“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not
blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” ~ Elizabeth Edwards
I thought this would be a good quote to start off
an interview with my character Hope Stannard in More
Than Rum. She had to adjust her sails when dealing with Marine Adam Rouse.
CD: Welcome, Hope. Tell us a little about your
work.
HS: I run a website developing business when I’m
not baking up a storm with Sage, my sister, at my cousin Rick’s store. I’ve
created websites for the store, for Lily, Rick’s wife, for her bed and
breakfast, Hinsdale Inn, among many others. I recently finished one for Black
Wolf Tavern, our local hangout in Danton, Vermont and am now working on one for
the police department.
CD: What do enjoy most about website development?
HS: I like the creativity. Customers tell me what
they want, but I have a lot of room to make suggestions and think outside the
box. I like designing a layout and then seeing how it all comes together. Same
thing goes when I’m baking with Sage. We have our ingredients, but how we
decide to put them together is what makes them unique… and tasty.
CD: I’ve heard a lot about the treats you and Sage
whip up. How do you not spend all day stuffing your faces full of confections?
HS: (laughing) Who says we don’t stuff our faces
full of confections?
CD: Your tiny waist says you don’t. Or do you
workout like a machine every day?
HS: Not like a machine. Definitely not. I just don’t
stop moving really. I’m always running around doing something. I like to hike
and be outside. Now that I have my Dalmatian, Olive, I’m even more active. She’s
always got energy to burn.
CD: Do you see yourself every moving out of Vermont?
HS: No. I love Vermont. There’s so much outdoors
to explore here. I mean, I want to visit other places, but just visit. My
family and friends are here. Vermont will always be my home. Adam feels the
same.
CD: Ah, yes. Adam Rouse. How are things with you
two?
HS: (smiling) Couldn’t be better. I’d get into
more detail but some of that information is rated R.
CD: I see. Still enjoying rum swizzles at Black
Wolf Tavern?
HS: Definitely. No one makes a better rum swizzle
than Adam. It’s sort of like having my own personal bartender.
CD: Doesn’t hurt that he’s over six feet of muscle
either, does it?
HS: Nope.
CD: One final question. What’s next on the horizon
for you and Adam?
HS: Well, there’s the whole getting married thing
we’re supposed to do in the near future. We’re also thinking of building a
house on Adam’s land. We love his workshop barn and apartment above it, but we want
something you can raise a family in.
CD: Well, good luck, Hope. I have a great feeling
about you and Adam and the future you are building together.
HS: Thanks! I have a great feeling about your next
characters, Detective Daxton Wilder and physical therapist Shaylee Keene.
To read Hope and Adam’s story, More
Than Rum, click HERE.
Do you have any questions for Hope Stannard? Let
us know and maybe she’ll answer them.
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
