Interview with the heroine from The Flaming Sword by Heather L.L. FitzGerald:
- Sadie, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
Hmmm. Before this summer, I would have had a hard time coming up with something I’d consider interesting. But since traveling to the Tethered World, a secret place inhabited by creatures that once lived in the Garden of Eden, I’ve had many life-changing adventures with creatures that most people believe to be myths. If I had to pick one thing about myself now it would be that there’s a tall, dark, and handsome Nephilim prince who is sweet on me. And I might admit to a mild interest in return *wink, wink*
- What do you do for fun?
I’m a bookworm. I’ve told my family more than once that I’d much rather read about adventures than experience them first hand. But this last trip to the Tethered World has managed to wear down my resistance. When you are crusading for good and fighting evil, everyday ‘fun’ begins to pale in comparison. Books are still my favorite extracurricular activity when I’m topside (home) and not in the Tethered World (below).
- What do you put off doing because you dread it?
Explaining my parents’ occupations to people. They both have oddball careers that raise eyebrows and provoke questions. Since I know you’re now wondering what on earth they must do, I’ll go ahead and share it!
My father owns the Camas School of Cosmetology. He jokes that he’s a glorified hairdresser, though he rarely sees clients since he is busy running the school. My mom? Well, her occupation is the whole reason Pandora’s box was opened this summer. She’s the leading expert on Bigfoot. She has a blog that investigates legends such as Sasquatch, Leprechauns, Faeries, and the like. Calls herself “The Faery Blogmother”. Surely you can see how this makes for awkward conversations. Fortunately, I’m homeschooled so I’ve never needed to worry about bringing my parents to“Career Day” in the classroom. You can check out my mom’s blog at https://landoflegend.net/
- What are you afraid of most in life?
Roller coasters! Yep. I freak out and hyperventilate around them. But I have a feeling you want a more philosophical answer than that. To be honest, I fear failure. A failure to live up to the purpose that God has called me to by placing me in my unique family. I resented it at first. In a big way! Didn’t like how I seemed to have no say in being involved with this other realm. Slowly, I’ve learned that it is a blessing and a privilege. And it’s definitely stretched my faith.
- What do you want out of life?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. And although my life took a major detour recently, the experiences have only served to broaden my imagination and give me a wider perspective. Those are good things for an author, aren’t they? I think so.
- What is the most important thing to you?
Easy. My faith and my family. I couldn’t survive the things that have come my way without either one. I have an autistic brother that now lives in the Tethered World and we had to travel back there recently to help defend him. The dangerous things that assaulted us could fill a book. I learned that without faith I’m unable to fight for those I love, or even my own life. And there’s nothing worth fighting for, worth giving my life to protect, like my family.
- Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
Oh yes! I love fantasy like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, and I enjoy dystopian novels like the Out of Time Series by Nadine Brandes. Historical fiction is another favorite. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor is a classic.
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Another easy one! My fearfulness. I wish I was as brave as my younger sister Sophie. She has a natural sense of righteous bravery. It’s not that she is impervious to fear, but she’s much more motivated by justice. Though I am growing in this area (nothing like on the job training!), my first instinct is still hesitation and dread.
- Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
We have two Corgis. Ollie and Mindy-loo. Why? Well, when we went to the animal shelter they won us over with their sweet personalities.
- If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
That’s a loaded question! I can think of many times and places that would be appealing. After learning about the Flaming Sword of Cherubythe—the sword held by the angel, guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden—I think it would be fascinating to travel to the beginning of creation and see what it was like. What a tragedy to have tasted paradise and be kicked out. How weird would it be to know its location and be prevented from returning? Anyway, that Sword has had a big impact on my family. I would love to go back to its origin and learn its history.
