Interviews with The Characters (FINAL): Sal
01st June 2021
My recently released novel, Livin’ and Lovin’ in Texas is a bittersweet romantic tale of forgiveness. I wanted to talk more to each of the four main characters Garrett Cobb, Megan Meyer, Billy Cobb and Sal, so this week, in the last of four weekly interviews, I caught up with Sal and asked her about her past.
Interviewer: Hey Sal, how are you?
Sal: Hey yourself. I’m good, thanks.
I: Sal, first of all, I’d really like to know your whole name.
Sal: I’m Sally Willard. Never liked Sally too much, made me sound like I was sweet and proper with pigtails and I’m nothin’ like that as you can plainly see.
I: Oh, I think you’re a great woman. I think you’re a woman with a strong mind and who has a strong character. The world could use more women like you, Sal.
Sal: Well, that’s one of the nicer things I’ve ever heard someone say about me. Thanks, honey.
I: Tell me about your life. What kind of a teenager were you?
Sal: Wow, you jump right in there, dontcha? (laughs) I was rowdy back then. I remember my mama saying that from the moment I learned to walk, I was off in all directions. I ain’t never been no different. I was a teenager in the 80s so I got to see a lot of rock bands and was datin’ a lot. You couldn’t hold me back. I wanted it all and I set about havin’ it all too.
I: What were your parents like?
Sal: My daddy didn't stay around so I don't remember him aside from photographs. My mama was tough, she had to be. People called her a 'tough broad' back then. (Laughs). She was all about teaching me to stand on my own two feet early in life. They were good life lessons. Then I reached my teens and I was off in all directions.
I: And then you met the father of your son. Tell me about that.
Sal: Nothin’ to tell really. It was a long time ago. We both had a lot of growing up to do. It was a very short, very intense thing and my boy was the result. We met at a rock gig and spent the next three months together. We were inseparable until he found out about the baby, and then he flew away real quick. Looking back it was the best thing for both of us. Forced me to grow up and Kevin is a good man because of it. Not everyone’s made to be part of a conventional family.
I: And afterwards you went into counselling? What drew you in?
Sal: I like listening to people, figuring out what makes them tick. Most everyone has the ability to listen but a lot of folk just hear a question, then prepare themselves for an answer or a defence. Listening takes time and effort. I like that. I saw an ad and went for it. I had a little kid to feed too so it made sense to get a job I actually liked.
I: You seem to be that person people tell their life stories to, even if they’re not the talking kind.
Sal: Skills, honey. (laughs)
I: So, what’s your plans for the future. Are you staying in Maynard?
Sal: No plan to move anywhere else just yet. The folks here have been good to me, welcomed me in with open arms, I’d say. They’re warm and friendly, and it’s the kind of place you can make a home at. Yeah, maybe I’ll settle here a little while.
I: It’s been lovely chatting with you. I hope we talk again soon.
Sal: You know where to find me when you do.
If you’d like to by a copy of Livin’ and Lovin’ in Texas, follow the link through the BOOKSHOP tab and please leave a review on Amazon after you’ve read it. Thanks in advance.
Interviewer: Hey Sal, how are you?
Sal: Hey yourself. I’m good, thanks.
I: Sal, first of all, I’d really like to know your whole name.
Sal: I’m Sally Willard. Never liked Sally too much, made me sound like I was sweet and proper with pigtails and I’m nothin’ like that as you can plainly see.
I: Oh, I think you’re a great woman. I think you’re a woman with a strong mind and who has a strong character. The world could use more women like you, Sal.
Sal: Well, that’s one of the nicer things I’ve ever heard someone say about me. Thanks, honey.
I: Tell me about your life. What kind of a teenager were you?
Sal: Wow, you jump right in there, dontcha? (laughs) I was rowdy back then. I remember my mama saying that from the moment I learned to walk, I was off in all directions. I ain’t never been no different. I was a teenager in the 80s so I got to see a lot of rock bands and was datin’ a lot. You couldn’t hold me back. I wanted it all and I set about havin’ it all too.
I: What were your parents like?
Sal: My daddy didn't stay around so I don't remember him aside from photographs. My mama was tough, she had to be. People called her a 'tough broad' back then. (Laughs). She was all about teaching me to stand on my own two feet early in life. They were good life lessons. Then I reached my teens and I was off in all directions.
I: And then you met the father of your son. Tell me about that.
Sal: Nothin’ to tell really. It was a long time ago. We both had a lot of growing up to do. It was a very short, very intense thing and my boy was the result. We met at a rock gig and spent the next three months together. We were inseparable until he found out about the baby, and then he flew away real quick. Looking back it was the best thing for both of us. Forced me to grow up and Kevin is a good man because of it. Not everyone’s made to be part of a conventional family.
I: And afterwards you went into counselling? What drew you in?
Sal: I like listening to people, figuring out what makes them tick. Most everyone has the ability to listen but a lot of folk just hear a question, then prepare themselves for an answer or a defence. Listening takes time and effort. I like that. I saw an ad and went for it. I had a little kid to feed too so it made sense to get a job I actually liked.
I: You seem to be that person people tell their life stories to, even if they’re not the talking kind.
Sal: Skills, honey. (laughs)
I: So, what’s your plans for the future. Are you staying in Maynard?
Sal: No plan to move anywhere else just yet. The folks here have been good to me, welcomed me in with open arms, I’d say. They’re warm and friendly, and it’s the kind of place you can make a home at. Yeah, maybe I’ll settle here a little while.
I: It’s been lovely chatting with you. I hope we talk again soon.
Sal: You know where to find me when you do.
If you’d like to by a copy of Livin’ and Lovin’ in Texas, follow the link through the BOOKSHOP tab and please leave a review on Amazon after you’ve read it. Thanks in advance.