I decided to get to know my MC more since I am struggling with her personality. This is a fun exercise I tried and I think it helped a lot. I might seem crazy by doing this, especially because after I filled it out as Sydona, I read it back to myself, taking like she would talk. #writerthings? I hope you enjoy, and I will probably do this for all of my characters actually. So keep an eye out for those too if you liked this.
Warning: This is very long.
Interview Questions for Sydona (before the story begins)
Can you tell me your full name please?
My name is Sydona Wilder. I don’t have a middle name. I barely have a last name. Parents told me they just picked it out once so they could blend in better with society. Most Fliers don’t have a last name.
How old are you?
I don’t think this is really necessary for you to know. It is a mystery for most people, or they think I’m in my thirties or forties. But in reality, I am in my sixties and still kickin’.
What race are you?
Well if you mean what color is my skin, I would be considered Caucasian. But sometimes people use race as in a species. If that’s the case, I am of course, a Flier.
Gender?
Female.
What is your favorite animal? And why?
Oh, interesting. I haven’t really thought about having an animal be my favorite before. But, if I had to pick I guess I would say… a Bangal Fox. Why? I guess because they are independent and live alone most of their lives and are native to India. I love India, gorgeous place. But a bit too hot for me. But I’ve seen the foxes there before, and the bottom line is, they are adorable.
What’s your favorite color? And why?
Hmm, I guess I would go with green. I love the forest and gardening and nature in general. Green seems like a color you would have to love because you are constantly surrounded by it. It’s the color of life and new beginnings.
What’s your favorite season, and why?
Spring. That’s when I can start growing things again in my garden. And flowers and everything wakes up from the winter slumber. It’s just a beautiful season in general.
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
Oh wow.. When I grew up huh? Hmm, well before I was 9, I aspired to be like my mom. She was a strong independent woman. Even though she was married and settled down, she was still very much her own person. She loved to travel, as most Fliers do, and went to the most incredible places. Meeting all kinds of people, Fliers and humans alike. She loved everyone and was charismatic and loving. She liked to find exotic treasures and old history items and bargain with people. That was how she meet a lot of folks back in the day. I just realized I spoke about my mom, when the question was about myself. I guess that answers the question, I wanted to be like my mom.
What would you dress up for halloween?
Halloween? What a strange question. I haven’t celebrated that holiday since I was a child. And even then I didn’t understand the point of dressing up as someone else. Why would anyone choose to be someone you’re not? The only good part about it was the candy. I used to have a major sweet tooth. Enough to where my dad had to ban it from the house. Only time I could make up for the lack of sweets was on that day. Now that I think about it, I haven’t had candy in like 40 years..
Do you have a favorite movie? Why?
Not really into movies. Books are my movies. I don’t even own a television. Books are better too because you can envision them the way you want too, not how Hollywood makes you see it. Plus, TV and all that is bad for your eyes.
Favorite kind of music? Why?
I would have to say my favorite genre is classical or orchestral music. The way it’s presented is just so moving, and all without any words. I have even gotten goosebumps from listening to certain pieces because of how they tell the story. *laughs* I like to make up stories for some of the songs I hear. Raoul makes fun of me for it, but I don’t care. It’s entertaining for me.
Where did you grow up and did you like it?
I grew up in Glendale, California. It was good I guess, from what I remember. The weather was always real nice. But as soon as I could, I moved away from there and more into the midwest. Was never a fan of sand and ocean.
What was your first job?
*laughs loudly* Um, as long as I can tell you and not get in trouble. I was a drug peddler. Marijuana mostly. I wore sunglasses all the time, you know, to hide my eyes, so people thought I was blind. The dealer didn’t care who or what I was as long as I made my drops on time. He liked my blind girl act a lot and I was never suspected of any kind of illegal activities. I was only 12 years old. It made good money too.
How do you feel about kids?
How do you mean? Kids, like, in general or me having kids? They are alright, I suppose. But I think some people shouldn’t have any. As for myself, I have never thought of having any, mostly because you need that second person in order for that to happen. That’s far fetched. I think I would be a good mother though, if I had the chance.
Marriage?
That’s even more far fetched! I have never been in a relationship more than a couple months. I know this will sound shitty, but most guys I’ve been with I used for something. And before you ask, no. I have never been in love. I thought I was close once, but well, shit happens.
What is your proudest accomplishment? Why were you proud?
Honestly I have to say finding this house. I admired it for many years. Once I saved up enough money to buy it, and it went on sale, I was ecstatic. As you know, it’s way out of the city, has a perfect tree for Raoul’s family, and gardening space and livestock if needed. I’ve been here ever since.
Anything you done that you are ashamed of? Why?
*hesitates and takes a minute to answer* When I was also a kid, there was a boy who called me out for being a Flier, and this was right after the abductions in the 40’s, and I didn’t wear sunglasses yet. Or… I lost them, or broke — I can’t remember. But anyway, a boy saw me and was going to tell his parents. I freaked… And ended up pushing him into a lake, on accident of course. I was scared. The boy couldn’t swim, and I tried to reach for him, but I was too late. What I am most ashamed of was that I could’ve jumped in and saved him, because I knew how to swim. But… I didn’t… I didn’t want anything bad to happen to me. I still regret it to this day.
Any talents or skills that you can boast about?
I bought this piano from a guy I knew back in the day because I found this book with music for piano players for beginners. I always thought it was an elegant instrument and told myself I needed to learn. So I did. I practiced and played for years until I perfected over 200 songs. I don’t play much anymore, because I am limited on new songs to play, but I bet if I played it again, it will be like I never stopped. Raoul always liked my songs.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where you go? Why?
Probably Australia. One country I haven’t been too, but the reason I would is because.. It might sound stupid, but I love the way they talk. It’s not British and it’s not English. It’s so unique from any other language I’ve heard.
How do you want to die, if you could choose.
That’s morbid. *laughs* Um, if I could choose how I would die.. I guess it doesn’t matter as long as I don’t feel pain. I know that’s stupid and unrealistic, but if it were up too me, I would rather just let death take me silently and not make such a fuss about it.
What’s your stance on abortion?
Geez, who made these questions? Abortion is a sensitive subject matter and one of hardest decisions of a persons, womans life. It’s traumatizing, emotionally draining and not something I’m sure most women choose to do on a whim. It involves a lot of thought and planning. Ultimately, it’s up to the woman carrying the fetus. If she wants to make that decision, it’s not up to me or anyone to judge her for it.
What are some bad habits that you have?
These are all over the place, aren’t they? Bad habits, um, I do bite my nails. Sometimes chew my hair, which is why it looks so crappy and uneven. I guess I’m kinda messy.. Don’t really like to clean. But I’m the only one who lives here, so why bother?
What is your ideal life partner traits? And what orientation do you prefer?
I am straight, so I would choose a guy. I feel like this question is very subjective. There is no perfect person out there, for anyone. I don’t believe in soul mates or any of that crap. I’m not a pessimistic when it comes to love though. Love is real and I think love can change your idea of what traits you prefer. If you feel how you do about someone, it doesn’t matter if they are tall, or dark or successful. It is what it is. So what I’m saying is, it’s a flexible, ever changing question.
On a scale of 1 – 10, what is your self confidence level?
I would give myself a 7. I am insecure sometimes. But for the most part I am proud of who I am and how I got here. Anyone who gives themselves a 10 is egotistical and arrogant and I don’t want to meet that person.
What’s your favorite food? Why?
Oooh, I love Italian food. Pastas and breads and all that. I’ve been to Italy before so I have had that authentic stuff before, you know? I was in heaven. But if I could pick a dish, it would be risotto with sun dried tomatoes. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I am great at making it.
Have you ever done anything illegal? What was it?
Well, as I said before, I dealt marijuana when I was a kid for several years. Never was caught. Also, I tended to smoke it on occasion too. But I haven’t in a very long time.
If you could have 3 wishes granted right now, what would they be?
Hmm, that’s a good question. And I’m guessing I can’t ask for more wishes, huh? That would be cheating, I suppose. Okay, so I think the first one is that I would like to see my parents again. I miss them so much.. Second one, to be able to live in a judge free world and where I can be myself. Third would be… horses. I’ve always wanted horses. My property is too small for them and I would want them to be free ranged. Like wild horses, but come whenever I whistle for them. I would also ride them to the city instead of my piece of crap car.

Concept art of Sydona
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