Meet my character: Laney Odell

            Thank you, Carrie Anne Noble, for inviting me to blog hop. Carrie recently entered and won The Young Adult Fiction category of the ABNA contest with her novel the Mermaid’s Sister (originally titled Seashell, Stork and Apple Tree). I read the fantastic first three chapters during the contest, and I’m itching to grab the rest when it’s released on February 24, 2015. Go to Carrie’s blog to learn more about the Mermaid’s Sister and to see Carries answers to the Seven Questions. http://www.carrienoble.com/

            Now it’s my turn to answer the Seven Questions about my main character in Surviving Jamaica.

1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

Fictional character Laney Odell lives with her quirky puppeteering grandmother, Meemaw, and attends a small Christian school while Daddy serves in Afghanistan and Mama continues inpatient therapy following a suicide attempt—details learned in Surviving Meemaw, the first book in the series.

2) When and where is the story set?

Surviving Jamaica tells the story of the senior class mission trip to the northeastern part of Jamaica, where the students mix sweaty work projects, puppet performances in schools and churches, and touristy fun.

3) What should we know about him/her?

Laney is confused and skeptical about the Baptist style Christianity practiced by Meemaw and the other students. She was raised Roman Catholic and usually feels on the outside. Laney entered puppetry reluctantly, but is now one of the best. She has late night conversations with Puppet Baby.

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

Laney feels the zing any time she’s near her witty, immature, artistic boyfriend Calvin, but also cares deeply for her wise, solid, geeky friendboy Josh. Preventing public humiliation by virtue of being Meemaw’s granddaughter is an ongoing conflict.

5) What is the personal goal of the character?  

Laney wants Daddy to return safely from Afghanistan and Mama to return to mental health so her family can be reunited. She wants her classmates to accept her, and she wants Calvin to kiss her. 

6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

Surviving Jamaica is hopefully the permanent title for the second book in Laney’s trilogy. Follow Roberta Brosius, Author on Facebook to read updates.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?

Surviving Jamaica should be ready for your Kindle or Nook in time for Christmas. In the meantime, get ready by reading Surviving Meemaw. To order an autographed print copy, contact me. Go to Amazon to order the electronic version and to read reviews. http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Meemaw-Roberta-Brosius-ebook/dp/B00G5FXB64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412097911&sr=8-1&keywords=surviving+meemaw

            Now it’s my turn to nominate two more West Branch Christian Writers and to ask you to hop over to their blogs next Tuesday to meet their main characters.

            Susan Rainey Lower has written in many fiction genres, including romance, children’s, and speculative fiction. She will answer the Seven Questions about her intriguing Work in Progress Troll Hunter. You can find Susan at https://susanlower.wordpress.com/.

            Kathie Mitchell has written biblical nonfiction for Barbour. I am enjoying the laugh out loud excerpts from her Work in Progress, which she classifies as “hen lit.” Read her blog posts at http://countrygrandmother.wordpress.com/.