BJ Hoff's GRACE NOTES

Interview at Nick Harrison's Blog

Ever wonder where all those people come from who fill the pages of my books?

So do I!

Nick Harrison, Sr. Editor at Harvest House Publishers, helps me take a closer look at them in his interview with me on his blog.

BJ

 

 

Giving Birth ... to a Character

 I confess that I don't entirely understand the mysterious process by which a character is "born." That it is a mysterious process, however, I don't question. Most of my story people simply show up, usually unexpectedly and almost always uninvited. I might have a whisper of an idea, but the story itself takes shape from the characters. In fact, it's probably accurate to say that every novel I've written began with a character, or more than one, rather than a plot.

Because I don't actually have a "process" for characterization,  it's awkward to attempt to answer questions like these--which I'm asked fairly often: "Where do your characters come from?" or "How do you develop your characters?"

Even though I really can't describe what takes place in a character's "birth," I'm aware of a few things I need to know about my characters before I can proceed with telling the story. Here are some of the essentials:

(1)    His/her backstory. It's vital for me to know a character's history. This usually comes about through simply thinking about that character. Not just for a one-hour period or even a day or two, but for an extended period of time. I have to live with him/her, ask questions of him, get to know him. When a character comes on scene, I may know he belongs, that he's going to be either a major part of the story or at least an important part--but I don't really know him. Not yet. So I spend a lot of time with him, just finding out everything I can. 

(2)    Her name. I don't always name a character at the beginning of her appearance. It sometimes take days, and a part of that process is what I mentioned above--the "getting to know you" time. The right name for one of my characters has to be the only name, to the point that no other name will work. I'm locked in place as far as the story is concerned until my characters have just the right names.

(3)     His voice. It's absolutely essential that I can clearly hear a character's voice. I'm not talking about the narrative voice or style here, but the speaking voice. It's not enough for me to know that he's Irish and has the tongue of a Kerry man rather than a Northern Ireland accent. I have to hear him speak--the inflections, the rhythm, the cadence and pacing of his words, the timbre--in various situations. I have to know how he sounds when he's tender, when he's angry, when he's in a rage, when he's hurt, when he's sarcastic, when he's speaking to a child as opposed to an adult, when he's in pain, when he's celebrating...all the nuances and emotions that the human voice can contain and convey. I need to know his voice so well that I could immediately identify that one distinctive voice in a crowded room. It's a voice unlike any other. 

(4)    What she wants. Until I know what a character's desires are, her aspirations, her goals, her dreams, I can't possibly move her forward in the story. For me, this is far more important than the color of her eyes or hair, her height or weight. More than I need to know what she looks like, I need to know what motivates her.

(5)     His spirit. This is almost impossible to describe, but it's not as nebulous as it may sound. It includes whether a character's spirit dances or plods, whether the heart is light or heavy, if the music within him is melancholy or bright, if he's fractured or whole--and so much more. In short, it's his essence. 

Some of these elements seem to come as a grace...I just know certain things about a character. But only a few things, not all. The rest emerge in proportion to the time I spend with that character, thinking about her, questioning her, walking with her, listening to her, living with her.

And even after all that, it still somehow seems a mystery.

BJ

Meeting Captain Gant

 Today I'll be interviewing Jeremiah Gant--"Captain Gant"--from my historical Amish series, The Riverhaven Years. First, though, for those of you who aren't yet familiar with the residents of Riverhaven, I thought I'd introduce a few folks from this Old Order Amish settlement that's grown up near the Ohio River in southern Ohio. 

Rachel Brenneman--a young widow with a secret--a secret threatened by the arrival of a stranger who bursts into the remote Amish community like a torrential storm off the river, needing a safe place to recuperate from a wound inflicted by a ruthless enemy.

Jeremiah Gant--"Captain Gant"--a suspicious, perhaps even dangerous, "outsider" to the Amish, who brings his own secrets and conflict to the unsuspecting settlement. The Amish know nothing of this "Underground Railroad" of which he's a part--nor do they want anything to do with the wounded stranger who threatens their peace-loving community with the consequences of a violent past ... and his forbidden love for their own Rachel.

Dr. David Sebastian--friend and family doctor to the entire Riverhaven community. Over the years, this transplanted British physician has grown to love and respect the People, especially the one woman he can never have. 

Susan Kanagy--Rachel's mother and a woman devoted to her Amish faith--yet torn between that faith and her desire to help the wounded outsider who befriends her and the People of Riverhaven, even as he falls in love with Susan's daughter. 

Asa--freed slave, friend and co-conductor, along with Jeremiah Gant, on the Underground Railroad. A devout follower of Christ who lives his faith by leading others out of their chains into freedom.

Gideon Kanagy--Rachel's brother, who disputes the Amish belief in nonresistance and vows to put an end to the persecution that has plagued his people for generations.

-----

What follows is an interview with Jeremiah Gant--"Captain Gant--" from The Riverhaven Years. For some of you, this may be the first time you've met him. For others who know him from reading the series, perhaps you'll get to know him a little better through this interview. 

Some brief background information on him:  

An Irish-born riverboat captain who's been in the States since he was a boy, Gant first appears in Riverhaven with a serious gunshot wound, desperately needing medical attention and a place to heal. With the help of his friend, Asa, he makes his way to the home of Rachel Brenneman, a young Amish widow who at first resists offering them shelter. Given his critical condition, however, she relents and takes both men under her roof--an act that soon brings her under the scrutiny and disapproval of the Amish leadership and some of her neighbors. 

I met with Captain Gant at his recently acquired carpentry shop in Riverhaven. He's a tall man with a head of rather unruly dark hair, a dangerous-looking mustache, and a surprisingly quiet voice in which his Irish accent is still distinct, despite his being a citizen of the United States for several years. He's probably in his mid-thirties. An unmistakably keen, mercurial intelligence simmers about the man, as well as an  unpredictable sense of humor. I soon learned that he seldom makes a move without the big, sturdy black dog he calls "Mac" at his side. Mac seemed harmless enough, but something in his manner let me know he would tolerate me only so long as I didn't create a problem for his owner. 

Gant himself seemed friendly enough, but as was the case with his dog, I caught a sense of a complex nature that could turn dark in an instant. In other words, a man one might not want to provoke. He seems to possess a certain confidence that doesn't approach arrogance, but instead is more the demeanor of a man comfortable with who he is but not overly impressed with himself. It soon became clear that he's not given to revealing much in the way of personal information, so you may find his replies to my questions brief, even abrupt, in places.

But that's enough introduction. I'll let him speak for himself from here ... 

-----

BJ:    So, Captain Gant--my research tells me you're considered a 'master carpenter' in addition to having been a highly capable riverboat pilot. Are you devoting yourself altogether to your carpentry trade now, or do you still spend some time on the river? 

JG:   I'm pretty much settled in with the shop these days. A bum leg is no good on the river.

BJ:    (I was embarrassed that I'd forgotten that Gant is severely lame, due to the damage done to his leg by a gunshot wound.) 

You're originally from Ireland, isn't that so? (He nodded) What brought you to America?

JG:     A need for survival.

(I must have looked puzzled, because he went on.)  Ireland was starving at the time, you see. Most likely still is. I left to stay alive.

BJ:    (He was nothing if not direct.) And what made you decide to settle here, later on, in such a small area--and in one that's predominantly Amish? 

JG:     (With a shrug and a somewhat evasive glance) I was here quite some time while recuperating from an injury, long enough to get to like the place and the people. So I stayed. 

BJ:    But an Amish community? I've always thought the Amish an insular, even clannish sort of people. Have they actually accepted you into their midst?

JG:    The Amish community isn't the town of Riverhaven, but a neighboring settlement. And, no, I'm not a part of the community, but they've treated me well enough. I have a few close friends among them, and for the most part, they're friendly folks. 

BJ:    You like them, then?

JG:    (With a nod) I do. They're good people. 

BJ:    Any interest in joining their faith--becoming Amish yourself?

(Gant's reply came with a slight narrowing of the eyes. For a moment I thought I might have offended him, but apparently that wasn't the case.) 

JG:    I'm not a great one for looking too far ahead. And if you don't mind my asking: what, exactly, is this 'interview' for anyway? Why did you want to talk with me?

BJ:    Your story seems to fascinate many of my readers. They want to know more about you. They're especially interested in your...relationship with Rachel Brenneman. Would you like to comment on that?

JG:      I would not. 

BJ:     Not at all?

JG:     Not at all. (This said with one raised eyebrow and a distinctly challenging look. Needless to say, I didn't press the issue.)

BJ:    Well, then, how about talking a little about your work with the Underground Railroad?

(This brought a look that would have withered a cactus, accompanied by a slight thickening of his Irish accent.)

JG:    What would that be, this--'Underground Railroad?'  

BJ:    Captain Gant, there are rumors that--

JG:  (With a shake of his head and a thin smile)  You'd do well to pay no heed to rumors. They're not worth the air in your hand.

BJ:     Really, sir, your name is often associated with the work being done with that particular organization--the 'Freedom Train,' as some refer to it.

JG:     Is that so? Well, as I said--rumors aren't worth much.

BJ:    So you're not associated with it at all?

JG:    (Again that thin, rather unpleasant smile) Did I say that? I thought you did.

BJ:    (At this point I was reaching for a question that he might at least answer.)  Would you like to comment on the trouble the Amish have been experiencing in this area? No doubt you know something of the harassment and ill-treatment they've endured.

JG:    (He leaned back in his chair at this point, crossed his arms over his chest, and studied me until I grew more than a little uncomfortable.) You already seem to know a great deal about me. So why all these questions, I wonder?

BJ:    As I explained, my readers are curious about you. I'm really doing this interview for them. 

JG:     Curious about me, eh? 

BJ:    (I nodded, trying not to appear too hopeful that finally he might be about to open up about himself.) Yes, that's right. Very curious.

(At this point, he got to his feet, looked down the length of the table at me, and cracked a much friendlier--if somewhat wicked--smile, and said:) 

JG:    Then it seems to me that what you should do, ma'am, is simply recommend that the lot of them read those books you're writing about me. When it comes down to it, I wouldn't mind a copy or two myself.

That was, as you might imagine, the end of the interview.

BJ

*For other character interviews, go to the "Character" section of Grace Notes.

Meeting Maggie

 

Recently I interviewed Jonathan Stuart of The Mountain Song Legacy series, written by yours truly.  Today I'll be interviewing Maggie, from the same series. Those of you who have read the complete trilogy have known Maggie since childhood and watched her grow from girl to woman. For those of you who are meeting her for the first time, let me just give you a little background information.

Maggie is the daughter of Irish immigrant parents, Matthew and Kate MacAuley. She was born and raised in the small coal company town of Skingle Creek, Kentucky. I found her to be an intriguing young woman--sharply intelligent with firm opinions on almost everything and a deep affection for her family and friends--and for the town where she grew up.

I talked with Maggie at her home over coffee and the most delicious apple cake I've ever tasted. She made certain I knew that the cake was a creation of her mother's, claiming "no great talent in the kitchen" for herself. That might be the case, but I found her coffee second to none. I might note that her close companion during the interview was the family dog, "Figaro"--an enormous hound of some indeterminate breed, with paws nearly the size of dinner plates and a head easily as large as that of a pony. At first I found the animal somewhat unnerving. He seldom took his eyes off me, and if I happened to make a sudden move, he gave a rather unsettling low growl. But after the first few minutes, he apparently decided I was no threat and settled in for a nap at Maggie's feet.

~~~~~

B.J. I was surprised to learn that you recently resigned your teaching position, Maggie--may I call you "Maggie?" I thought you loved being a teacher. Do you mind if I ask why you left the school?

M. I'm still a teacher. It's just that I'm without a job right now. I resigned only because the state doesn't allow married women to teach in the classroom.

B.J. And how do you feel about that restriction?

M. (with a shrug) It's the law. A somewhat foolish one, I'm thinking--but I suppose I can see their side of things.

B.J. So, then--what are you doing to keep busy?

M. Well, I have my family, of course. Jonathan--Mr. Stuart--and wee Gracie. And our home. I expect I won't be idle.

B.J. Is it difficult--being fairly new to married life and raising a baby at the same time?

M. It's certainly not easy. But Gracie is a good baby, and my husband is wonderful to help. So I manage.

B.J. Perhaps we should explain to our readers how you and Mr. Stuart ended up as parents, even though you've been married only a short time.

M. I think not. The story is right there in the Mountain Song books. You're not thinking we could  squeeze a story that took three books to tell into a brief interview like this, now are you?

B.J. Ah ... no. No, of course not.  That being the case, then, why don't you tell us a little about yourself. My first introduction to you was when you were still a child, during the period that Jonathan Stuart was your teacher. As I recall, he was very ill at the time, and all the children were trying to think of ways to help him. I believe you spearheaded a collection for him, didn't you? To replace the silver flute that had been stolen from him?

M. As it happened, the money didn't go for a new flute. Mr. Stuart--he was "Mr. Stuart" to me at the time, not "Jonathan"--he was bent on giving the collection to help two of the town's families who'd met with hard times.  He was always the one for helping other people and forgetting himself. He hasn't changed.

B.J. And the flute? Was the thief ever discovered or the flute found?

M. (Staring hard at me.) I wrote a book about all that, don't you know? I'm not sure I'm comfortable going into it just now, or I'd be giving away the story.

B.J. You're referring to the novella, The Penny Whistle?

M. Oh, you've read it?

B.J. Actually, I--never mind. Suffice it to say that I'm familiar with the story. Mr. Stuart seems to be fine now. That's wonderful news. Some called his recovery a miracle.

M. (what a dazzling smile she has!) I should think so!

B.J. I read somewhere that you refer to your husband as your "hero." I find that very touching.

M. (still smiling) He's that indeed. He's also my best friend. I enjoyed reading your interview with him, by the way, though he didn't tell nearly enough about himself. He doesn't like to go on about personal things, you see.

(*Interviewer's note: I sensed at this point that we might get sidetracked. It's fair to say that Maggie still has stars in her eyes when it comes to Jonathan Stuart. It took some doing to lead her back to the subject of the interview, which was, of course, Maggie herself.) 

B.J. I understand you worked with Miss Jane Addams at Hull House for a time.  What was that like?

M. Terrifying at first. The neighborhood, you see--it was awful. Dope peddlers and opium dens and muggings--oh, it was a terrible place! But once we got used to it,  Miss Addams kept us so busy we didn't have the time to be afraid. And we didn't go out alone. Always in pairs or a group.

B.J. What were your responsibilities? Were you a teacher there, too?

M. I was. But I did other things as well. Miss Addams--she never knew the meaning of "leisure time"--she worked all the time, and there was always more work to do than workers to do it. We ran a kindergarten and a daycare and English classes for the immigrants. And of course Miss Addams was forever working with one charitable organization or the other, so we teachers pitched in and helped whenever she asked us to. Goodness, she did a little of everything--she was even a garbage inspector for a time!

B.J. A garbage inspector?

M. She was always concerned about sanitation, don't you see? Whenever Miss Addams decided to support a cause or a movement, she got involved in it so she'd understand what it was all about. She also worked a great deal with delinquent children. We've Miss Addams to thank for our juvenile court system.   

B.J. I simply have to ask you a question about Hull House: it's been rumored for years that the place was haunted. All manner of wild stories have appeared in the newspapers and magazines, not to mention the gossip that still makes the rounds in Chicago. What can you tell me about this? Any firsthand information?

M. (not quite meeting my eyes) I wouldn't know anything about that.

B.J. But you lived there. Surely you've heard the stories.

M. Oh, I heard a number of stories, that's true. But I'd say that's all they were--stories.

B.J. There were also some pretty incredible tales that circulated for years about a "devil baby" being locked up at Hull House. Some claim to have seen it at an upstairs window. Ben Hecht even wrote about it. Do you know anything about that?

(*Interviewer's Note: At this point Maggie turned what you might call a "withering look" on me, and I began to wish I hadn't raised this subject at all. Still, it had been news, and the rumor continued to surface every now and then. Having never met anyone who'd actually lived at Hull House I was loath to pass up such an opportunity for information.) 

M. I know absolutely nothing about such foolishness. And I would hate to think that with all the stellar accomplishments to the credit of Miss Addams, Hull House would be known for anything so idiotic as ghosts and devil babies. 

B.J. Point taken, Maggie. And I apologize.

M. (giving a rather stiff little nod but appearing mollified).

B.J. So, then--I talked with Jonathan--your husband--about what he likes to read. What about you? What are some of your favorite books? 

M. Well, and didn't he borrow my copies of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights? And didn't I have a time of it, getting them back from him? In truth, we both like many of the same authors, like Mr. Dickens, for example. I like Miss Jane Austen's stories, too, but Jonathan doesn't--he thinks they're much too prissy. We both read biographies and travel stories as well. I also enjoy children's books--a person can learn a lot from reading good children's stories. And I'm ever so fond of folk tales. Speaking of books--have you read my book, The Penny Whistle?

B.J. Ah ... your book? Well, that's actually--yes, I've read it. And I must say, I ... won't ever forget it.

M. (says nothing, but her smile is unmistakably pleased)

B.J. Your husband seems to think you'll most likely be writing more stories in the future.

M. I do have some ideas in mind.

B.J. I don't suppose you'd care to share some of those ideas?

M. (with a somewhat coy smile) With another writer? I hardly think so.

B.J. Yes, well--this has been a real pleasure for me, Maggie. Anything else you'd like to leave with our readers?

M. No, but I do have something for you. Jonathan wanted me to be sure and give you a copy of The Penny Whistle. I have extras, if you'd like some for your friends and family.

B.J. Ah ... yes. The Penny Whistle. Certainly, I'd love to have a few copies to take home with me. That's awfully nice of you and Jonathan.

M. Our pleasure. And be sure and stop by next time you're in Skingle Creek.

B.J. You can count on it.

An Interview with Jonathan Stuart

Today I’ll be interviewing Jonathan Stuart from The Mountain Song Legacy series, written by yours truly. For some of you, this will be your first meeting with Mr. Stuart. For those of you who have already met him through the series, the interview will give you the opportunity to get to know him better.

A native Kentuckian who grew up in Lexington, Jonathan Stuart came to Skingle Creek when he was a young man, not long out of university. For years the only teacher in the town’s one-room schoolhouse, by now he’s seen many changes take place in this small coal mining town and at the same time has become recognized as a man much loved and respected, not only by his students, but by the entire community.

I stopped by the school for the interview, where I found Mr. Stuart at his desk. He seemed a little ill at ease at the beginning of our discussion. My impression was that he's a man not overly comfortable with talking about himself. ***

B.J. Exactly how long have you been in Skingle Creek by now, Mr. Stuart?

J.S. It’s Jonathan, if you will. And let's see: it’s 1905 now, so I’ve lived here close on twenty years.

B.J. So long? I’m curious as to what keeps a man like yourself in a town like Skingle Creek for so many years. After all, you’re from a well-to-do Lexington family, you’re highly educated, published in a number of education journals--surely you could have done better for yourself than a teaching position in a dismal little coal company town.

J.S. Excuse me? "Dismal?"

B.J. Well, it is a coal town. Little more than a camp, some would say. Let’s face it, even the name is rather ... ugly.

J.S. I should think you of all people would have heard that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Yes, Skingle Creek is a coal town. But it's also a town made up of good people. Christian people, for the most part, who share a certain measure of pride in their community. People who work hard and take care of their families, go to church, and look out for their neighbors.

B.J. Most of these people are immigrants, isn’t that right? Irish immigrants?

J.S. That’s correct. Do you have a problem with the Irish?

B.J. Do I--oh, no. No, indeed. To the contrary, I'm extraordinarily fond of the Irish. Why, I'm--

J.S. Salt of the earth, the Irish. I’ve found them to be intelligent, talented, creative, colorful--the Irish are an exceptional people.

B.J. I couldn’t agree more. As I said, I’m--

J.S. Why, if it hadn’t been for the Irish, America might never have been built at all. They did most of the hard labor, after all.

B.J. I've been told that, yes, and--

J.S. And of course many writers and poets are of Irish descent, also. You probably know that.

B.J. Yes, I’ve heard as much, and as it happens--

J.S. My wife is Irish, did I happen to mention that?

B.J. Your wife, yes--

J.S. Maggie. My wife’s name is Maggie. Mrs. Stuart to you.

B.J. Really? You also had a student named Maggie, didn’t you? Several years ago?

J.S. This is an Irish community. I’ve had several students named Maggie. But, yes, my wife was once my student.

B.J. I see. One of those ... May-December love stories, was it?

J.S. -----

B.J. Mr. Stuart? Jonathan?

J.S. Do you have any other questions for me?

B.J. Why ... yes. I’m sure my readers would like to know more about you on a personal level. Did you always plan to become a teacher?

J.S. No, actually I’d planned to go into the ministry.

B.J. Really. What changed your mind?

J.S. This missionary fellow came to university one day and spoke about some of the needs in the Appalachian region, the need for teachers being one of the most urgent. I felt ... well, something happened to me while he spoke, and afterward. I seemed to know I had to change directions.

B.J. So you’d say you had a "call" then?

J.S. More like a shove.

B.J. What do you enjoy most about being a teacher, Mr. Stuart--Jonathan?

J.S. The children, of course.

B.J. But what, exactly, about the children?

J.S. Their innocence. Their faith. Their acceptance of others. They won’t always be that way, you know. There are events on the horizon that will steal much of their innocence, as well as test their faith and challenge their acceptance of others. But for now, they’re the best that we have. Gifts of God.

B.J. I sense that you’re not a man to be deliberately cryptic, Jonathan. Could you elaborate a bit on those events?

J.S. Oh, I think not. I expect you’re better off not knowing until the time comes. Besides, no one ever pays much attention to me when I hold forth on the subject. Even Maggie--my wife--thinks I’m too much of a doomsayer. Say, are we finished yet?

B.J. Ah ... not quite yet, if you'll indulge me for a moment more. So, back to you, personally, if you will. Tell us a little more about yourself, why don’t you. I’m sure you’re a great reader. What kinds of books do you read most often?

J.S. Well, the Bible, of course. And books about other countries. I’ve always thought I’d like to travel, but I doubt that I ever will. Too many responsibilities right here. I like history also. And some of those ... historical novels being published. I'm more than a little fond of stories that take place in different time periods.

B.J. (Smiling) That’s grand. Any authors you ... ah ... particularly favor?

J.S. I like them all. Sir Walter Scott. That British fellow, Charles Dickens. (Glancing around) And I rather like those Bronte sisters, too. You know the ones.

B.J. You read the Bronte sisters?

J.S. That surprises you, does it? They’re actually quite good writers. I picked up a copy of that Wuthering Heights not too long ago and found myself rather fascinated with the story. And Jane Eyre--now there's a classic!

B.J. Indeed. And are there any other authors you particularly enjoy? (Smile still in place)

J.S. Not that I can think of at the moment, but I do like to read about horses.

B.J. Horses?

J.S. Yes, well I am a Kentuckian, you know.

B.J. And I understand you’re quite a musician.

J.S. Not at all. I play a little flute. Nothing more.

B.J. That’s not what your students say. They consider you quite accomplished.

J.S. Yes, well, they know final examinations are coming up. I expect they’ll be saying all sorts of flattering things about me for the next few days. I wouldn’t pay them any heed if I were you.

B.J. I see. What about your dog? I hear you have a rather large dog at your house.

J.S. Yes, we have a very large--and a very precocious--dog. My wife spoils him terribly. His name is Figaro, by the way.

B.J. Figaro? Interesting name for a dog.

J.S. It’s a long story.

B.J. Yes ... I believe I’ve read it. So, Jonathan--what do you do in your spare time?

J.S. I’m a teacher. A husband. A father. A member of the school board and an elder in the church. What spare time would that be?

B.J. I take your point. Back to your wife for a moment. I understand that she’s written a book.

J.S. (Brightening considerably) That’s right. I’ll have to fetch a copy for you. It’s called The Penny Whistle.

B.J. (Clearing of throat). Begging your pardon, Mr. Stuart ... Jonathan ... but I believe I’m the author of the book, The Penny Whistle. It was originally a novella, the precursor to my most recent series, The Mountain Song Legacy. In fact, I incorporated the entire story of The Penny Whistle into the first book of the series.

J.S. That’s quite impossible. Maggie gave me my own copy of the book the day after our wedding. She even dedicated it to me. As a matter of fact, we still have stacks of copies all over the house. Novels don’t sell all that well, you know.

B.J. Yes, so I've been told. So, then–does Mrs. Stuart plan on writing ... more novels?

J.S. (Sighing.) I believe so. I’ve seen signs. She gets all twitchy when she’s about to begin writing again.

B.J. I see. And what are your plans for the future? Will you and your family be staying in Skingle Creek?

J.S. Oh, yes. It’s home, you know. Maggie’s family is here, and then we have the school–schools, actually. Do you know about that?

B.J. The schools? Of course, I know about it. I’m the one who--

J.S. I really can’t say anything more on the subject. Maggie has sworn me to silence for the time being.

B.J. I see. Well, is there anything else you would like to tell our readers, Jonathan? Any word you want to leave with them?

J.S. Just that we’d love to have them come visit us sometime. We don't get many visitors in Skingle Creek, but they're always welcome. It’s a very friendly town.

B.J. I’ve heard that. And I’ll look forward to another visit. Thank you so much for your time, Jonathan.

J.S. My pleasure. Oh–and be sure to stop by later so I can give you a copy of The Penny Whistle. Perhaps you’d like two or three for your friends?

B.J. I--why not?

BJ