Building Character with Thelma Hill from The Ghost of Thelma Hill

Welcome to my new blog feature, Building Character in which you get to meet a character from a book. I’m really excited about this feature, because it is so much fun talking to a character outside of their book! Huge. Amounts. Of fun. 

This week Strands of Thought is host to Thelma Hill from The Ghost of Thelma Hill. Thelma, can you tell our readers a little about yourself, please? Like, maybe a bit about what kind of conflict you have in life.

Conflicts?  I’m a ghost, Kai.  Ghosts don’t have conflicts. . .  Unless you call living in eternal limbo a conflict.  And my name WAS Thelma Hill.  Was is the operative word here, dear.

Oh, I see. It’s almost like you live in past perfect tense – all the time! What are some of the biggest stumbling blocks you’ve encountered trying to overcome your ghostly challenges?

Mainly the fact that no one ever heard me rattle my chains, scream or moan.  For 40 years I have tried to get someone to pay attention to me, but until Frannie James – absolutely nothing!  I might as well have been decently buried for all they cared. 

Hmmm. . . Wait!  There was that dear little poodle though.  He knew I was here.  But what use is a dog in my delicate situation. Unfortunately, I had to give up making eerie noises.  His owners were about to get rid of him because of all the barking. I felt it simply would not be fair to make an innocent poodle pay because of my need for revenge.

What have you learned about yourself or friend or family while attempting your haunts?

• Oh my, that’s an easy one to answer, dear. Be careful whom you marry.  Especially if you are shy, like me.  And I discovered that helping others is very calming to the soul.  A soul gets really shook up after years of limbo living. I intend helping Frannie with a little something that is bothering her.  
• Oh yes, and one thing I learned, that really upset me, is about that Margot Finke person.  She had the temerity to tell everyone I am based on her mother.  Rubbish! I’ll have you know I am a fully authenticated ghost. . .   I just need a little mortal assistance with revenge, and then it’s off to my Great Reward.  

Tell us about your sidekick or best friend.

Indeed. If 8 legs and a jealous nature make a great sidekick, then Adolpha definitely fits the bill.  Jealousy is such an unattractive trait, don’t you think?  And lately, of course, I have Frannie – such a dear girl. And brave.  You have no idea.  She has agreed to help me.  But that twin brother of hers bears watching. Jeff  is not convinced I exist.  Not to worry though - Adolpha will take care of him.  

Is there anything about you that people are always giving you a hard time about? How do you feel about it?

Ghosts are known for have a disconcerting effect on people.  I think it’s the naked bones, and all those veils frothing around.  Humans are so one dimensional.

What are your three favorite leisure activities?

You don’t know much about ghosts, do you dear?  Hmmm. . . I guess you could say “limbo” is rather limiting. And I have to say that the accommodations have a great deal to be desired.

If you could change one thing in this world, what would you change?

Hah!  I want my killer brought to justice, Kai.  REVENGE is sweeter when you wait 40 years to savor it.  And no one should be allowed to get away with murder!

What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?

Watching the humans come and go in this house has indeed been an education.  I truly believe that a loving heart, and the art of compromise, is the path to inner grace – both on earth, and on my journey to the place of Great Rewards.  

Do you think this new-fangled blog interview thingy will make your readers believe in me? I fear not my dear.  Readers will cast you as a CRAZY lady.  Never mind. You just pop over to Frannie’s home in Tigard, Oregon.  I’ll treat you to limbo-esque stories that will make your hair fly off – truly.

Thanks Thelma for stopping in to talk with us. If ghosts celebrate earthly holidays, I hope yours are enjoyable.

The Revenge of Thelma Hill:
When Frannie and her twin brother move to Oregon, they have no thought of ghosts,  haunted houses, trapping a killer, or facing a giant arachnid “familiar” in their basement.  And their missing mom and sibling rivalry only add to their list of scary problems.

*Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/cmolsoz
*KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009DW06MI

*NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/margot-finke

VIDEO - Sample Reading: http://youtu.be/sLA1vr8b09Y

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived happily in Oregon.  Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, and their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Seven wonderful grandchildren round out her life.

Margot has 13 published books, with several more due for publication next year. She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs.  You are my heroes! "

You can find more information about Margot and Thelma:

FREE Book Catalog:  http://tinyurl.com/d8ppylg

Website: http://www.margotfonke.com

HOOK Kids on Reading: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/margot.finke

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/margotfinke/

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24759055&trk=tab_pro

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Margot10

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If you have a character from a children’s, tween or young adult book that you’d like to see interviewed on Building Character, please contact kaistrand at yahoo dot com.