(Spoiler Alert. If you have only read books 1-5 in the Haunting Danielle Series you may want to skip this interview.)
Interviewer: Welcome to our first Interview at Marlow House. Before we start, I’d like to thank Danielle Boatman for allowing us to use her library for our interviews. Today we’ll be chatting with Danielle’s neighbor and friend, Heather Donovan. Welcome Heather. Thank you for agreeing to speak with us.
Heather: Thank you for asking me. Frankly I’m a little surprised I’m the first person you’re interviewing.
Interviewer: Why is that?
Heather: I’m not exactly one of the main characters in the series.
Interviewer: But you are one of the mediums.
Heather: You mean because I can see ghosts?
Interviewer: Yes.
Heather: Medium—I sort of like how that sounds. Although, I’m not as sensitive to spirits as Chris and Danielle, but I’m getting stronger.
Interviewer: That brings us to our first question from one of our readers. If given the choice, would you like your gift to get stronger—or disappear?
Heather: I’ll admit, sometimes this—gift as you call it—can be rather a pain. What’s most maddening, I seem to be constantly stumbling over dead bodies. But, if I stopped seeing ghosts it’s not like I won’t see a dead body if I come across another one.
Interviewer: Does this mean you don’t want the gift to go away?
Heather: Can I tell you something? Just between you and me?
Interviewer: Umm…I can’t exactly promise that.
Heather: I guess you can’t…but the thing is, I’ve felt like an outsider all my life. I think it was because my family was so messed up. And I’m not stupid, I know what some people say about me. But having this gift—and having it grow stronger—well I finally feel like I belong. Plus, if it went away I’d miss being able to talk to spirits like Eva and Marie. So, I suppose my answer, I’d like for it to get stronger.
Interviewer: I can understand that. Okay, my next question. Some of the readers have compared you to Abbie on NCIS, and others have called you Goth.
Heather: (laugh) Abbie? You aren’t serious, are you?
Interviewer: Umm…yes.
Heather: I’ve watched NCIS and aside from my hair, we’re nothing alike. For one thing, no way would you ever get me to sleep in a coffin. That’s just creepy. And I’m sorry, I know NCIS fans adore Abbie’s character…well uggg.
Interviewer: What’s wrong with Abbie? I love her character.
Heather: I’m sure you do. But sheesh, she is such a sappy do-gooder. Always wanting to give people hugs. Nicey nice all the time.
Interviewer: Ahh, Abbie is too nice for you?
Heather: It’s just that real people aren’t like that. At least, I’ve never met anyone like that.
Interviewer: How about the other thing—do you see yourself as a Goth?
Heather: To be honest, I don’t know much about the Goth culture. Sure, I like wearing black nail polish and black lipstick sometimes, but I don’t think that makes me Goth. As for my black hair, it’s my natural color. It’s not like I dye it or anything. And it is naturally straight, never holds a curl. And I wear other colors than black. Heck, my jogging suit is purple—I like purple. So no, I don’t think I’m Goth.
Interviewer: You still jog every morning?
Heather: I try to. It’s cheaper than going to a gym.
Interviewer: I understand you’re into essential oils. How long have you been using them?
Heather: Oh my…let me see…I don’t know, over five years. Maybe longer.
Interviewer: How did you get into them?
Heather: I think it started with the ants.
Interviewer: Ants?
Heather: Yes. We were getting ants in the house, and I didn’t want to use bug spray. I’d read how peppermint oil helped keeps bugs away, so I tried it. The peppermint oil worked. It was kinda amazing.
Interviewer: But you use essential oils for more than keeping bugs away.
Heather: Yes. I’ve done a lot of studying and experimenting with them. Of course, you have to be careful. Certain oils I would never diffuse—like clove or cinnamon.
Interviewer: Why is that?
Heather: They can be harmful to cats. I have a cat, Bella.
Interviewer: Our time is running out, but I have one last question I would like to ask you
Heather: Yes?
Interviewer: One of our readers asked if you and Chris are going to start dating.
Heather: Chris? (laughs)
Interviewer: What’s so funny?
Heather: Chris is a good guy but really…can you imagine dating him?
Interviewer: What do you mean?
Heather: For one thing, I’d rather not date a guy who’s prettier than me.
Interviewer: (chuckles) You are attractive.
Heather: Come on, you know what I mean. Chris and I hang out a lot these days because of work, and you wouldn’t believe the number of women who hit on him when I am standing right there. They don’t know we aren’t dating. But sheesh, can you imagine how awkward that would be if we were dating?
Interviewer: Is that the only reason you aren’t interested in Chris?
Heather: He really isn’t my type—and I’m certainly not his.
Interviewer: So, I guess that’s a no on the dating?
Heather: Pretty much.
Interviewer: It looks like we went a little longer than I intended. I’d like to thank you again for talking with me today.
Heather: No problem. It was fun.
Interviewer: Thanks again Heather. Tomorrow we will be talking to Chris Johnson.
That was so cool. I really like Heather. She just brings so much to the books. With the other funny ghosts she just fits right in there. I wondered if she would date Chris but I think they are just getting to be best buds cause she has so many mood swings you dont know about her. Dont forget if she didn’t see ghosts she was the only one at the time to help them get saved in Arizona. Kodos to Heather
Glad you enjoyed the interview Karen!
What a delightful way to get new insights into the characters! There are things that are implied in the books, but not confirmed. Things you suspect, but don’t know. Now, we get to know everybody a little better.
Do you plan to interview some of the ghosts? Or the major villains?
Barb, I have a list of questions submitted by readers and I am going through them. If there is something you want asked and the interview with that character hasn’t been posted yet, you can send your question or questions to bobbi@robeth.com and I will try my best to fit it in! 🙂
The more I see the new book covers I REALLY like them. Kodos to you Bobbi
Thanks! I love them too. Kudos to my designer…Elizabeth Mackey, my daughter. 🙂
I absolutely love the Haunting Danielle books. I have read them all several times. Usually when I am waiting for the next book to come out I start from the first and work my way to the latest. PLEASE PLEASE, PLEASE don’t stop writing them. Love them, love them, love them.
Thank you so much Lynda!