Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Character Interview!

Today we have our very first character interview here at the Erato blog. It's with Ricky from the M/M romance Angels and Airheads. Let's get to know Ricky:

Thank you for coming to chat with us today. Why do you think Anne chose you to represent her?

Heck, that’s a bit clever for me, I think! I’m not really sure I represent anyone. I’m just me. Anne’s okay really, and I’m always happy to spend some time with her though, between you and me, she can be a bit intense sometimes. She needs to get out more and lighten up, have some fun. All that writing and staring vacantly at her computer is enough to do anyone’s head in. Occasionally she needs some fresh air, so if she pops round, I’m always happy to take her out in downtown Muswell Hill and have a couple of drinks together. She likes that. Maybe that’s why she comes round in the first place? So what I represent to her is someone she can have a laugh with and forget about the serious stuff for a while. Suits me! And, hey, did I even get to answer your question? Go me!

Tell us a little about yourself?

Not much to say really. I’m fairly average, good at some things, mainly DIY and practical stuff. Rubbish with anything clever so make sure you don’t use any long words – I’m not sure where I put the dictionary ... I was born in London and have always lived here. Can’t imagine being anywhere else. City lad, that’s me. At the moment I’m living in downtown Hackney with two plumbers and an out-of-work actor. They’re crazy but we all get on okay. I’ve got a steady job in catering, making lunches and snacks for office workers – had it since school. Not much but it suits me and the people I work with are great. Stupid hours, but then that’s catering for you. If someone wants a party, we go all out for them to make sure they get what they want, and I like being on the deliveries round. That’s the best. 
When I’m not at work, I’m a big fan of going to the pub with my mates, and Jez – that’s my best friend. Have I mentioned him yet? I should do – I’ve known him since school and he’s great. Doesn’t even mind when I force him down to the bowling alley and make him play, even though he’s not that keen on all the noise. But I love bowling, I’m pretty good at it too. Better than Jez anyway, though sometimes I let him win, just as a thank you. He probably realises that’s what’s happening too – he’s the brainy one so not much gets past him. 
Oh and I’ve got one A level, in Biology. I’m pretty proud of it. I think the people who mark the exam must have felt sorry for me or something, as I can’t remember a thing about it now.

Where do you live? What is it about that area that drew you there?

I live in London and always have done. It’s my home and I wouldn’t leave it for the world. I love the fact that everything’s on your doorstep and it’s really easy to nip out to the pub for a couple of pints with my mates or go to the cinema. I don’t have to plan too much – I can just decide on the night. Plus Jez lives here, and why would I want to leave my friends, particularly the very special ones? Oh and the Indian takeaway just round the corner from me makes the best naan bread in the world, so I definitely couldn’t travel too far from that!

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the lime light?

Well, it would be great to come back and see how you’re all getting on, but for now I’m giving 200% to concentrating on this amazing new development in my life. I don’t want to miss a thing…

What is your perfect evening?

It sounds crazy for a party boy, but the best thing ever is a quiet night in with Jez at his new flat, watching TV or listening to the radio, and with a couple of beers for company. I really can’t imagine anything better than that.

What do you do to relax?

I couldn’t possibly tell you! My mother brought me up to be polite, and I like to make her proud. But I suppose you could take a guess!...

Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?

Yeah, I think so. Though I’m certain Anne made me seem dumber than I really am. Sure, I know I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I can sometimes put two and two together, you know, and … um … make five. Joking! Honest – I can do Maths. Well, not as well as Jez can, obviously, what with his career in the city and everything. but I’m not so bad.

Tell us about Jez - what drew you to him?

Jez – I could go on for hours about him and I still wouldn’t have started. He’s great. I’ve known him forever, or it seems like it, and I don’t ever get bored. He’s clever and kind, and you can always rely on him. He’s 100% trustworthy – I’ve never known him let me down. He’s done really well too – a degree and a very cool job in the City. I’m so proud of him. Well, apart from his taste in music, which is totally rubbish. Nobody under 30 listens to Radio Two. Not usually anyway. I keep trying to educate him into the joys of rock, but I don’t think I’m ever going to succeed. It’s flogging the proverbial really. The best thing about Jez though is he doesn’t look down on me for being a bit of an airhead. He genuinely seems to like being with me. As I said, he’s a pretty amazing bloke.

What your favorite Ice cream flavor, Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

Got to be chocolate. But strawberry’s good, especially in summer. Hmm, mustn’t forget vanilla – I’m a vanilla kind of bloke, and there’s nothing wrong with that! So, can I say all of them?

Do you believe in ghosts?

Funny you should ask that. I’m not sure any more. I definitely believe in angels – even though I never used to. Something happened recently to make me change my mind – probably something Jez said – and now I’m as sure as I can be that angels exist, but I’ve never met one. Not that I can remember anyway. I mean, you would remember that kind of stuff, wouldn’t you? So, no, I can’t have met any, but they’re definitely out there somewhere. Keep an eye out, and maybe you’ll see a ghost as well!

Why should the readers be interested in your story?

It’s a classic friends-to-lovers romance, with a dash of humour and heat. What could be nicer? Oh hang on, I’m sure I’m missing out something really important, but I can’t quite grasp what it might be. It might be something to do with Jez and angels, but you’ll have to read it to find out. Let me know when you do!

See more of Ricky and Jez in Angels and Airheads:

Can one determined angel smooth the course of true love and help Ricky get his man?

Ricky has been secretly in love with his best friend Jez forever, but he’s never dared confess his feelings because he thinks Jez is too high-class for him. One evening, while sharing a quiet evening with Jez, a mysterious angel, Madred, appears and tries to persuade Ricky to take a chance on love.

Too bad Ricky doesn’t believe in angels. Madred is forced to take desperate measures in an attempt to show the reluctant Ricky the truth. When the angel leaves, can Ricky find the courage to declare himself to Jez, and what will happen to their friendship if he does?

Buy it now from Musa Publishing!

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