This is from an online challenge imagining your characters being interviewed by a self-absorbed, somewhat sexist, not especially bright media person called Vic. I thought I’d share this one – an interview with Rose, the main character in The Incomer. It’s not part of the book, but may give you a bit of an insight into Rose’s situation and what she’s dealing with as the story starts…

Vic:       So [drinks coffee and checks reflection in mirror], what’s the story with you then?

Rose:   Are you sure you haven’t just invited me to ask about my brother Simon?

Vic [chuckles]: Of course not! I don’t need to ask about a TV presenter, I know all about him and his rather arty programmes. I’m sure if he were here, he’d be asking me for tips on how to fend off his fanbase [flicks hair]. No, no, this interview is all about you, Rita.

Rose:   Rose. My name’s Rose.

Vic [coy smile]: Just teasing, Rosie, so tell me all about yourself. What was it like growing up as Simon’s little sister?

Rose:   Well he made me lug the family video recorder around while he made films with our toy animals. I got my own back by—

Vic:       Of course, the camera angle, I’d forgotten. Your husband David was his intrepid camera man, wasn’t he, Ramona? Of course, it’s a bit like always the bridesmaid, never the bride, a camera man – no offence Charlie on camera 1 – but being a presenter is a unique skill requiring charisma, sexual magnetism, brains; whereas waving a camera about: well it’s mostly brute force.

Rose: David won awards for his work.

Vic [suddenly sombre, dropping voice]: Of course, I should say how sorry I am for your loss. Roz.

Rose:   Thank you. But my name is Rose.

Vic [still serious]: Tell me more about the impact of that terrible accident. I understand your brother Simon is still recovering. PMT I expect.

Rose:    I think you mean PTSD.

Vic:       Trust me dear, all these acronyms are hard to remember, I’ve interviewed more medical specialists than you’ve had roast dinners.

Rose:   Probably, because I’m a vegetarian. But weren’t they your cosmetic surgeons? Anyway, I thought you wanted to ask about me.

Vic:       Well, yes, I wanted to know how you’re coping. I gather you’re looking after Simon as he recuperates and pulls together the tattered remains of his career.

Rose:   The series he was filming when the accident happened is about to air and he’s got a new series lined up with even more funding and he’s generally quite well. He just has… episodes… when he has to tune out a little. As for me—

Vic:       I can’t imagine what it’s like living in the shadows Rani.

Rose:   Rose. I was in an orchestra when I met David. I’m sort of investigating new music now, doing a bit of composing and –

Vic:       Oh so David was filming your band back in the day and that’s how you met.

Rose:   No, he was a wildlife photographer. Simon is a naturalist remember, one with a PhD (that’s not a disease by the way). You don’t tend to find much wildlife in an orchestra. Except possibly in the timpani section. I met David in a pub on Simon’s 30th birthday. It was only five years ago but since the accident last year when David died, it seems…

Vic:       Well time’s a great healer Roxy. Plenty more fish in the sea for an attractive girl like you [adjusts tie and waggles eyebrows]. But maybe you should have stayed in the city. I gather you and Simon have moved into the middle of nowhere. Whatever do you do with your time? I suppose you’ve joined the local ladies’ guild or whatever they have out in turnip country.

Rose:   I’m trying to avoid those women like the plague, but they won’t leave me alone. They’re up to something, I’m just not sure what, but I’m pretty sure it’s not knitting they do in the wee small hours. Anyway, I’ve got enough on my plate trying to work out why this girl keeps turning up naked, borrowing my clothes and running away. It was more peaceful in the city, I swear.

Vic [sitting up with mouth open]: Naked? Tell me more…

Rose:   You’ve got a bit of toothpaste on your cheek and you missed a bit when you shaved. Oh and the naked girl is one of Simon’s fans. Haven’t you got one like that? Anyway, I’ll see myself out, Vince.

Words copyright (c) Paula Harmon 2025. Image credit ID 382477802 © Nadezhda Kurbatova | Dreamstime.com  These are not to be used without the authors’ express permission including for the purposes of training artificial intelligence (AI).