Tell Me You Love Me Author Tour // Character Interview Swap with Saraina Whitney

[Saraina’s questions are in bold.]

Hi Clarissa! Thank you for agreeing to be interrogated – I mean, interviewed! My opening question is: what’s your favorite color and why?

Hello, Saraina! It’s a pleasure to meet you! Of course! I am happy to do it!
My favorite color is light blue. I don’t have a reason other than that I’ve loved it since I was little. I do vaguely remember my brother once surprised me with light blue ribbons for my birthday. I have no idea how he had gotten it, but anyway, maybe that’s why light blue became my favorite color.

What do you perceive as your greatest weakness and greatest strength?

Hm, I would say my greatest strength is showing kindness, but my greatest weakness is giving people a second chance. After experiencing God’s kindness and the kindness of my parents, I’ve learned to show that same kindness to others. But I’ve lived with hurt and pain that’s hard to forget and let go. So, I guess showing forgiveness is something God is still working on in me.

What does family mean to you?

To me, family means loving and taking care of others. It doesn’t matter if you’re related by blood or not. Family is the people who truly love you and want to take care of you. They don’t let go, and they don’t abandon you. And in turn, you are there for them.

If you had a theme song, what might it be?

My author introduced me to some music from your world, and one that I’d say would be my theme song is “Forgiveness” by Matthew West.

Do you think you get along with most people? Why or why not?

Yes, I think so. I’ve learned to hold my tongue and not show when I’m upset with, hurt by, or angry with someone. I still try to be nice to people even if I’m not fond of them, thus, causing me to get along with people very easily.

What’s a Scripture verse you’ve memorized and always think about?

Deuteronomy 31:8 is one verse that sticks with me and has helped me through so much. It reminds me that even if everyone else leaves me, God never will.

What is your favorite place in the world you live in?

My absolute favorite place is one particular tower adjacent to my parents’ mansion. When I was younger, my father told me that he decided to name the tower after me and that it could be mine to do with however I pleased. The tower stored a lot of old stuff my parents weren’t using anymore, and so it made the perfect place for exploring and hiding. Oh, my apologies! I think I gave a longer answer than you expected.

Name your most favorite trait about Greyson! Why do you admire that in him?

My favorite trait about Greyson is his persistence. He never gives up even when it seems hopeless. I love that he never gave up trying to win my heart. There are a few people from my past who I wish had the same persistence that Greyson has. If they had, maybe they could’ve held onto me a little longer.

Greyson, if you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you into this Q&A as well! Why is being an architect rewarding to you?

I’m honored to be invited to this interview, Miss Saraina.
Being an architect fulfills my passion and desire to design sturdy towers. I have the opportunity to make better designs and structures so that the incident I experienced does not happen again to me and Clarissa or to anyone else.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I would change my sinful character into a better man. I want to be kinder, compassionate, and considerate of others. I am ashamed of my arrogant self, and I want to change. I try every day to be more like Jesus.

Do you get embarrassed easily? If so, what embarrasses you most?

I don’t normally get embarrassed. I guess, though, if someone humiliated me in public, especially in front of people with higher status, then I’d be embarrassed.

Who do you look up to the most?

My mother. I think very highly of her. She raised me into the man I am and taught me to be a gentleman in society. Next to her would be my aunt. I spent a lot of time with my aunt and am very fond of her. She’s the one who gave me advice concerning getting a job and informed me of the job opportunities at Lockleyhood Estate where I first met Clarissa.

If the whole world stopped to hear you speak, what would you say?

I would say to treat others the way you want to be treated, not the way you are treated. Follow Jesus’ example and show kindness to everyone, not matter how difficult. It is that kindness that changes hearts. *pauses* I know because it has changed mine.

Finally, what is your most favorite trait about Clarissa?

This is a hard one because she is a woman of honorable character. However, my favorite trait of hers would have to be her kindness. She showed me kindness even when I didn’t deserve it, even when I was utterly mean to her. A characteristic like that takes great strength. For that, she is a piece of Heaven in my opinion.

Thank you, Clarissa and Greyson, for agreeing to this interview! (And congratulations to Katherine on the upcoming release of your delightful story “He Wanted My Heart” in Tell Me You Love Me!)

Clarissa: It was my pleasure!
Greyson: You conducted an excellent interview, Miss Saraina!
Katherine: Aw, thank you!!