Good afternoon, Arrowheads! With my middle grade novel, Speak Your Mind, releasing this month on November 24th, I’ll be interviewing some of the book’s zany characters who have been begging me to meet y’all since February! So, without further delay, let’s meet Miss Victoria Harding!

*Applause*

Me: Welcome to Authoring Arrowheads, Victoria. It’s awesome to have you on today!

Victoria: Thanks, Allyson! I’m sorry if I stutter or don’t talk much. I’m really nervous!

Me: I understand completely! I’ve always been shy too, so I’ll try my best to make you feel at home here. Okay, so our first question is how would you describe yourself?

Victoria: Well, shy of course! *Laughs nervously* I’m currently a seventh grade student at Grahamwood Junior High in the small town of Grahamwood, North Carolina. To be honest, I hate school, but I make good grades. My favorite thing to do outside of school is taking and editing photos. Oh, and I love reading mystery books by my favorite author, Carmen Marrow. I’m also a chronic overthinker.

Me: I don’t blame you, middle school can be a nightmare! I’ll have to check out those books. And I can definitely relate to overthinking! Our next question is, do you have any nicknames?

Victoria: Unfortunately, kids at school have given me a few nicknames since I don’t talk much. They like to call me Stalker Girl, Bomb Threat, Teacher’s Pet, and my least favorite… Miss Total Victory, which is totally sarcastic. That’s what the meanest girls in school, Meredith and Shaniah, call me.

Me: Aw, I’m so sorry, Victoria! *Gives her a hug* You’ll never be treated like that here! This next question is on a lighter note: If you were stranded on an uninhabited island, what one item–besides food and shelter–would you like to have with you?

Victoria: *Grins* That’s easy! Definitely my camera, Snappy! I’d have a lot of fun taking pictures of the island. Besides, sometimes I just need a break from people!

Me: Amen to that, sister! Alright, so out of all the influences in your life, who do you look up to the most?

Victoria: *Takes a moment to think* No disrespect to my Mom and Dad, but I’d have to say my cousin, Jessa. She’s two years older than me, and is more like a big sister. I can talk to her about anything, and she never judges me like the kids at school do. Her confidence is what I admire the most about her. She’s comfortable in her own skin, which is something I struggle with.

Me: Jessa is a very sweet girl! Don’t worry, Victoria, I’m sure God will help you get there some day. Just keep this in mind: never be afraid to be who He made you to be. So, I’ve heard through the grapevine that your PE teacher is addicted to doughnuts from Good Eats Bakery. What’s your favorite flavor?

Victoria: *Snorts into her hand* He sure is! I bet he eats half a dozen a day. My favorite is maple bacon, hands down. It reminds me of my favorite season, fall, and it’s the best because bacon, obviously!

Me: *Laughs* I can’t argue with that logic! Maple bacon doughnuts are amazing. Okay, so our last question for today is, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Victoria: *Bites her lip* Hmm… uh, well I’d love to have my own photography business, but obviously I’m not a people person. *Laughs nervously* And I’d really like to get married and raise a family. That is, if “Stalker Girl” can get a guy to fall for her.

Me: Those are awesome goals, Victoria. Don’t sell yourself short. Remember, with God, all things are possible. We may not understand our current circumstances, but He already knows our outcome.

Victoria: *A small smile appears* Thanks, Allyson. I’ll try to keep that in mind.

Me: Well, that’s all the questions I have for today, Arrowheads! Thanks again for stopping by, Victoria!

Victoria: Thanks for having me! Oh, and can I get a picture of us together for my wall collage?

Me: Sure thing! *Victoria pulls Snappy from her bag and takes a picture*

That’s it for today, Arrowheads! To view the Character Inspiration  for Victoria and the remaining cast of Speak Your Mind, you can view my Pinterest board here!

Interested in finding out more about Victoria in Speak Your Mind? Add it to your Goodreads To-Read list by clicking the button below!

Speak Your Mind will debut on Saturday, November 24th 2018 (Lord willing).

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀