Interview with Juan Grande
Jim: Today, I’m interviewing Juan Grande. He lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and as I understand it, he was a big help to Crystal Moore in A Silver Medallion. How are you today, Mr. Grande?
Juan: I am fine, gracias. I not know where “Grande” come from. Please call me Juan.
Jim: Okay, Juan. Of course, Juan Grande translates to Big John. You must admit, you are a stout person.
Juan: Please forgive my English. I not know “stout.” My wife call me solid.
Jim: Okay. That works for me. How did you get to know Crystal?
Juan: My amigo Bull O’Malley call me . Ask I look after her. Help her if possible.
Jim: Did he tell you what help she might need?
Juan: He say she want rescue two niñas, ah, girls, from bad man in San Sebastian.
Jim: Just how bad was this man in San Sebastian?
Juan: Muy bad. Kill people. Steal. Lie. I think drugs.
Jim: Kills people? Who is this man? What is his name?
Juan: He is called Josè Rodriquez de Allende.
Jim: Can’t the police arrest him, lock him up?
Juan: He is rich, powerful. Many men work for him. Maybe police also. He own police. We no get help from police.
Jim: That’s sounds like a big order. How did you go about it? And were you successful?
Juan: I no can tell you. Author tell me no give away plot.
Jim: It sounds dangerous. Did Crystal work with you? Did she help any, or did she just come down and ask you and your men to do it?
Juan: I ask her stay in Puerto Vallarta. Me and my men rescue girls. But she say no. She must help. She no can ask me do it and not help. I beg her stay in Puerto Vallarta. But she no let us go and not she go.
Jim: Did she actually do anything to help?
Juan: Si. Yes. She muy importante. She take girls away.
Jim: Took them away? How did she do that?
Juan: I no can tell you. Author tell me no give away plot.
Jim: Juan, your English is pretty good. Where did you learn it?
Juan: Mi esposa, ah, wife, take university in Texas. She speak good English. I learn some.
Jim: How do you know Mark?
Juan: Bull have home in Vallarta. I meet him long time back. He ride the bulls. He ride one time here. We have much memories.
Jim: Juan, it has been a pleasure talking with you. And I’m anxious to find out if you got the young girls free, and how you – and Crystal – accomplished it if you did. Thank you for your time, and stay safe from Josè Rodriquez de Allende.
Readers, as I understand it, Juan Grande was instrumental in the rescue of the girls. And while he wouldn’t say if they succeeded of not, I believe they were successful. Otherwise, Juan Grande might not be here today. But, I’m getting on the Internet right now to get a copy of A Silver Medallion. Would you like to join me?
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1WxoEaF
90 secondTrailer: https://animoto.com/play/key7NqR0qbmN1JVWrCe8RA#
Character interviews are a good way to introduce readers to a book. If you haven’t read Silver Medallion, grab a copy now. You won’t be sorry. Recommended read.
Thanks for the nice plug. I do like the character interviews – if it’s an interesting character. Juan Grande is.
Silver Medallion is a great book, and Juan’s wife is right: he is a very “solid” man, big in heart , courage as well as girth.
You are right, Lesley. Juan does have a big heart and courage. He grew as I wrote him and I was amazed at how he turned out – much better than when I started. Good characters do that. They open up and show you what they’re made of and how they’re going to act. Thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy you observations.
Loved your interview and your character. Your book was quite exciting and full of suspense. I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks, Elaine. Juan Grande was a fun character to write. Glad you like the book also. Glad you stopped by.
Brilliant post, Jim. You had me going for a moment. Now I’ll have to buy Silver Medallion.
Thank you, Lynne, for your kind words. And I hope you do get A Silver Medallion. I’m sure you’ll like it. If I haven’t invited you to the book launch, you are invited. Full details will be on this blog tomorrow. Hope to see you there.
Thanks, Eileen. Juan Grande is a great character, and an even better friend. I hope you get to meet him – in the book.
This is great, Jim. Funny — and you capture the accent perfectly. Maybe I can meet Juan Grande in PV next time I’m there? Great promotion idea for your new book.