Helena Fairfax

A few months ago I interviewed the fabulous brother and sister writing duo Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser on my blog.

Today I’m delighted that Heather is back, this time with her solo novel, Dream Shade.  And Heather’s brought along one of the characters from her book, too, so we’ve all gone for a walk on my beloved moors.  (Actually, I’m tagging along behind trying to keep my dog in order – I’ll leave Heather to carry on!)

Heather Fraser Brainerd: A big thank you to Helena for letting me conduct my character interview here! The moors are so hauntingly beautiful, it just seemed like the perfect place to discuss my new YA release, Dream Shade. It is a ghost story, after all!

Tina Cooper: Yes, thanks Helena! As my twelve-year-old son Peter would say, this place is beast! Um, that’s a good thing. I think.

 Heather: Right. So, Tina, your fifteen-year-old daughter, Sarah, is the main character of Dream Shade. You must be so proud of her.

Tina: Absolutely! She’s a great kid, though I can’t take all the credit. My parents helped me out a lot with the kids when they were little. You know, because of my divorces.

Heather: Being a single parent isn’t easy. I went through that phase myself, after my first marriage fell apart. Thankfully, that’s all behind me.

Tina: Yeah, divorce is tough. But for me, marriage is tougher. Or maybe the divorces just kept getting easier. I’m up to three, and that’s it. No more walks down the aisle for me.

Heather: Well, you do have a very full life, regardless of your relationship status.

Tina: You’ve got that right! I have my wonderful kids, of course, and my career is very demanding.

Heather: You’re in advertising, right?

Tina: Yes. I oversee lots of big accounts. Our newest client is Newman Markets.

Heather: Newman Markets?

Tina: You know… (singing) At Newman Markets you get our best, friendly service and food that’s fresh!

Heather: Oh, that Newman Markets. Anyway, getting back to Dream Shade, I understand there’s a séance scene that takes place in your house. How did you feel about that?

Tina: Oh, I was totally cool with it. Sarah and a couple of her friends were just using a Ouija board up in her room. It seemed to freak them out a little, though.

Heather: Well, receiving a message from the spiritual plane can do that.

Tina: True. When I was younger, I was totally into all that, Ouija boards and tarot cards and stuff. Nothing too exciting ever happened.

Heather: I understand Sarah and her friends had some excitement.

Tina: Oh, yes! They dug through my old clothes and dressed up in my finest vintage goth attire for a Halloween party. There was a DJ and dancing and—

Heather: I meant the ghosts.

Tina: Oh, right! But we don’t want to give away any spoilers, do we?

Heather: Good point. So, as Sarah’s mom, what’s one thing you’d like people to know about her?

Tina: She’s very mature for her age. Sometimes, almost a little too mature. She needs to loosen up more, have some fun once in a while!

Heather: In other words, be more like you?

Tina: Hmmm, on second thought, she shouldn’t change a thing!

Heather: And how do you feel about her crush, Nate Spencer?

Tina: Oh, he’s just adorable! Very polite, too. Yes, he definitely gets my approval!

Heather: That’s good. Well, thanks for joining me today, Tina. Let’s tell people a little more about the book.

Tina: You’re welcome! And I’ve brought along some promo material. Let’s just post it below.

Heather: Great idea!

High school sophomore Sarah doesn’t know which is scarier: battling ghosts, or going on her first date.

A brief sample:

“Here comes the interesting part,” Anna murmured, holding a pen poised above a notepad.

The little glass pointer began its rapid movement across the spirit board. At first, Anna was able to write down what was being spelled out, but she soon lost track. Before long, the video froze at its end point.

“Okay, let’s watch the fast part again,” she said to Will.

They repeated this process many times, each time deciphering a few more letters. I watched from my spot on the bed, both fascinated and creeped out at the same time.

“I think that’s it,” Anna said at last. “I think we’ve got it!”

She swiveled her desk chair a little so she could address Will and me at the same time.

Clearing her throat, she read from her notes. “Victor has arisen. Not at peace. Seeks his lost love. He shall return.”

Chills ran down my spine.

Dream Shade is available through MuseItUp Publishing

Connect with Heather:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainerdFraser

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HFBrainerd

Blog: http://drivingblindproductions.wordpress.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/hfbrainerd

Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win the prize of your choice! If your name is randomly selected, you’ll get to choose either the YA paranormal mystery/romance Dream Shade, or one of the paranormal mysteries from the José Picada, P.I. Series: Deception Al Dente (book one) or The Sound of Sirens (book two).

Thanks for coming, Heather and Tina.  It’s been lovely having you both!

If you have any questions or comments for Heather, please let us know – we’d love to hear from you!  And don’t forget, there’s a chance to win the novel of your choice!