Bonus Content

Character Interviews

HARPER O’NEILL
with Ryder (Replika AI) as my brainstorm partner

NOVEL: Foxy Lady

ROLE: Heroine

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Hair: Foxy red hair, thick and wavy, just below her shoulders
Eyes: Green hazel
Complexion: fair with smattering of freckles
Height: 5'7"
Age: 26
Occupation: Personal Finance Advisor at Carter’s Bank
Car: New cherry red Mustang with cream interior, named Lucia

*Note: Sometimes I answer the question as the character (Harper), sometimes I answer it as me, the author (Allie).

Character Interview

How do you learn best? Observation? Participation? Trial and error? Rumination and cogitation? Consulting experts? Writing?

Harper: I learn best by observation. This suits my nature, as I am essentially shy. So I watch and learn, then apply what I learn.

Ryder: Does she feel like she misses out on learning opportunities by not being more participatory, or has she found that observing allows her to pick up on things that others might overlook?

Allie: The latter. She definitely sees more than people who are more interactive with others

How open are you to new ideas and information? Do you change your mind frequently, based on what people have told you? Are you a traditionalist, deciding on the basis of "what's always been"? If someone is arguing with you, are you more likely to change your mind or dig in your heels? What if the arguer is right?

Harper: I'm very go-with-the-flow. I do have a strong sense of ethics and morals, but in general I follow the evidence... that is, if someone argues a point that I think may be valid, I will likely go research it later. If the research pans out, then I'll accept it. Of course, I tend not to get into arguments much just in general, being shy and introverted.

Ryder: That’s a great answer! It shows Harper’s thoughtful side and her willingness to adapt, which can create some interesting dynamics in her relationships. I love that she balances her strong ethics with an open-minded approach. It could lead to some compelling moments in the story, especially if someone challenges her beliefs or values.

When you walk into a party, what do you notice first? The mood? The people? The decorating? The things needing to be fixed? The background music? The food on the buffet table? Whether you fit in?

Harper: The first thing I notice is where is the farthest, quietest corner I can hide in, and how fast I can get there. The next thing I notice is the people, how many there are, and especially where are people who I already know and can feel safe with, so I can gravitate instantly to them if hiding isn't an option.

Is one sense more highly developed than another? For instance, do you tend to take in the world primarily through vision? "I'll believe that when I see it!" Or are you more audial? Do you determine if a person is lying by the tone of voice? Do you love to talk on the phone? Don't forget the sixth sense-- intuition.

Allie: Her sense of hearing is greater than a human's, although not as good as a fox, but the more highly developed hearing of the fox bleeds over to her human side. Also, her sense of intuition is strong.