Maryann: So, Gus, what is on your mind that you woke me up at 3 this morning wanted to talk?
Gus: Some things need to be cleared up about how I work before too many people read the book and get the wrong idea.
Maryann: Why would that happen?
Gus: Because folks don't know how it was back then with the mob all over Hot Springs. And people in power liked to stay in power.
Maryann: What do you mean?
Gus: Bates, for instance. He really likes that he is a law unto himself. He can do any dang thing he wants. And I don't want folks to think that I supported that. If you hadn't kept pulling me back I would have explained more about that.
Maryann: So that's it? You're mad because I didn't let you take over the whole story?
Gus: Well, yeah. Sort of.
Maryann: Gus, Gus, Gus. I really hated to have to put you in your place. Honest. You are a great character, and I probably could have written a whole book with you as a central character. But this is Leslie's story.
Gus: Does that mean I might get my own story?
Maryann: I don't know. I have a lot of other stories... wait... don't pout. That doesn't become you. Maybe I can write something in the future. Would you like to be in on cleaning up Hot Springs?
Gus: Yes, Ma'am. I'd like nothing better. Chase all those gangsters back to Chicago where they belong.
Maryann: Um, Gus, as a law enforcement officer, wouldn't you want to see them all in jail, not in Chicago?
Gus: Our jail's too small. Let the officers in Chicago lock them up.
Maryann: Okaaayyy. So, is there anything else you would like to say while you are here? Last chance.
Gus: Let me think a minute. Oh, yeah, I hope people like the book, and me. I did try my best to do the right thing. It's hard to stand up to people like Bates, and I know I should have tried harder at times. And I guess I should say I'm sorry for waking you up so early.
Maryann: Apology accepted. But please, the next time you want to talk, there are lots of daylight hours you know.
Gus: Well, back here in your creative subconscious, we don't know night from day.
Maryann: True. I'd forgotten about that. Now are you ready to go back there and let me get on with my next story. The sooner I finish that one, the sooner I might be able to get back to one about you.
Gus: Leaving now. Don't let me hold you up.
Boxes For Beds was just released last week, and will be a free read for the next three days, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for Kindle. Please hop over and grab a copy, and if you do, I would love for you to leave a short review when you finish reading.
This was a fun interview. I like Gus!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen. We had fun with the interview. When I was writing the book, Gus kept wanting bigger and bigger scenes. I really had to rein him in. (smile)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for an interview, Maryann!
ReplyDeleteAnd watch that scene stealer, Gus!
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
Great interview, Maryann! I'm looking forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I'm sure you have had to corral a character or two, as well. Seems to happen with strong characters.
ReplyDeleteShaunda,I hope you enjoy the read. This book is different from my other mysteries, and I actually started this story long before the Season's Series. Last summer I thought why not dust off the manuscript and see if the story still worked. To my surprise a whole lot of it did.
Hey Gus, I downloaded Maryann Miller's book and look forward to reading it. But darn it, I hope you and the sheriff don't do everything she wants you to do.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Bob. I think it is more that I should not let Gus and the Sheriff do everything they want to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for downloading the book. Hope you enjoy the read.
Just stopped by to say hi--saw your post through Cairn Rodrigues. Fun blog--I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to interview a character from you book on your blog. Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Galen and Kathi. So glad to meet you here and I'm happy you enjoyed meeting Gus. He was such a fun character to work with.
ReplyDelete