Meet the Characters

I want you to get to know some of the characters of my novel Claiming Peace, Book 3 in the Caney Creek Series. For several Mondays I’ll interview one of the characters and you can leave comments if you want. I think this might help you when you read my novel to know how these characters feel as they move through the story. If you leave a comment on this blog that is totally related to the interview I'll give you an extra entry in the next Thursday book drawing.

There is one last character I want you to meet--next week. As a favor to me, please think about what you'd like to see in my future Monday blogs. I plan to continue doing book giveaways on Thursdays. I'd appreciate some ideas from you as to what you'd enjoy reading on Mondays. Please leave your thoughts on this in the comment section any time for the next three blog posts. Thank you.

Today I’m talking with Art Gray in Newton, Tennessee.

Hello, Art. I talked with Arthur Gray a while back. Is he your father?

Yes, ma’am, he is.

And I remember talking recently with your sister, Jennifer. According you her, your family is related to the Callaway family in a roundabout way.

That’s right. We’re included in all their times together. I really like my Under Jim. I’m really kin to him through my mother’s side of the family. I don’t really know much about it, just what I hear them talk about.

What is it about your Uncle Jim that you like?

He’s just a good guy—all the time. My senior year in high school I got into a heap of trouble. When I had to stand before the juvenile judge, Uncle Jim was there with us. He couldn’t do anything about changing the law in my favor but it was good to know he was there backing me.

Art, did you get out of your trouble without too much trouble?

Well, it’s a really long story. Just let me say this: It’s the best thing that ever happened to me when that judge sent me to a residency rehabilitation place. See, I hated school and anybody who told me what to do. The place where he sent me was great for me. My counselor there, Amy, knew how to get me turned around. She worked with my high school to get my school work with her verified and I got my diploma.

Congratulations. I’m glad you received your high school diploma.

That’s not really all the story. The ending up to now is that I’m enrolled in a small 4-year college near here. Amy convinced me that my future was up to me. I could study or not, but I had to choose. So, I’ve had two years of college and my sister is probably going to enroll in my college also.

When I spoke with Jennifer she mentioned that. Y’all seem to get along well.

Yes, ma’am, we do.

Art, you look sad. What’s bothering you?

Our mom is very sick . . . she will probably never get well. I didn’t know about it until I returned from the rehabilitation place. I was sure my juvenile, stupid ways had caused her to get sick. But Mom assures me that I was wrong. We’re all trying to be helpful to her around the house—even Dad.

I’m sure your mom appreciates your help. Maybe with everyone’s help, she will get well.

The doctor says she won’t. But she doesn’t want us to see her when she is really sick. During those times she stays in her bedroom.

Well, whether you mom gets better or not, it’s good that your family is with her and wants to help her get through her illness.

Yes, ma’am, we do.

The winner of last Thursday's blog post for a copy of On a Summer Night by Diane Dean White is MaryB. I'll email you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.

Till next time … keep on smiling.