A frequent feature of my blog is interviewing a character in a Christian fiction novel. Today, I have the pleasure of talking to someone I know very well. This young lady first appeared in Hope Takes the Reins, my first novel. Love Never Fails is her story. I hope that hearing from her will spark an interest in the third Crossroads book, releasing on January 30. Let’s hear from her right now.
Jenny: “Hello, thanks for stopping by. Could you tell us your name, and a little bit about yourself?”
Kayla: “I’m Kayla Grace Caldwell. I’m honored to be the current Arkansas Rodeo Teen.”
Jenny: “That is quite an honor. So is anything exciting happening right now?”
Kayla: “Exciting? Well, not really. I’m sort of pre-occupied with being on my own, after both of my parents passed away.”
Jenny: “Who has provided the most surprises for you lately?”
Kayla: “Everyone has been so supportive, but I’ve been surprised by a neighbor of mine, Cody Billings. He is my cousin Junior’s best friend, and everybody knows him as a champion bull-rider. I guess because of his colossal bull wreck, he seems to understand how I’m feeling these days. Somehow he senses when I need quiet alone time, and when I can’t stand to be by myself for another minute.”
Jenny: “I am so sorry about your parents. What specifically is the biggest challenge you face right now?”
Kayla: “Keeping up appearances. I have practiced my pageant smile and wave for a few years now. Lately, that has come in very handy.
Oh, and then there’s the whole ranching thing. I didn’t realize how much was involved on a day-to-day basis. I’ve ridden horses and taken care of them my whole life, but I never got up close and personal with the cattle. These days, I’m so thankful for my Uncle Smiley and our ranch foreman and his wife. I hope they can teach me what I need to know. I guess I’ll have to forget about the architecture degree I was working toward at the University of Arkansas.”
Jenny: “You certainly have a lot on your plate. So, to change the subject, tell us about your favorite things”
J: Food-
K: My Grandmother (Zanna)’s banana pudding
J: Quote or Scripture-
K: The whole Love Chapter- First Corinthians 13. All we really need is Love.
J: Sound-
K: This may sound corny, but it’s the National Anthem. I’ve spent some of my happiest moments carrying the United States flag around the rodeo arena.
J: Favorite view-
K: That’s easy. Standing anywhere around my grandparents’ house on the ridge between Interstate 40 and the Arkansas River.
Jenny: “Any parting words for our readers?”
Kayla: “Love every minute you get to spend with the people you love. See? It’s all about love. Instead of concentrating on how much someone irritates you, remember what you like about them, and live in the moment.”
Jenny: “Great advice for all of us. Thanks so much for talking with us, Kayla.”
Note to readers: Don’t forget, you can order your Kindle copy of Love Never Fails and will be able to get your paperback copies on January 30.
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash
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