Vengeful Vows, the Third book of the Sins of the Flesh series will be coming out soon. This book deviates from the rest of the series for several reasons but the most prominent is Daffodil is not a Christian character. In fact, she sees religion as a chain people use to enslave others. Unlike Celeste Martin and Leah Westwood, who were believers, Daffodil comes from a different worldview altogether.
Below is a transcript of an attempted interview I had with Daffodil Simmons to see how she felt about this book. You’ll be able to tell from her responses she was reluctant to tell me much information.
Parker: Thanks for joining me today.
Daffodil: You’re welcome.
Parker: When we first met, you were having an online rivalry with Celeste Martin. Since then, it seems the rivalry has stopped. Why is that?
Daffodil: Did you talk to Celeste?
Parker: I did.
Daffodil: Then you ought to know why the rivalry has stopped. But if I have to answer the question, let’s say there’s no need to hash over the past.
Parker: All right, fine. When you approached me about telling your story, you seemed a little reluctant to give me the details. Now that the release is just about here how do you—
Daffodil: I’m still uncomfortable with it. I read over the draft. I feel exposed. I don’t like how transparent you made it out to be. I’ll admit, I’ve some reservations.
Parker: But when we talked on *inaudible* you said that—
Daffodil: I know what I said but now that it’s almost here, it freaks me out.
Parker: Daffodil—
Daffodil: Here’s the thing Parker, no one likes to have all their dirty laundry aired for the world to see. Yes, I gave you legal permission to tell my story but I wish I hadn’t now.
Parker: I understand you’re nervous. Truth is tool you use as you see fit.
Daffodil: It’s not only that. People can’t handle the truth, like Jack Nicholson said. They like to think they can but at the end of the day, we all want to be lied to. Makes it easier to *inaudible*
Parker: Well, this isn’t going the way I planned so let’s talk about the book some. Early on in the story, you reveal you have some issues with you father.
Daffodil: I don’t have issues with him. I hate him.
Parker: And that’s something we discover from the beginning of the book. You hate him and another man. Who is that other man?
Daffodil: Celeste’s father-in-law.
Parker: Why is that?
Daffodil: *swearing* Why do I have to tell you if it’s going to be in the book? Kinda defeats the purpose.
Parker: But people like to know the story behind the story. Which is why I’m asking—
Daffodil: Are a bunch of Christians going to read this book?
Parker: I’m not sure who’s going to read it. It’s out there for the world to pick up if they wish.
Daffodil: Did you write it with Christians in mind? Parker: Yes and no. See, over the past year, I’ve been challenged by other authors of Christian fiction and fiction in general to write stories realistically. That means to tell stories like yours where you’re not coming from the same worldview as I am. God is—
Daffodil: A societal figment of our imagination.
Parker: No, Daffodil. He’s real.
Daffodil: The point is this: I gave you permission to tell my story and most of me is okay with that. But I have to wonder if some Christians just feel comfortable with feel good stories and not ones like mine. Maybe someone from the other side will read it and get a clue. After all if *inaudible* then why would I even *inaudible* in the first place?
Parker: Okay, we’ll just end it here since you refuse to be open about this.
Daffodil: Best idea you’ve had so far.
When all’s said and done, I think you’ll find Daffodil’s story a good one. She’s open and honest about herself, her views and people. We can all look forward to that.
About the Author:
Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and beloved dog Sarah.
Visit her site at http://www.ParkerJCole.com