Main Character Monday: Anna Marie Johnson – Anna’s Song
Welcome to Main Character Monday where we take time to interview the main characters of the books you love to read. Today, we interview Anna Marie Johnson from Anna’s Song by Brenda Gates. Let’s jump into the interview and find out more about Anna.
Tell the readers a little bit about yourself, Anna.
I am an identical twin. As the stronger of the two, it’s my job to protect my sister. Adeline has always been kind hearted and trusts everyone, so she needs my protection. To tell the truth, I need her more than she needs me. Adeline and I were born each other’s best friends. She’s the only one in the world who understands me, and whenever we’ve been apart for any length of time I get anxious, and even angry. When she’s gone, it’s like someone has cut out a chamber of my heart and expects it to keep blood flowing. We need each other, from the moment our cells split into two identical parts, we’ve had each other. After our parents disappeared, it was her and me against the world.
Second to my sister, music is my life. It’s everywhere, and it vibrates in my bones, making me feel alive, and making me forget things I need to forget. I was eight when my aunt started me in violin lessons. For years, I wouldn’t put my violin down for anything save taking a bath. I even slept with the case tucked under the blanket beside me. Kids at school made fun of me because I wore my case like a backpack everywhere I went. You have to understand, because of me, my mom left us. Dad left later, probably trying to find my mom. Neither of them came back. I was scared that if I let my violin out of my sight, it would be taken from me, too. In the end, it didn’t matter. When my sister disappeared, the music left with her.
Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?
Ever heard of synesthesia? It’s when one type of stimulation evokes a sensation of another. For example, you see the color blue and smell pine-needles. The sensory nerves are crossed, somehow. It tends to be linked to some head injury during childhood, like being dropped on your head or something. Well, I don’t know if I was dropped on my head, but I have an unusual form of synesthesia. I hear most people as sounds or music. Some are simple sounds, others more melodic. When it comes to my twin, she’s a whole symphony, and I can hear her even when we’re not together. That is how I knew she was alive, even when everyone thought she was dead. I could still hear her song.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
My favorite verse in all the world is John 15:13. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” I’m afraid you’ll have to read my story to understand why this verse means so much.
I’m sure readers are just as curious to find out the why as I am. We’ll have to check out your story. Is there a person from the Bible that you relate to most?
Oh, that’s a hard one. For a long time, I related to Cain, you know, as in Cain and Abel. In my dreams I would see myself holding the stone, and my hands would be covered with blood. The blood of an innocent who died because of me. Now, I think I relate best to the young girl who Jesus raised from the dead.
Relating to Cain is definitely a new answer for me. Again, you’ve piqued my curiosity.
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is there one of these characteristics you find is easier to show than the others?
Oh, dear. When you read the list of the fruit of the spirit, you are describing Adeline, not me. I still struggle with each of those. I love fiercely, once I trust someone enough to let myself love them. God may have given me new life, but He has a lot of work yet to do.
Is there one that is more challenging than the others?
One? *bent over laughing*. Ok, ok. You’re actually serious about making me pick one? It has to be patience. Its lack has gotten me into a whole lot of trouble, both in this century and in the past.
If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?
No matter how hard life gets, never give up. That, and don’t be scared to love. You might not have tomorrow to make up for it.
JUST FOR FUN QUESTIONS:
If you could visit just one place your entire life, where would you go?
Vienna, in 1806. (Since I fell back once, I claim this as a right of travel.) I would love to hear the original performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.
If you could choose one talent you don’t already have, what talent would you choose?
I wish I could speak eloquently. You know, using words in a way that moves people. I was never good with words.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:
Dark or Milk Chocolate?
Dark. I like the bit of bitter with the sweet.
Beach or Mountains?
Mountains. Read my story and you’ll understand.
Sweet Tea or Lemonade?
Lemonade. Stuff that is too sweet turns my stomach.
LAST QUESTION:
In three words, how would you describe your author, Brenda Gates?
Heartless, twisted, and redeemed. They may seem like strong words, but look at what she did to me.
Thank you, Anna Marie for joining us for Main Character Monday and sharing a bit more about yourself today. We’ve enjoyed speaking with you, and I know readers are going to be curious to find out even more.
Keep reading to learn about Brenda Gates and Anna’s Song.
More About Brenda:
Married in college, Brenda worked as a nurse, then was able to stay home to raise and homeschool their four children–a perfect occupation for a storyteller. Every bit of history learned, every place touched by people and time, has a story begging to be told. Now a proud grandma, Brenda lives with her husband, a German Shepherd who thinks she is mother to a cat, and a cat who thinks he’s a dog.
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