December Character Interview
Patricia Parrington ~ December 1, 2024
Hello my lovely readers and fellow book-lovers! For those of you who are new here, I, your fabulous host, Patricia Parrington, have the pleasure of interviewing characters from books all over the world.
Today we have here with us Steven Maxwell from The Roll Models Saga by D. A. Charles. D. A. Charles was raised by a disabled parent and grew up among the disability population. She is a neurodivergent author and writes inclusive stories with the aim of furthering acceptance of the disabled community.
Meet Steven
Welcome to Fable Features!
[Patricia flops onto the comfy orange suede couch and smiles at her guest.]
I’m excited to get to know you. So tell me—where did you grow up?
Hi, Patricia! Thanks for the warm welcome. I grew up in Woodstock, Connecticut. It’s a small town in a community they call The Quiet Corner. It was a great place to be a kid.
[Steven sighs and forces a smile.]
That sounds nice. What’s “home” for you now?
When I got hurt, we had to move to New Haven because it has better services for people with disabilities. I live with my aunt and uncle now. I really miss my mom and dad.
I’ll bet. I would miss my parents too. Do they visit often?
[Steven takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.]
Unfortunately, we were in a bad accident together. They, uh, they didn’t make it to the hospital in time.
Oh I’m so sorry! That’s awful.
[Patricia bows her head for a moment.]
Let’s move onto a more lighthearted topic. What are your thoughts on lizards?
[Steven runs his fingers through his unruly curls and rolls his wheelchair forward, stopping abruptly and popping a wheelie. He rolls around on two wheels, making loops as if he’s swerving around an invisible object on the floor.]
They’re pretty gross if you run over one in your wheelchair. I, uh, try to avoid them. Other than that, they’re pretty cool.
[Patricia laughs.]
That does sound like it would be gross!
[She nods at Steven’s wheelchair.]
I have to say, I’m impressed with your wheelchair skills. Where’d you learn to pop a wheelie like that?
When I got out of rehab, I saw these guys playing basketball from their wheelchairs. They raced all over the court, popping wheelies and flipping their chairs. I’ve never seen anything like it! After I got out of my back brace, I taught myself how to do a wheelie. Have you seen some of the extreme sports pushers do?
I have not, but that sounds amazing! And way beyond my skill level.
[Patricia laughs and shakes her head.]
Would you consider yourself decisive or indecisive?
[Steven shrugs his shoulders and snickers.]
I can’t decide.
[Patricia’s green eyes sparkle with amusement.]
Fair enough.
What incredibly strong opinion do you have that is completely unimportant in the grand scheme of things?
I’m drawing a complete blank here. Can we re-visit this one?
Of course! That can be a tricky question. So let me ask you this instead: What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?
My friend Maddie told me that my wheelchair didn’t change anything, that she had no plans of abandoning our friendship because I have a disability. That might not seem like a compliment to some people, but to me, it’s everything.
Wow, what a great friend! I’m so glad she doesn’t care about you having a disability. How did you meet Maddie?
[Steven grins.]
Maddie is a few years older than me and grew up down the street.
She used to watch me when my parents went out, but we’ve always been friends. When she started driving, we started attending concerts together.
Uncle Logan is a doctor. Maddie helped around my uncle’s practice as a teen, cleaning up and making appointments; after she went to nursing school, he hired her as a nurse in his practice. It seems like I’ve known her forever.
That’s awesome. It’s good to have those long-time friends in our lives. Better keep Maddie around!
[Patricia taps her chin, thinking.]
What’s something you’ve never tried before?
Bungee jumping! I bet it’s so liberating!
I’ve never tried that either, but it does sound fun, doesn’t it?
I’m curious—what’s a fun activity you did get to do? That you’d love to do again?
[Patricia grins.]
And it doesn’t have to be on the same level as bungee jumping. Sometimes the simple things are just as precious.
I used to tag along to the hospital with my Uncle Logan as a kid. He’d take me to the lab and let me watch them run labs, explain the analysis. We’d examine different cells with the microscope or run the centrifuge. I love science. I’ve decided to follow in my uncle’s footsteps and go to college for pre-med.
[Patricia’s green eyes widen.]
Wow, what a great ambition. I’ve never had much of a knack for science, so I respect anyone who does. I love that your uncle would take you to his lab and let you watch. Sounds like he cares a lot about you.
Speaking of caring a lot about something, what would you say is your greatest treasure?
My family.
[Patricia’s eyes soften.]
It sounds like you have an amazing family if you see them as your greatest treasure.
I really do. My aunt and uncle weren’t able to have kids, so they always spoiled me. Our family was really close. After the accident, they stepped up and took care of everything so I could concentrate on my recovery.
[Steven wipes under his eyes and gives Patricia a sad smile.]
Sorry about that. My aunt looks so much like my mom, it’s hard sometimes.
[Patricia hands him a tissue.]
Don’t be sorry! That is completely normal. I still miss my dad a lot, too.
[She glances at her wrist.]
It looks like our time is coming to a close. It’s been lovely getting to know you, Steven! I hope you continue to be surrounded by wonderful, supportive people.
I’ve got a great support system. When I first went to rehab, I rebelled. It felt like I was giving up by giving in to everyone’s demands that I learn new ways to do things, but I had a great therapist who showed me that acceptance is the opposite of defeat. I know I can have a great life and I plan to.
That’s a great perspective to have—and very empowering.
Thanks for letting me visit. Dee has brought my story to life. You can learn more about my journey by reading Shattered.
[Patricia stands.]
Oh absolutely! I’ll make sure to tell readers to check out your full story.
[Patricia winks in the direction of the camera.]
[Steven rolls toward the door, but stops in the doorway, grinning over his shoulder.]
I love that your place is so accessible.
[Patricia smiles back.]
And it shall stay accessible! I need to be able to accommodate wonderful guests such as yourself.
[Patricia waves as Steven heads out.]
Have a wonderful day!
End of interview.
Want to Read More?
Steven’s author, D. A. Charles, can be found on TikTok, Facebook, and X/Twitter. You can also check out her website and several other platforms she hangs out at here. Book 1 of The Roll Models Saga, Shattered, can be purchased here.
The Roll Models Saga, Shattered.,
by D. A. Charles Ⓒ 2020 Gray Tail Press.
See Ya Next Time
Aaand that's all the time we have today. Thank you, readers, for coming. And thank you, Steven, for letting us get to know you! See y'all next time.
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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