The Authorized Version

Okay, life, even the writing life, isn't a popularity contest, but I'll admit to scanning TOP TEN lists just on the chance I might find one of my books there.  Well, it did happen in 1996. So you can imagine my delight when I learned from Shannon Taylor Vannatter that my fictional romantic interview made the Top Ten list on her INKSLINGER Blog.       

Of course, I don't get any of the credit.  Shannon asked the questions and my out-spoken heroine Felicity answered them, but I'm the proud parent smiling in the background.  If you want to see the original, here's the link:  http://ning.it/g4OVTF
 

Of if you prefer just to stay right where you are, here's the interview:   

Inkslinger interviews Felicity Howard,

Heroine of A VERY PRIVATE GRAVE 

1.         Felicity, I understand that A Very Private Grave is an ecclesiastical thriller, so it has a lot of suspense in it, but I liked the review that said it had “lashings of romance”, too. So what’s the most romantic thing you and Antony do together?

 (Felicity thinks for a moment, then breaks into a huge grin.) Oh, I can’t believe this.  You have to understand, I went off to theological college on a whim with very little Christian background or understanding.  At first I was so irritated by Antony always taking time to pray— I mean, even when we were being chased by murderers!  But after a while I was captivated by his quiet, sincere Christian life. So I’ll have to admit it— Praying together eventually became the thing that draws us together most powerfully. That really is the word, you know.  There’s a power there.  I still don’t understand it, but—

 2.         Yes, thank you, Felicity.  Donna warned me that you do go on a bit.  Tell us about the most romantic place you and Antony have ever been.

 Well, you see, since we seem to spend most of our time chasing and being chased by murderers we haven’t really had much time for romantic idylls. Although I must say, the ancient holy sites we visited such as the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne and Durham Cathedral certainly offered great scenic beauty. But believe it or not, one of our most romantic moments was when Antony saved me from drowning and we had to spend most of the night in a rescue tower.  That was when Antony began to think perhaps he isn’t called to take vows of celibacy. You see, he was thinking of becoming a monk. . .

 3.         Um, yes.  Can you tell us what simple gesture Antony does that melts you every time?

 You need to understand that for all of his intelligence, wisdom and strong moral fiber, Antony’s limited experience with women has been fraught with pain. So, he has this cute little way of sort of pushing away his insecurity by running his hand through his hair. Up and down, like this.  (She demonstrates.) The more I’ve learned to value his strengths, the more this sign of his vulnerability touches my heart. It’s endearing, almost like a little boy—

 4.         Okay, what simple gesture do you do that melts Antony?

 Well, you know, he hasn’t learned to be very expressive yet.  But I think I really amuse him. He’s so cautious and I loosen him up by running headlong at every challenge.  I don’t suppose you can call it a “simple gesture,” but I think Antony admires my courage and tenacity even when it extends to stubbornness.  And one of the things that always makes him smile is my habit of breathlessly blurting out about ten questions in a row before he can get a word in. Of course, you’d really have to ask him.  Oh, and then, there’s—

 5.         Yes, I see what you mean.  What is the most caring thing Antony has ever done for you?

 Saving my life.  Several times, actually.  And even after I thought maybe he was the murderer.  Well, to tell you the truth, I was pretty sure of it there for awhile.  But he did just go off with our chief suspect.  And I was so mad at him.  But then he was always there when I really, really, really needed him.

 6.         Who said, “I love you” first, you or Antony?

 Oh, he hasn’t said it yet. I’m sure I’ll have to be the one.  But that’s all right, because I never have any trouble speaking what’s on my mind.  But you have to understand, this is the first book in the series and that Donna Fletcher Crow woman keeps telling me I have to grow up and learn to think things through. And I suppose she’s right, all my rushing did get me into a lot of trouble, but don’t you think being careful all the time can be really boring?  And besides, Antony is careful enough for both of us.

 Um, thank you Felicity.

 Oh, you’re very welcome.  Thank you.  I’ve really loved visiting with you and I’ll be really happy to answer any questions your readers want to leave in the comment boxes. Oh, and if they want to know more about me they can go to www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com and see a video about me— well, really, it’s about the book, and see pictures of our monastery and order the book about me and. . .  Oh, did I tell you how devastatingly handsome Antony is?  Especially in his cassock.  He has this thick black hair and a beautiful voice and this sort of lopsided smile. . .