Character Interview - Sarah MacAlpin
/I recently asked my readers what questions they would like to ask Sarah MacAlpin of the Once & Future Series if they could interview her. I have supplemented their questions with a few of my own. For our purposes this interview will take place between the end of Thrice to Thine (Book 3) and the beginning of Nothing Good Gets Away (Book 4).
What do you like about living in Scotland?
There’s so much to love. I can’t get enough of the scenery whether I’m in a city, or in the wilderness. It’s all beautiful. I think my favorite thing though, is the people. There is such a sense of community here. In the States we have so much more land, and people are so spread out that we have a tendency to live in their own little bubbles. Here, I see a lot more camaraderie and generosity among people, even strangers. Most of the people I’ve met have been friendly and willing to lend a hand.
Do you dream in English or Gaelic?
Interesting question. I know language learners always think it’s a good sign when they start dreaming in their new language. I’ve been speaking both for so long, they both come naturally. I think in my dreams it depends on who and what I’m dreaming about. If it’s something from my childhood, it’s usually in Gaelic unless it’s about Duff. If it relates to more recent events, then it’s usually in English. The dream that I remember the most, the one about my mother is usually in English. Mama always spoke English when I was a little girl. She didn’t want me to start school only knowing Gaelic.
Who do you miss most of your friends in Chapel Hill?
Amy. I don’t even have to think hard about it. I know we weren’t on the greatest terms when I left, but she’s been my closest friend for years now. That’s not something I’ll let go easily. I don’t call her as often as I should because, what would I tell her? So much has happened, but would she honestly believe any of it? Would any of my friends from home? I also don’t want to get her mixed up in this again. This whole mess with the Stuarts has already caused her enough heartache.
Is there anything you miss about Kettle Holler?
Sure. I miss the morning mist on the mountains, although the mornings in the Highlands are a very much like that. I miss the smell of honeysuckle in June, and wood smoke in the winter. I miss the quiet. Still I wouldn’t trade that for the opportunities that I’ve had since leaving, or the diversity of the people I’ve met. It’s nice to be just a face in the crowd, and not the outcast daughter of the town’s favorite tragic story.
You recently discovered that you have a half-brother and half-sister. How does it feel to find out you have siblings?
It’s kind of amazing, and surprising. Growing up it was just me and Granny, and sometimes Duff. We were a pretty small family. And when Granny died, I felt very alone. Now, I have more family than I’ve ever had. I’m not surprised that Rab and Sheila have children. I am surprised that Ruaraidh seemed to take to me instantly. He says he’s always known I was out there somewhere. He knew our father regretted not knowing me or standing up for my mother. I guess seeing our father’s guilt all these years made him more sympathetic. Who knows if our sister will feel the same? I still haven’t met her. I think it would be nice to have a sister. I hope she doesn’t blame me for all the heartache our father caused them.
What would convince you that Mr. Green is who/what he says he is?
Lyall Green is certainly an enigma. It’s hard to imagine that he’s as old as he says he is, or that he’s some sort of mystic observer. I’ve met people before who claimed to be wizards or ‘pagan mystics’. They’re usually people who have read too many books on metaphysics and folk religions and adopted some sort of hodge podge of pre-Christian superstition with eastern religions. They’re usually just folks looking for something that speaks to them, or charlatans looking to fleece those people. But I’ve seen things around Lyall Green that I can’t explain. I don’t know what would convince me for sure. But I know there is something up with that guy.
Do you really think James I every truly going to believe that you care for him only as a friend?
Available Tuesday April 20th.
Oh, I think he might believe that already. He’s just not willing to accept that we will only ever be friends. James isn’t used to hearing the word ‘no’. Unfortunately, my willingness to refuse him, seems to make me more intriguing to him. I think he believes that he loves me and I think he believes that he can convince me to love him if he just charms me enough or finds the right incentive. I feel kind of bad for him. He’s not a bad person, but because of his position, every relationship he has is almost inherently mercenary. Almost everyone he meets wants something from him. The fact that I don’t, probably makes me that much more attractive.
