Beyond the Story – The Happy War

After a successful blind date, Linda and Eric want to change the world.

With fiery passion for both each other and their common cause, they hatch a twisted plan. The first step: to assemble a loyal team of hotshots, each with a specific skill set. 

Assigned to special regions all over the globe, the team launches a two-week campaign to conquer war, anger and hate. One slip-up and they could all end up in jail… and the keen Detective Vega, who seems to be on to them, is asking too many questions.

But can Linda and Eric’s love survive the distance, and will all the love in the world be enough to create peace on Earth?

SJJ:         I am happy to introduce one of the characters from Author Eve Gaal’s novel–The Happy War.

Hello, and welcome to Beyond the Story. Can you please introduce yourself and tell our readers where you live?

GC:         Bonjourno. I live in Rome and my name is Giulia Como.

SJJ:         Pleased to meet you, Giulia. I’m thrilled to be interviewing you today. For the readers who have yet to make your acquaintance, how would you describe your personality?

GC:         I am sexy. Is that a personality?

SJJ:         Well, I suppose sexy can be part of your personality.

What were you like as a child? And what was your family life like?

GC:         We not have much money, but Mama took us to Ostia. It’s near the beach. I liked to play in the sand build castles. I don’t know my Papa.

SJJ:         I am so sorry you didn’t know your father, but where you lived sounds beautiful. I love the beach.

And what do you do for a living, Giulia?

GC:         I work with Juan at the design house. My job is sewing. Maybe you say seamstress.

SJJ:         Yes, that’s it, a seamstress.

                Do you have any other goals or dreams?

GC:         I have many, many dreams.

SJJ:         And I do hope some of them come true. (Smiles)

Now, Giulia, can you share with us something about you that not everyone knows. Maybe a deep desire, or funny quirk?

GC:         Why you ask such questions?

SJJ:         Oh, seems I may have touched a nerve. Moving on.

Are there any defining moments in your life that made you who you are today?

GC:         Maybe when I have first boyfriend.

SJJ:         Um, I see. Can you elaborate on that? …. No? OK.             

                Do you have any regrets?

GC:         No, love is most important.

SJJ:         Ah, well yes, love is important. I take it then; you mean you don’t have any regrets about past boyfriends.

Do you have someone you look up to, consider to be a mentor, either in the past or right now?

GC:         My boyfriend Juan is from United States. He is a handsome man and a designer at our fashion house. I love him so much.

SJJ:         Ohhhh! You’re dating your co-worker. Got it!

And, Giulia, when you think of all your accomplishments, what is your proudest moment?

GC:         Maybe when I meet Juan?

SJJ:         Again, Juan. You’re pretty infatuated with him, it seems.

GC:         (Blank stare)

SJJ:         Giulia, I know you’ve stepped from the pages of The Happy War, but if you could appear in another book, which would it be? And how could you contribute to that story?

GC:         (Laughs) My life is more exciting than any stupid book.

SJJ:         (Jaw drops – cue the crickets.) I’m sorry, I don’t know how to respond to that. Let’s just move on to the next question. Shall we? Okay.

I know I’m going to regret this, but what’s your idea of the perfect day?

GC:         Staying in bed with Juan.

SJJ:         Yup, what I thought you might say.

You know, I’ll just read off the rest of my questions here, just for fun. What are your strengths and your weaknesses?

GC:         I am strong woman. Juan is very big. He knows my heart.

SJJ:         Juan, Juan. (shakes head) Is he here by any chance? No? OK.

(Sighs) What do you do for fun?

GC:         Make love.

SJJ:         My psychic abilities are unstoppable today.

What do you do to relax?

GC:         Nothing.

SJJ:         Sooo, to relax you sit and do nothing, or do you mean you don’t do anything to relax? Not quite sure which it is.

GC:         (Blank stare)

SJJ:         OK, next question. What is your most embarrassing moment?

GC:         Oh, this is funny, but secret.

SJJ:         Seriously? You have a moment here to show people your depth, your funny side, your ahem “human” qualities. Although, on second thought, maybe it’s something a little too risqué for this interview.

Why don’t you tell us, Giulia, what your plans are for the future?

GC:         I might be moving.

SJJ:         Well that sounds adventurous. With Juan?

GC:         (Blank stare)

SJJ:         Giulia, if there was a movie made about your life, who would you want to play you?

GC:         Maybe Sophia Loren when she is young.

SJJ:         Ahh, yes. I can see it now.

And finally, are you happy with the way your story was told by the narrator?

GC:         No, writer a bitch.

SJJ:         (Jaw drops, cue crickets—again) OK, Giulia can you elaborate?

GC:         I wish writer not make me look like stupid floozy.

SJJ:         Oh, Giulia, I think you give your writer far too much credit on that one.

GC:         (Blank stare)

SJJ:         Thank you so much for joining me on Beyond the Story with my guest, Giulia Como, from The Happy Wars.

Author Bio

Eve Gaal, holds a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She is the author of The Happy War, Penniless Hearts, a standalone sequel titled, Penniless Souls and a short novella called The Fifth Commandment.  

After a long career in advertising, she has written countless stories, poems and articles. Her work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Daily Pilot, several anthologies, and online.

Born in Boston, but a longtime Californian, she lives with her husband and a sweet, rescued Chihuahua called Pinky. Find out more at http://www.evegaal.com