell art and gallery as our meeting point. “Nice meeting you, Mrs Kyrell,” A female reporter said as she stretched her hand for a handshake, and I politely took the offer. “Bring us some coffee,” I instructed Becky, then proceeded to take my seat, and they sat on their designated chairs. I watched them set up their cameras and arrange their mic. “Thank you for granting us this interview,” The lady said. “Shall we begin?” She asked and I nodded my head. “So, Mrs Kyrell, tell us about yourself,” She asked, and I gave her little to no information about me.

I don’t have an idea if we will be having a semester break but I think it’s impossible. By the way, I will be having an interview today that will be out today as well. I don’t know if it will be a video call interview or through chat. This interview is for the forum of one website that has a large range of audience. I decided to accept this interview as it will help me to promote my story and to gain readers. For me, this is another achievement that I never imagine will be happening. I am just seeing this online or on television but now, it’s my turn that someone will interview me. It’s such an honor and my pleasure. I can feel nervous and pressure right now.

The interview was scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the apartment. Diana had arranged for a journalist named Sarah Chen, someone with a reputation for fairness and integrity, to conduct it. The crew would be small, she assured us—just Sarah, a cameraman, and a producer. But as Thursday approached, my anxiety grew exponentially.

I feel myself becoming enraptured all over again. It’s clear the interviewer is enraptured, too. Her face is flushed for the entire video and she’s constantly playing with her hair. Aiden is as charming as always and has the interviewer laughing almost nonstop. I ignore the strange feeling the sight gives me. It’s toward the end of the interview when the subject of the article finally comes up. The interviewer leans forward with a conspiratorial expression on her face. “As you probably know, many of your fans want to know if you’re still single…”

“Why? Just because we were fucking the hell out of each other a few minutes ago?” I smack his leg as he laughs. “Stop, they could join the call at any second. Even on mute, they might sense what we’re talking about.” “You worry too much, sweetheart,” says with an adorable choir boy look on his face. I know that Gray’s just trying to get me to relax, but there’s just too damn much riding on this. Aside from the weapons we’ve brought with us, these interviews are the only protection we’ll have. I just pray these guys are legit and at least have an ounce of good old-fashioned integrity.