It's early morning when the computer starts up. Next to it sits an oversize mug containing milky tea that steams lightly. It's slowly turning to summer now, but the days still start out cold. With the long practice of a familiar character, Janis extracts herself, stretches, and settles in her seat. The main character of Janis and the Reaper is wearing casual jeans and a white button up, accented with gold jewelry. Her coiled black hair is tied in a tidy bun at her neck today. She has a faint smile playing on her lips as if she is just waiting for someone to ask her questions. Good thing this reporter has many.
Nikki M. Griggs: Welcome, Janis! Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and speak with me today.
Janis Lyn Pereda: Of course! I'm happy to be here.
NG: I'd love to start with your name. Did your parents tell you where they got it from?
JP: They spent a lot of time in Seattle when they were younger. My dad was stationed in the Navy out there and that's where they met. I think the music history of the city really affected them. If I had been a boy, they would have named me James Marshall. As it was, I was named after their favorite female singer of the 60s.
NG: Janis Joplin, I assume?
JP: Yup.
NG: Do you like her music?
JP: (shrugging) She's good.
NG: Was music a big part of your household growing up?
JP: It was for [my parents]. Since I was a sheefrah, I didn't really have an opinion. The faerie magic really kept me from enjoying my childhood fully. I don't remember much detail, but music was played often. The shirt I was wearing when I died was my mom's old "The Clash" tee.
NG: Let's talk about the fae...
JP: (groaning) What do you want to know?
NG: I know, I know, we're diving right into it. Can you first explain what a sheefrah is?
JP: It's a derivative of the old Irish word, Gaelic I guess, sÃobhra, which mean faeries. There's lots of different ways to spell it, especially once England colonized Ireland, but it was changed again when the fae came to America. Essentially, through a bargain with a faerie, a baby is created through the mixing of the human parents energies and fae magic. They always form at six months old and always return to the Hill at sixteen.
NG: When did you first notice something odd about your situation? Did you ever suspect magic was blocking you from your true personality?
JP: No, never! I was so surprised when I found out. I had never even heard of changelings before, let alone sheefrahs. And, growing up, I always knew I was different. I mean, my eyes alone are a huge clue. But even knowing something was out of the ordinary, the magic kept me from caring.
NG: And that magic was because of a fae bargain, right?
JP: (nodding) I really don't think my parents understood. I mean, they were so desperate to have a baby, the future consequences never occurred to them. That or there was more magic stopping them from really thinking about it all.
NG: That's a possibility. So, if you couldn't access yourself fully, what was your childhood like?
JP: Man, if I could, I would start a support group for other changelings or sheefrahs like me. I was also blocked from really connecting the part of me that grew up as a Black girl in the South.
NG: That makes sense. Can you speak a little more on that aspect of your childhood?
JP: My mother is Black and my father is mixed Latino and Indigenous. I have such a rich culture in my ancestry, and the fae stole that from me. That's not to say I wasn't taught or told about my background, but I wasn't fully present, you know? I'm sure it's a huge metaphor for being a teenager and growing into who you are, but I still am really looking forward to when I can reciprocate the emotions surrounding stories and holidays back to my parents.
NG: Do you have any other regrets?
JP: Oh, definitely. I used to only regret going to that party, but it's brought me all the way here, so I can't say that's a regret anymore. I do regret not getting to know Siroun more, I really like her. I guess what I really regret is missing out on my childhood. I remember it, as I'm sure you do, but it's like viewing it through a film. I really wish I could go back and experience it all again with fresh eyes.
NG: Pun intended?
JP: (laughing) Yes, very.
NG: But does this main regret shape the way you view yourself? Or even those around you?
JP: (pauses) I don't think so? At least, not for the people around me. I now know my parents were doing the best they could, with what they were given. Although, if anyone tells me how much they love faeries, I will punch them in the face.
NG: Valid.
JP: But the way I view myself, that's a great question. I think I feel guilty sometimes, for not being a good enough daughter, but then I remember that it wasn't my fault. Sure, going through what I have has made me pretty resilient, but I'd take normalcy over strength any day.
NG: With that in mind, how would you define success?
JP: Doing something with my life. Or anyone doing something with their life. I have felt so in the dark and held back these last sixteen years, that all I want to do is push myself as far as I can go. I want to help people. I think I'd like to be a doctor.
NG: Wow, I think that's great. If anyone is motivated, it's you.
JP: I know, right?
NG: What is a common misconception about you that you’d like to set straight for the record?
JP: I hate it when people assume I can't handle something or help just because of my age. I'm not stupid and I'm more than capable. Besides, sixteen isn't that young.
NG: Wait until you turn thirty-four. You'll change your tune. But I'm curious, what does perfect happiness look like to you?
JP: Sitting quietly with my parents, chatting about nothing in particular.
NG: I just have some fun questions left...
JP: (laughing) Okay, hit me.
NG: What are your biggest pet peeves?
JP: When Jay has to stop and smoke his stupid cigarettes all the time. I mean, it's 2023, what's up with that?
NG: I think the author considered it an endearing character flaw at one point. It was misguided. Do you consider yourself and introvert or an extrovert?
JP: I think I would have been an introvert if the magic didn't hold me down so much. But because of it, I'm an extrovert. I want as many experiences I can have to make up for the lost time. I feel like you have to be an extrovert to keep up with that energy.
NG: Is the glass half full or half empty?
JP: Half full, definitely. It's only going up from here for me.
NG: On that note... Janis, thank you again for your time. The readers can't wait to meet you.
JP: Oh! That's amazing, I can't wait for them to read about me!
JANIS AND THE REAPER releases October 13th, 2023 from Spellbound Publishing House.
This is so cute
She seems like such a great character! Can’t wait to meet her.