Yes, once again it’s time for the Drollerie Press blog tour. I’m hosting a post by Catherine Schaff-Stump of Writer Tamago (http://cathschaffstump.com—sorry, the links just aren’t working) while I’m posting at Sarah Avery’s Live Jounral (http://dr-pretentious.livejournal.com). The theme this time is character interviews. I’m interviewing the protagonist of Catherine’s Sister Night, Sister Moon, which will appear in Drollerie’s anthology Things That Go Bump In the Night; Sarah’s interviewing Red from my Red Moon Rising, from Drollerie’s upcoming Red Riding Hood anthology, Straying From the Path. Without further ado, here’s my interview with Ted, a rising actor in the uncanny city of Theopolis:
1. So how did you wind up as an actor? There is no reality quite as delicious as that of being on stage, being whomever you want, and making an audience see you as that person. I am an actor because this way, the world bends to my whim. There are also certain benefits: loyal friends, complimentary drinks, and beautiful women.
2. What do you like best about your career? Traveling. Not normal traveling either. Galen, our troop director, knows very unusual people. If you play your cards right, you can perform for gods.
3. What’s the most challenging part of a career in theater? Sometimes you struggle with your co-stars. Most often, I play the leads. There is some…jealousy in regard to attention. All actors, you know, want attention. And because I am generally the best actor on stage, I get a great deal of attention, which doesn’t always sit well with the other actors.
4. The theater company you’re with is now performing in Theopolis. Tell us about the city. Theopolis is an amazing place. All times converge in Theopolis, because it is the city of past, present, and future inspiration. The muses have built the perfect city to enjoy all the gifts they have bestowed upon man. The opportunity to meet and connect with people is unprecedented in my experience. I have performed in the far corners of reality, but Theopolis is the most appreciative audience I have ever had. Our troop has been treated with hospitality and respect, especially myself and Galen, because of our expertise. The city is obviously about the arts. You can see it in architecture and design, in food, in the beautiful garments of the muses. If one wanted to continue to live in a dream, one could be very happy here.
5. Theopolis is said to be the city of muses. What are they like? Oh my. Well, to describe a muse is like an artist describing a color. They are very like their gift. Some are ice cold, some fiery. They craft the elements for their ornamentation and your amusement. All of them are perfectly formed, and that can make many jealous. Personally, I appreciate the beauty and diversity of all of them, especially the women, as they themselves are exquisite works of art. And they are so accomodating. They are everything a mortal can want in a partner. They are absolutely dedicated to your art and expertise. If you are lucky enough to have one.
6. If you have a muse of your own, tell us what she’s done for you and your art. Well, I *might* soon have a muse of my own. (laughs) There is Sister Moon, a pale beauty that glows like the night sky. She graced our stage on opening night, and I would be interested in performing with her again. I believe her sweet soliloquy bought out the best in my performance, which is what muses do, of course.
7. How is your love life since you came to Theopolis? That’s a tricky question. I’m not sure a gentleman would answer that. (laughs) I mentioned Sister Moon, and it is my hope that there will be something that blossoms from our interaction. Her sister muse is courting her on my behalf. Other than that, I think I will remain mum, mostly to protect myself and any ladies in question.
