Fable Features 2023 Recap
- Linnae Klutchko
- Jan 9
- 10 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Books, Authors, and Characters from 2024
Patricia Parrington ~ January 9, 2025
Hi, folks! Patricia Parrington here—book character interviewer and pseudodragon mom. For those who are new, Fable Features is a series of character interviews that spotlight a particular character in an author's book.
[Scribblemore, a blue ferret-sized dragon, jumps onto Patricia's lap. She pets his head.]
This started way back in March, 2023, with only one post a month. It's grown since and we decided to include a special new year's feature to provide readers a list of all the wonderful books and characters that have been on Fable Features! And well, I didn't want to leave out our 2023 guests. So.
[Patricia scoots Scribblemore off her lap then gets up to hoist a box of books onto the nearby coffee table. Scribblemore lets out a disgruntled huff.]
Here they are! Take a look and enjoy.
Books & Interviews from 2023
Lady Veral of Vestin from A Choice to Die by M. M. Liles
More on Character, Book, and Author
Lady Veral is a strong-willed woman who flirts to draw unsuspecting knights into her trap. Her author, M. M. Liles, is a wife and a mother who loves Jesus. Besides writing, she enjoys cats, hiking, and a good cup of hot chocolate. A Choice to Die can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Lady Veral
What’s a day in your life like?
[Veral eyes her interviewer from under the hood of her deep red cloak.]
Which part of my day? The part where I pretend to be a pathetic flirt, luring unsuspecting knights into my net and enduring the disgust of those who think they know me? Or the other part?
[She draws a knife and tosses it casually in the air.]
Too bad for you, I don’t have anything to tell you, except someday I will dominate those who ruined my escape from this life.
[Eyes focused on the knife, Patricia shrugs]
That's alright if you don't want to elaborate.
Do you have any hobbies? Or a hobby you wish you had time for?
[Veral rolls her eyes and sits back against her white leather sofa.]
I’ve done my fair share of needlework, if that’s what you’re asking.
[Patricia's eyes light up.]
Needlework you say! Anything in particular you’re proud of?
[Veral purses her lips.]
Well, the last time I embroidered, I made a heart of seaweed and decorated it with ships, but I burned it the next day.
Beira Thomson from Haven by Ceril N. Domace
More on Character, Book, and Author
Beira is a history teacher and ruler of the Fae. Her author, Ceril N Domace, is an accountant, animal lover, and a dedicated dungeon master. Haven can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Beira
So what does a typical day look like for you?
Most days, I wake up early to teach two large history classes. I usually lecture about the first fae war, the situations that led to the rise of the fae research centers, and the development of the Tearmann Accords. Afterward, I usually have open court, where I deal with civil problems that don’t fit nicely into our court system or meet with local ministers and visiting dignitaries to discuss issues facing the country. I end the night at home, going over paperwork or playing chess.
On my days off, I enjoy walking in the markets and the greenhouses.
Oof, sounds like a very busy schedule!
If you were to suddenly get very rich, what would you do with all the wealth?
[Patricia leans forward]
Assuming you’re not already rich of course.
[Beira laughs]
Some might say I’m already rich as I’m queen of the fae, but I actually have very little material wealth to back up the position. If I were suddenly wealthy among human society, I think I would sponsor educational videos and campaigns about the fae. Too many humans have negative ideas about my people, and I’d like to fix that.
Alternatively, I’d buy food, medicines, and building supplies for Tearmann. Smuggling gets us the bare essentials, but being able to have a stockpile would give us some breathing room come winter.
Sparrow Thornton from The Stars Below the Concrete series
by Aaron Quinn
More on Character, Book, and Author
Sparrow is a donut-loving young woman who has had a rough past and is part of a prophecy. Her author, Aaron Quinn, is a writer whose mind constantly wades in the dark hope of the south with massive contradictions and bigger questions driving his narratives while he asks his reader one question: “Will you stay with me until the end?” Stars Below the Concrete can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Sparrow
What is your most treasured possession?
The chain that connects me and Pillar. Do you know about the chain? I never did until Cyrus told me. It’s way out.
[Sparrow puts her hand on her heart knowing the interviewer cannot understand what she is talking about.]
Hmm, no I’ve don’t know about the chain. I’d love to hear more about it though!
More? Well. There’s Pillar. The concrete. Something about a prophecy. Cyrus. Like this weird land. And the chain somehow explains it all. Wild, totally wild.
Yes, that sounds very wild! I’m intrigued. Honestly, I’m intrigued by numerous things many would deem “random.” Like yodeling.
[Patricia cocks her head a bit.]
What are your thoughts on yodeling?
Not very helpful when playing hide-and-seek.
Camilla from Heart of Fire by Raina Nightingale
More on Character, Book, and Author
Camilla is a determined, passionate girl who wants to be friends with a dragon and wants all people to be free. Her author, Raina Nightingale, has been writing since she learned how to read at eight years old, has loved dragons for even longer, and calls her fantasy dawndark. Heart of Fire can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Camilla
Have you had a friend before? Or ever wanted one?
[Camilla’s eyes shift through moods, before lighting on one that’s eager and hopeful for a moment.]
I want to be friends with a dragon. That would be enough. And—since there’s no way anything I tell you is getting back to them—if I can just manage to be there when the eggs hatch in a few weeks, I might be able to! Otherwise . . .
[Her voice slows, a bit reflective as she mulls through what she wants to say.]
I suppose so. Sometimes. But Mom and Lavilor are mostly enough for me, though I would like it if more people were like me. If I had someone like me to work together with. But defying the Wood Elves makes one’s life more uncomfortable . . . and I have a little snitch who hates me and makes it even harder on all of us who would like to be free, as she evidently does not. She makes it hard for me to connect to anyone, too. I hate her.
[The growl in Camilla’s voice, and the look on her face, is fierce enough to be terrifying, but she continues.]
So I’m not close with anyone else, but.
[She waves her hand.]
It’s okay. I don’t need to be. And certainly not if a dragon chooses me!
[The smile is back for a moment, bright and glorious.]
[Patricia smiles softly.]
Dragons are wonderful creatures, aren’t they?
So who do you usually turn to for help?
[Camilla threads a lock of hair between her fingers.]
No one. It would not be fair to pester Mom for help, even when I can. Life is hard enough for her, and my little brother needs her, when they can be together.
Lovina Graber from Under the Blue Skies by Elly Gilbert
More on Character, Book, and Author
Lovina is a faithful Amish woman who is great at making tea blends. Her author, Elly Gilbert, is a wife and mom who loves to read and write inspirational stories and devotions for women and teens. Under the Blue Skies can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Lovina
Do you have a favorite piece of creation that God made?
Living in these gorgeous mountains gives me lots of choices for a favorite. It’s hard to choose just one. I think the wildflowers that grow in our area are my favorite because they are not only beautiful but useful too! I make many different home remedies and delicious teas from them, plus they nourish the wildlife in the area. God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.
Very cool!
So what have you found more helpful than you ever imagined it could be?
Prayer. I know that probably sounds simple to you, but I’ve really learned to take everything, even the most basic issues, to God. It helps me to keep from meddling too much in the problem myself if I turn it over to God. I figure He doesn’t really need my help and if He does, He’ll ask—which happens every now and again!
Your faith sounds so strong! I really admire that.
[Patricia taps her chin, thinking.]
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
[Lovina’s hand drifts to her cheek, tracing the puckered scar.]
Hmmm. That’s a tough question. It was really hard for me when my sister Josie moved to Kentucky. She’s my twin and now I hardly ever see her. Seems like she’s so far away.
Jared Kelley from Surviving Midas by RW Hague
More on Character, Book, and Author
Jared is ambidextrous, was kidnapped by a dangerous criminal, and now has a desire for revenge. His author, RW Hague, is a registered nurse moonlighting as an author, using her medical experience to write stories that are gritty and compelling. Surviving Midas can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Jared
That sounds awful! I’m sorry you have to go through all that.
Where did you learn most of your skills and abilities?
The library. Or the school of hard knocks. There’s not been much in between. That’s what happens when you get taken from your parents at seven to be raised by sociopaths. Sociopaths teach plenty of lessons. But you will get knocked about.
You were taken away from your parents? That’s awful!
[Patricia shakes her head.]
And by sociopaths, no less. Why do you think they took you?
Midas’s half-wit brother managed to get pinched over some money laundering scheme. Midas being, well . . . Midas, kidnapped my sister and I in order to get my dad to botch the trial. He was the district attorney at the time. Dad did his job. The guy walked, but Midas didn’t give us back. He just kept us. Like he does with everyone.
August from August Likes My Hue by Aaron Quinn
More on Character, Book, and Author
August is a loyal woman who goes on many odd adventures thanks to her husband. Her author, Aaron Quinn, is inspired by the mad, rad off-kilter moments of life and his stories are driven by the dark hope of the South. August Likes My Hue can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - August
What’s the strangest or scariest situation you ever found yourself in?
Does being married to Luther count as strangest?
[August laughs and shakes off her words.]
You won’t believe this: about a week ago, my husband had us jump in a massive 18-wheeler for a ride. That ride led me to the middle of a field at night with a pastor chasing us with a gun. I thought we were dead. You talk about making an animal small. That is making the strangeness of our journey small.
Sure, I’d count that!
[Patricia shakes her head in disbelief.]
You guys lead a crazy life. How do you deal with that? If I were in your shoes, I’d be worried nonstop!
Oh, I do. But that is life married to that man. His sister is a huge support. Don’t get me wrong, Luther has his quirks, but that man’s passion burns bright. Sure, things are crazy like you said, but I married him because of his passion, so I have to walk with him when that passion leads us to unbelievably odd situations.
Jaden from The Zoboros Series by Michael Ciccarelli-Walsh
More on Character, Book, and Author
Jaden is an intelligent young man who helps protect the galaxy and is a bit of a history buff. His author, Michael Ciccarelli-Walsh, is a writer based in Florida with a passion for transporting readers to fantastical worlds filled with mystery, conflict, and, of course, crazy space aliens. Trouble in the Floating City can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Jaden
So, tell me, what’s a day in your life like?
Jeez, my days have really been blending together lately. Usually they start early with the emergency sirens blaring, which has been killing my beauty sleep. Most exciting part of the day is finding out who’s attacking us: government forces, space gangs, the galaxy’s wealthiest family (we’re a really popular group, if you couldn’t tell). Once we escape, we usually have a mission on some planet. I don’t get to see the planets that much, I’m more the guy in the chair. Very important job, not enough people respect it . . . I mean, anyone (with powers) can blow stuff up; it takes real talent to tell them exactly what to blow up and how. Anyway, I finish my day with some rations from the cargo hold and knock out in my bunk until the sirens inevitably wake me again.
Oh wow! Sounds like that could get stressful. And you say some people have powers? Do you have any powers?
I like to think my intelligence counts as a superpower, but if we wanna get technical then no, I’m not Zoboros (that’s what we call people with powers). About half our team doesn’t have powers, but we each contribute something useful. That’s what makes our team unique.
Hollowclaw from The Tattered Realm Series by Kova Killian
More on Character, Book, and Author
Hollowclaw is a sweet Bugbear from Azure hill who loyally loves those who care for him. His author, Kova Killian, is a fantastic writer and mom with too much of an imagination. The Tattered Realm Series can be bought here.
Feature Snippet - Hollowclaw
Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
[Hollowclaw’s head cocks sideways]
I learn fight from father. Talk, from berserker Cree.
Sounds like you’ve got some great people surrounding you.
[Patricia leans forward.]
Tell me more about this berserker, Cree! What’s she like?
She kind. Help people who can’t help self. She save me Azure Fae even after hurt her.
Wow. She sounds like an amazing friend. Better keep her close!
[Patricia tugs on a lock of green hair.]
What would you say is your best physical feature?
[Hollowclaw chuckles. The muscles in his rotting face pull at the side, not gone from age.]
I rotting bear with scarred face. Human form better, have no see it for long time though.
See Ya Next Time
Enjoy the books! See ya soon for more Fable Features.
If you would like to submit a character to be interviewed for a future issue of Fable Features, please send an email to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Fable Features.
Please note that erotica and content with excessive vulgar language will not be accepted.
If you have questions you'd like Patricia Parrington to ask in a future interview, please submit them to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Interview Questions.
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