I've always believed that every good story starts with interesting people. The funny thing is, most of the time we spend so much time talking about books that we forget to ask the characters themselves what they think about everything.

Sure, we know who solved the mystery, saved the day, caught the villain, or found true love. But what about the person behind those adventures? What would they order at a coffee shop? What's their hometown like? What keeps them awake at night? What do they wish readers knew about them that the authors aren't saying?

Those are the kinds of questions I find myself wondering about.

That's what Coffee with Brenda is all about.

In this feature, I sit down with fictional characters from a variety of books and worlds for a casual conversation over a cup of coffee. Sometimes we'll talk about their lives. Sometimes we'll talk about their adventures. And sometimes we'll wander off on a completely different topic altogether. That's usually how the best conversations happen anyway.

After all, every character has a story to tell—even when they aren't on the page.

The first installment of Coffee with Brenda will be arriving soon, so be sure to check back often.

And if you're an author who thinks one of your characters would enjoy spending a little time in Flat Rock, I'd love an introduction.

Until then, the coffee's hot, the pastries are fresh, and there's always room for one more chair at the table.