Meet Mariam

Monday, 3/13/23

Hello, those that follow me!

Thank you for following along on my journey into the deep recesses of my characters’ minds!

Next up in our interview series is Mariam. She’s another leader in the Jakar desert community in “Obsidian.” Have fun getting to know her and leave any questions you have for any or my characters or myself in the Comments section. Next time I’ll be interviewing ????, so be sure to come back for that.

Disclaimer: the images of the characters were generated on Canva’s Text to Image Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. They aren’t the final representation of the characters in “Dark Salvation” but, rather, visual representations of the characters so you can understand the characters better.

———————————————

JOHN: Tell us about yourself. Where you’re from, what you do for a living, for fun, etc. etc.

MARIAM: Why do I have to do this?

JOHN: It’s in your contract.

MARIAM: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never signed anything.

JOHN: [This is going great 😩 ) Ok, what do you want to talk about?

MARIAM: I want to know why you’re writing about our lives.

JOHN: I’m the one doing this interview! OK, fine, I’m writing this because I think it’s a story worth sharing. Your stories, your struggles, your adventures will inspire others. Do you need more?

MARIAM: But why us? We’re the outcasts in the desert. We were sent from our home, the only one we knew. Why do you have to ask us about that?

JOHN: The readers want to know why you were sent away and what motivates you. What keeps you going.

MARIAM: Survival keeps us going. Keeping the children safe. We’re saving lives, not following some silly prophecy.

JOHN: Ah, the prophecy. So you don’t believe in it?

MARIAM: I don’t. It’s a load of shit.

JOHN: Why?

MARIAM: Why do I have to believe something just because others believe it? Do you know what believing the prophecy has gotten us? Nothing. I have nothing to show for it except being cast out from my home. I have nothing but hate for that pointless prophecy.

JOHN: Did you ever believe it?

MARIAM: Ya, I was one of the believers once. I attended the secret meetings. I even had a few talks with Jabesh about it. But not anymore.

JOHN: What if I said I could change your mind about the prophecy. Do you think that’s possible?

MARIAM: I don’t think any amount of writing on your part will change my opinion.

JOHN: We’ll see. Do you have any family out here or are they in Camouraska?

MARIAM: My mother is in Camouraska. I haven’t seen her since we arrived in Jakar. Could you pass a message to her from me?

JOHN: I don’t think that’s how this works. I can try to write a reunion between you two, but I can’t promise anything. Is that OK?

MARIAM: I thought you were all powerful, that you could do anything you wanted. You’re the writer. Make us find a way to be back with our families. Please.

JOHN: I – I’ll try. I know how important family is. What about any danger? I mean, this is a science fiction novel series with some thrilling/suspenseful elements.

MARIAM: Jakar is a dangerous place. It’s hot during the day and cold at night. We’ve also just found someone in the desert, possibly an outcast from Camouraska. We don’t know if she’s dangerous or not.

JOHN: And what do you think about Camouraska? The other people I interviewed said it’s not dangerous there. What do you think?

MARIAM: It’s dangerous there too, but not for the same reasons. The people will stab your back there. We have animals out here that threaten us. The same can be said for the people of Camouraska.

JOHN: I interviewed Shataym a few days ago, and I’ll interview Nyla soon. You are all leaders in Jakar. Is it difficult to have 3 leaders, or do you make it work?

MARIAM: We make it work.

JOHN: That’s it? There’s no tension?

MARIAM: No, life is perfect.

JOHN: Any parting thought for the readers?

MARIAM: Family is the most important thing in life. I know that now that I’ve been away from my mother for so long. Hug your people. You never know when they’ll be gone.