I’ve never met a gargoyle before, let alone interviewed one, so despite the invite, I’m a little nervous when it shows up at my door. It’s one thing to make it a character in my novella. It’s entirely another to look into those shiny black eyes in person.
The gray monster is the size of a five-year-old but looks like it could bench-press my car. It has horns, claws, and leathery batwings, complete with hooks at the joints. Pointy yellow teeth jut from its thin-lipped muzzle, and I hope it’s friendly.
I’m tempted to call the whole thing off, but behind him, a pretty brown-skinned character is sweeping her long dreadlocks behind her shoulders. She’s wearing an India-print skirt, love beads, and combat boots, and a giant jar of peanut butter is tucked under one arm. She sticks out her hand. “I’m Tali.”
I reach over the gargoyle and shake her hand at neck height. “It’s nice to meet you in person. Thanks for coming with…”
“Zaahmaazigh,” the creature says.
Tali smiles. “You can just call him Zam.”
“It’s a he?”
“Apparently. Though, to be honest, I haven’t checked.”
I invite them in. Zam waddles past me and claws his way onto my sofa. Tali plops down next to him and opens her jar. “He’s always hungry. He loves Girl Scout cookies, but since he eats with his mouth open, crumbs get everywhere. This will hold him over without the mess. I think.”
The gargoyle digs his clawed fingers into the peanut butter and smears it into his mouth, mostly.
“Well, let’s get started.” I peel my gaze from the spectacle and open my notepad, ready to write his answers. “Thanks for dropping by, Zam. Can you tell me a little about yourself?”
“Oh, sorry!” Tali tucks a stray dread behind her ear. “I can understand him a little, but yes or no questions work best.”
I look down at my useless questions, unsurprised. “Okay, Zam, let’s start here. From what I understand, you were a prisoner of the serpent god Damballah.”
“Sss.”
Tali translates, “That means yes.”
“And it was a voodoo prayer written in the margins of your mother’s Bible that freed you into our time.”
“Sss.”
“1972, actually,” Tali clarifies. “The book was hidden in a cottage next to a lighthouse. I read the passage, and the next thing I know, Zam shows up. He freaked me out. And Daballah was worse. That’s one scary god you do not want to cross.”
“Uff.”
“That means no.” She shrugs as Zam shoves his whole hand into the jar and licks his knobby knuckles. “I think Zam’s grateful for everything that happened. Speaking for myself, I could have done without the whole psycho ordeal.”
“So, Zam,” I ask, “did you enjoy being the star of the story?”
“Sss. Algae Eeggh sauv Zaahm.”
“Aww.” Tali rubs the gargoyle’s head between his horns. “He calls me Algae. And that Egg sound is Greg. He’s saying we saved him. But he saved us too. It’s a cool story when it isn’t terrifying.”
“Sauv boag.”
“Yup, we saved the boat too. We think. Time travel can get tricky.”
I watch Zam’s long tongue polish the inside of the jar. “Well, I don’t want you two to give too much away. Let’s see…. Here’s a question. Can you actually fly with those wings?
The gargoyle’s wings twitch but remain folded against his back. He eyeballs my kitchen. “Oood?”
“No more food.” Tali hustles to her feet and clutches Zam’s hand. “We should go before he raids your fridge. Or asks Damballah to suck us all into a nightmare adventure. You wouldn’t believe the potential for disaster, and once he starts….”
The creature’s lower jaw juts, and his eyes narrow into obsidian slits. A guttural growl rumbles from his chest. Tali crouches and whispers into one of his flattened ears, “I have Thin Mint cookies in the bug for the trip back to Harbor Pointe.”
Zam’s long ears perk up. He leaps from the sofa, and his hand rips from Tali’s grasp. His black wings flap, knocking over a lamp and upending a chair as he scrambles for the door. “Oogeez!”
“Hey, a new word!” Tali tosses me a grin and scurries after him. “Zam, wait!”
They’re gone in a flash, and I’m sitting on the sofa, wondering what just happened. As Tali’s VW bug chugs down the driveway, I right the furniture and throw the empty jar into the recycling bin. Back to editing. Now I know why this book is so out of control.
Myths of the Mirror 
Wonderfully and imaginatively done! I like this very much! Hugs and enjoy your weekend!
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Thanks, Traci. I had a blast writing this novella. It will be out sometime this summer as part of multi-author project. Now I’m back to writing a novel. All so fun, as you know. Have a wonderful week, and Happy Writing!
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Wonderful. I really enjoyed it!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Henry. It was a blast writing these characters and sharing them with everyone. Never a dull moment in the imagination. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and comment!
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This is cute, Diana. I’ve never been a fan of gargoyles, but I think I can like Zam and a time-travel. I’m reading a book now on writing novella’s (mostly covering romance). Looking forward to yours.
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Writing a novella was different, Mary. I used my usual story structure and just omitted some of the try/fail cycles. I was fun to write something short for a change. It didn’t feel like such a huge undertaking. Thanks for the visit and for liking Zam. He’s actually quite a lovable gargoyle when he isn’t scary or making a mess. 🙂
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Haha😄 the gargoyle language. I would want to learn some of that too. Great interview.
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Thanks for stopping by to read the interview. Zam never learns to talk, but at times Tali can figure out what he’s saying. I love making up languages. 🙂 Happy Weekend!
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Hehe… Love it! I can’t wait to read this one. And did I see ‘time travel’? Ooooo 😀
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It’s a short book, Sheri. Just 80 pages. And yes, time travel! It’s amazing how fast everything has to happen when you write a novella. It was a fun first. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. 🙂
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Plot sounded much simpler than your usual stories, so perfect for a novella. And all the better to make it through my TBR pile faster. 😀 BTW, thanks SO much for the new review on Feeling Human. I was thrilled to see it and so happy you enjoyed the read. Hugs!!
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You’re welcome for the review. I’ll share it on my blog on Wednesday. 🙂 It was so skillfully done. Great “Experimental Fiction.”
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Wow! Thanks again! 😀
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Hahaha!
Perhaps you should stock some Thin Mint Cookies for next time. He might come back?
A fun read, Diana!
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Thanks, Resa. Zam was a ton of fun to write, and Tali does a good job handling him. This will be a short book when it’s done, only about 80 pages. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview! Hugs, my friend.
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This is a delight to read, Diana. So glad you shared it. By your following posts I see that you are busy as usual. I wish I could get even half as much done. Hugs
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You get A LOT done, Teagan. I can’t believe how much you write, and I’ve been envious of your productivity more than once. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. 🙂 As you know, fantasy characters are fun to write! Hugs, my friend.
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Very creative. Well done!
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Have a great day and Happy Writing.
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Likewise to you.
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One of the best interview ever!!
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Ha ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was a little chaotic, but at least you got to meeting Zam and Tali. Thanks for the visit!
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It was a pleasure to meet Zam and Tali! She’s a smart and thoughtful woman to bring peanut butter. Otherwise who knows how much damage Zam would have caused. 🙂 This was fun and very creative, Diana. Looking forward to reading more.
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Tali holds her own, Mark, but it isn’t easy keeping up with a gargoyle. I’m glad you enjoyed the fun. The book is heading to the editor soon. I’m hoping that it will be out this summer. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Haha. Ah, I love the creativity of this. The peanut butter going into his mouth, mostly. 😛
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I could have elaborated on that particular mess, but didn’t want the post to get too long. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Betsey. It’s been fun hanging out with these two for the past four months. 🙂
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I’m sure it has. They seem to be very entertaining, albeit messy, guests. 🙂
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Do you have an idea on your release and or pre-order date?
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Not for a while, Sandra. It’s part of a multi-author project, so we’re waiting until everyone is done… probably the summer. There will be some hype about it, so no worries. You won’t miss it. Lol. Hugs, my friend.
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They are beautifully creative creatures, and I fell for both Zam and Tali when I discovered they are peanut butter fans 🙂 The introduction to these two new characters in your life gives us a peak into your imagination (or reality) and makes me want to invite both of them for coffee and learn more ~ and to learn their language as well. 🙂
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Zam will eat anything, Randall, but peanut butter is easy to keep on hand. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed meeting these two. I’ve been living with them for about 4 months and they’ve been fun, and a handful! I’m rather fond of both of them and look forward to presenting them to the world. Thanks for the lovely visit and comment. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Such a fun interview! Thanks for the introduction to Zam. 🙂
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Thanks, Khaya. It’s a different sort of book for me since it takes place in the real world and deals with some real issues. And gargoyles, of course. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Happy Writing and Hugs.
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Diana, I LOVE this! Wonderfully funny, inventive and off-the-wall! of course, only you could invent an interview with a book character who can’t speak for himself! Phew, I think your house got off lightly here as I’m sure the kitchen would not fare well once Zam sniffed out more food even with Tani’s efforts to the contrary! Have a great time writing the book!
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Thanks, Annika. I’m glad you enjoyed this and got a laugh too. I had so much fun writing these characters, and of course wanted to show the relationship between these two as well as introduce Zam. 😀 Things get a little crazy in the book and your right that Tali is always running to catch up with him. Have a lovely evening and Friday, my friend. ❤ ❤ ❤
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What a great interview!!
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennie. Not a typical interview, but hey, this is who shows up in my stories. Have a great day, my friend. ❤
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My pleasure, Diana! Best to you. 😍
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Wow. Can’t wait for this one.
Hugs
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Thanks, Sandra. This will be a quick read when it’s done. It was super fun to write and then to share this interview. It’s part of the fun of writing fantasy. 🙂 Have a great evening, my friend. Hugs.
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Amazing stuff Wow!❤️
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Thanks so much for reading the interview. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had a blast writing it. Have a great day. 🙂
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Diana, Two really fun characters. I like how you took the potential scary and turned it to humor.
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That’s pretty much the way the book will go, Bernadette. Scary stuff happens, but between Zam and Tali, it stays pretty light. It was so fun to write. Thanks for the kind comment, my friend. Hugs.
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What a wonderful interview. Zam is an interesting creature for sure. I look forward to meeting him again in your book. If you can get it under control!
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Ha! I’m on the last editing pass, Viv, then proofreading and off to the editor to catch all my leftover errors. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed meeting Zam. He’s still out of control, but I think that’s just him. 🙂 Have a great day and Happy Writing!
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A gargoyle, a jar of peanut butter, and a VW – I like him already. Looking forward to this, Diana!
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Thanks for dropping by, Teri. I’m glad you the interview. They’ve actually been my companions for about 4 months, and it’s been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to letting them fly. Happy Writing, my friend.
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Well done, Diana!
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Thanks for dropping by, Ann. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. It didn’t go quite how I planned, but I think it showed off this dynamic duo well. Have a lovely day, my friend.
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Oh, this was so much fun, Diana! I love your imagination and felt like I was right there. I could smell the peanut butter. 🙂 Your description of Zam was perfect, and he seemed so real! Can’t wait for this one! ❤️
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Thanks, Lauren. It will be a quick read when it’s finally done. I’m delighted that you enjoyed meeting Zam. It’s amazing to me that Tali holds her own with his antics. It’s funny how they take on a life of their own. Hugs, my friend. ❤
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Well this was fun Diana! What a cute sloppy guy Diana! I could resist falling in love with him. However, you dream these things up is beyond me. Reminds me of what’s to come with having grandchildren with these freshly painted walls and I cringe. lol. Great fun story and loved meeting Zam!!!! 💗
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Ha ha ha. I think every family deals with wall art at some point, Cindy. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. I’ve come to really enjoy Zam despite the messes he leaves behind. It was fun introducing a couple of my characters. Have a great day, my friend.
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💞💗 I’ll look forward to more!! missed this in my comments!! 💞
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❤
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