What is your story?
I found my true calling as a retailer. My niche is color. Ask anyone, I can pick the hot new color for next season’s clothing, almost better that a colorist.
Who are you?
My name is Anton, but I’d rather be called Tony. Anton sounds too stuffy.
Are you the hero of your own story?
Not hardly. Nothing ever goes right for me.
What is your problem in the story?
My problem is that Miss Manning, Mandy, doesn’t know how much I love her.
How do you see yourself?
I’d be the ideal person to run Uncle Leo’s business, Hardi Couture. Leo Hardiman, Hardi, get it? He’s just like all my other bosses, though. They’re all out to get me. I can’t understand it. I could do their jobs so much better than they can.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
I’m not sure even she appreciates my finer qualities. She seems to have glossed over my virtues.
What do you think of yourself?
I think a lot of myself. I have to–no one else does. Even my own parents kicked me out and changed the locks. Who does that to their own flesh and blood, I ask you?
Do you have a goal?
My goal right now is to live through my latest ordeal. Since I’m in a short story and not a novel, I can’t give away too much here or that author would kill me. Really. She’s tough.
Do you have any skills?
Skills! I sure do. I can pick the next hot trend like nobody else in the clothing biz. I’m a natural.
Do you have money troubles?
Do I ever! I’ve lost every job I’ve ever had so far.
Has anyone ever betrayed you?
Story of my life. If you read “Color Me Baby Blue” in the anthology ALL THINGS DARK AND DASTARDLY, you’ll see how people treat me.
Who is your true love?
Miss Manning. I still love her in spite of everything. Those Passion Periwinkle eyes, those luscious lips.
What is your most closely guarded secret?
The one I shared with Miss Manning. Big mistake.
What are the last five entries in your check registry?
Ha! You think someone like me, who sometimes lives under a bridge, has a checking account?
How do you envision your future?
I have to admit, at this point it looks bleak.
Where can we learn more about “Color Me Baby Blue” and the anthology ALL THINGS DARK AND DASTARDLY?
More info and some links are at http://www.allthingsdarkanddastardly.blogspot.com/
Pat Bertram Introduces . . . 