Monday, January 10, 2011

INTERVIEW WITH MADEMOISELLE MISSIE KERSTEN from N.R. Williams - The Treasures of Carmelidrium




Welcome everyone. 
I am thrilled to be interviewing the talented Mademoiselle Missie Kersten live in Gil-Lael. Our readers are fascinated by your story Mademoiselle, as am I.
I would like to start the interview a few background questions if I may?
M. Kersten: Of course you may.
Q. How long have you been studying the flute?
M. Kersten: Since I was six years old. A friend brought their flute to the house and while my mother was talking with her I picked it up and started to play. Both my mother and her friend were determined to get me flute lessons after that.
Q. Why did you choose to study at the University of Colorado? I’m certain that a person of your talent could have chosen any school, including Juilliard in New York.
M. Kersten: Yes, I could have gone to Juilliard, however, Colorado is my home and the University of Colorado has an excellent music program and, they have Professor Cloche. It was an easy choice to be honest.
Q. Mademoiselle Kersten, when you first stumbled into Gil-Lael, what did you think?
M. Kersten: I didn’t know what to think. It was morning, I left L'Amérique at night. Then, the state that I come from, Colorado, doesn’t have giant redwoods and I got confused by that thinking that somehow I was in California.
Q. What happened when you first met the unicorn in Gil-Lael?
M. Kersten: I thought he was a horse at first. When I noticed the horn I was shocked. I mean, wouldn't you be. Then he started talking to me. I looked around but didn't see anyone else and the whole thing took place telepathically. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't resist the unicorns influenced. When I touched him, I heard such beautiful music and when he left I could speak French. I didn't care for his warning though. That my music would heal all but the one, and he would be destroyed. I am an advocate of none violence to resolve problems.
Q. What did you think of Prince Healden? It is pronounced with a silent “a” like Hel-don? Is that correct?
M. Kersten: Yes, that’s right. What can I say; he’s a wonderful guy, charming, good looking, but still a prince. He has surprised me on many occasions with both his compassion and generosity. But I wasn’t born yesterday; I know that the common people don’t mingle with royalty. 
Q. I heard you had a run in with the symberveen? Mademoiselle are you all right? You look shaken.
M. Kersten: Yes, I'm fine. I don’t remember much about them except for the nightmares that intruded on my mind. I was awake and kept seeing distorted images. I’m really glad that His Highness, Prince Healden, was close by to rescue me. We don’t have symberveen in L'Amérique. 
Q. I’ve been told that your music heals like that of Princess Lysandra from the legend of old. 
M. Kersten: I’ve been told the same thing. But who can believe that? Still, whenever I play, there is an elusive something that lingers and lifts my spirits. Very strange. I don’t understand it.
Q. There is a legend about a fair haired people that invaded Gil-Lael over 1400 years ago. You resemble them. What can you say in your defense?
M. Kersten: My ancestors came from Norway. The Vikings, who are the people of this legend, also came from Norway. It doesn’t surprise me that I resemble them. Your legend is very similar to our historical accounts. But there isn’t such a thing as an “evil eye,” as Sigowia’s song implies. He is the prince's minstrel. I can’t turn anyone into stone and I wouldn’t want to. I am a modern American, not an ancient Viking. 
Q. What are your personal goals?
M. Kersten: That’s simple. I want to get home of course. I am two months away from graduation. I can’t help defeat this evil guy in the north. I mean, think about it. I play my flute to entertain people, and I guess here in Gil-Lael there is a great healing benefit that comes with it too. No, I want to go home.
Q. I have heard some say that you have noticed a difference when you play your flute. Doesn’t that make you consider the possibilities that Gil-Lael has to offer you as apposed to L'Amérique?
M. Kersten: I admit. I am mystified over the whole thing. I also am attached to certain people I’ve met here in Gil-Lael. But home is still home.
Q. By attached, you mean His Highness, Prince Healden?
M. Kersten: He’s a great guy…so yes. But don’t tell anyone.
You are too charming Mademoiselle. What a fascinating interview. Thank you so much. My readers will be most intrigued by you my dear.

Thank you so much for stopping today. Please leave comments and your email address to be placed in the drawing. Nancy is kind enough to be giving away three e-books on kindle.
There is also a special from now until July to order your copy at Amazon for only $2.99.
I had the pleasure of reading this wonderful story and it is a fantastic read. 
Be sure to blog hop to the many other bloggers who will be featuring a different interview for the next few weeks. Scroll down a few posts for the schedule or hop over to Nancy’s blog @http://nrwilliams.blogspot.com/
Notes from the author: 
Thanks everyone for dropping in to read this blog tour post. Michael has more information for you. Please leave any questions you may have. I’ll be back all day to answer them.
N. R. Williams (Nancy)


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I would also like to thank everyone who commented on my excerpt and left words of encouragement. I hit the 40,000 word mark last night. I'm on the final stretch. So keep those good vibes coming my way. You're the best.

If you'd like to read an excerpt from THE BLINDED GARDENER, please scroll down to next post.

40 comments:

Christine Danek said...

This was great. I enjoyed the interview.
Good luck on the final stretch.

Ellie Garratt said...

Awesome interview. The best of luck for the final stretch - you CAN do it!

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Christine and Ellie. I appreciate the kind words.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

N. R. Williams said...

CONTEST: I have a contest for 3 free e-books. Just leave a comment with your email address to be in the drawing. Follow the tour and continue to do that for more chances to win.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Robyn Campbell said...

Excellent interview. And what a wonderful protag you are, Mademoiselle. :)

Ms. Williams, do your worlds just pop into your head, or must they be built step by step?

I will be buying your book. Looks awesome.

Margo Benson said...

What a wonderful interview and such a great way to understand characters and personalities. Healing flute music and unicorns....oh wow!
margo.benson@yahoo.co.uk

Very well done on the 40 000 - good luck with the final stretch.

Tony Benson said...

That's a fun interview; very entertaining. It's nice to get this kind of insight into the characters having not yet read the book. It's building up a kind of suspense for me, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

40K, Yey! Good going.
bcd_tony@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love that you interviewed your character! What clever idea. You really know her well. Great job, Nancy.
CD

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Robyn for such high praise.

Margo, interviewing characters is a great way to get to know them.

I'm glad to hear you say that Tony. I thing this might turn out well.

Thanks Clarissa. I appreciate your comment.

Tony and Margo left their email. They are in the contest for a free e-book. You can be too.

I appreciate your hard work Michael. I think I forgot to tell you that the last time I was here.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Robyn Campbell said...

Michael, forgot to leave my email so I can be entered to win the e-book. robyn(at) robyncampbell(dot)com

Southpaw said...

Very fun, creative interview.

N. R. Williams said...

I've got it Robyn. Thank for coming back to leave your email. You are now in the contest.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Holly.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Heather said...

I love that she plays the flute, how awesome! Now that is getting into your story. What a fun interview!

N. R. Williams said...

I love the flute too. Thanks for dropping by Heather.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone.

Nancy I am so happy that the interview is so successful. It is such a fun way to introduce your beautifully written story. It my pleasure to do whatever I can to get the word out.

Good luck with the rest of the blog book tour. I will certainly be following the rest of the interviews. I can't wait until tomorrows.

Michael

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

So how she gets home must be part of the story!
And congratulations on the word count, Michael.

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks for the kind words Michael and for hosting me.

There is no end to plot twist and turns Alex.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

The Words Crafter said...

This was a most unusual and great interview! I'll definitely be getting the book!

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Words Crafter. That's an awesome compliment.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Golden Eagle said...

This is a great interview--I enjoyed learning more about this character in the story!

Good luck with your writing, Michael!

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Golden.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Denise Covey said...

Great character interview Nancy and Michael. This tour is a wonderful idea, so many interesting facets. But,er, no one is leaving their email Nancy! Shall I get the ball rolling?
den.covey@gmail.com

Dani said...

That was fun,Nancy. :) ~ Dani at Blog Book Tours

PK HREZO said...

A lovely interview! Great to learn more about Nancy's story... sounds great! Please enter me for the drawing: pakazo77@gmail.com.

And I'll scroll on down to read some of your work, Michael. :)

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you L'Aussie. A few people are entering, not many.

I am pleased to see you Dani, thanks.

You are in the contest PK. I'm glad you liked the interview.

Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Summer Ross said...

Wonderful interview! I very much enjoyed it. Congrats on hitting your goal last night! well done.

N. R. Williams said...

I'm glad you liked the interview Summer.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

erica and christy said...

What fun!!! We should interview each other's characters more often. I loved it! Fun, fun story, Nancy! You must have enjoyed writing it and feel such happiness to see it published! Congratulations again.

Great writing Michael!!! Sending motivational vibes your way!

Christy

Nicki Elson said...

That's right -- don't tell anyone about Prince Healden. Just post it on your blog! Cute interview.

I'm here to answer your question, Sir Michael: April 26. How about you, Taurus buddy? Got that last 500 words out of you yet?

N. R. Williams said...

I'm glad you enjoyed the interview Erica and Christy. That idea sounds like a blog fest.

Nice to meet you Nicki. I can't give the whole story away. You must read it to learn more about Prince Healden.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Joanna St. James said...

la demoiselle really is charming, she has a way about her. Cant wait to read about her handsome prince

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Joanna.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Brenda Drake said...

Fun way to get to know your character, Nancy. Enjoyed reading the interview. Thanks for sharing!

Michael, yes I did get your package yesterday - wonderful - thank you. Plus, I'm so happy to have a better computer to work on. Yay! :D

Anonymous said...

Interviews with charcaters are a fun way to get to know them. Best wishes for your your smashing success with The Treasures of Carmelidrium!

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Brenda.

It is a great way to get to know the characters better. Thanks Stephen.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Jeff Beesler said...

Lovely interview! Hopefully she'll be able to find her way back home someday.

jeffrey beesler (at) gmail (dot) com

N. R. Williams said...

That's the question. Will she still want to. I've entered you into the contest Jeffrey.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Unknown said...

These interviews are making me want to do interviews with my own characters - I think I'd learn a lot if I did!

And wow, Missie must be super talented on her flute. Most people can hardly produce any sound at all the first time they put their lips to a flute, let alone play it!

Sounds like an awesome story :-)

rachelmorganwrites[at]gmail[dot]com

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Rachel. I'm glad you made it over here. I will add you to the contest since you left your email address.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author