The Dan O'Brien Project: Character Interview: A Moment with Madison Duncan

Today, in the continuing series of interviews from Children of the Skies, I have Madison Duncan on the blog to talk about being a young woman in a world gone awry.

What was you most embarrassing moment?

I would have to say my most embarrassing moment was when I was in the second grade. I had on a dress that mommy picked out for me. I was walking past a fan my teacher had on the desk and it spun around and blew my dress up. All the kids were laughing at me. But then Bobby Sims (the cutest boy in class) came over and walked with me to my desk. I turned all red.

What do you want most from life?

I guess the thing I want from life the most is just to grow up. So many strange things have happened in such a short amount of time. I mean I was sick, then I wasn't, and then the world changed. I just want to grow up and find my place in it.

What do you first notice about a person when you walk into a room?

When I first walk into a room I notice the way a person looks. It’s the eyes. You know they are the window to the soul. At least that’s what Maximus says. hey typically give away what they are thinking right up front.

Is there anything you really want to do, but haven't yet been able to?

I can’t believe I’m about to tell you this but the thing I really want to do ... is kiss a boy. Mommy tells me not to rush things and I am too young, but I really know what I want.

What was your happiest moment?

My happiest moment was when mommy and I went to see the Lakers. I’m kind of a tomboy people say, but I love basketball.

What makes you really laugh out loud?

I really laugh out loud when I see my classmates making fun of the teacher. It’s so bad and I always get in trouble, but it’s so funny.

What is your favorite journey?

My favorite journey is when mommy and I left home to go with Maximus and Chris on this new adventure. We have to help save the world. At first mommy didn't want to do it, but I convinced her it was OK. You know sometimes kids have to look out for their parents.

Do you have any special abilities about which the world doesn't know?

Want to know my special ability … well you’ll have to read Children of the Skies and find out.

Bio: Madison Duncan was born to Elizabeth Duncan during the end of a bitter divorce. Her father had cheated on her mother and she constantly felt the tension every time she asked about him. A provision of their divorce was that her mom received full custody of Madison and she never really got to see him. The one time she remembered him was when she was six and he took her to buy a Barbie. Other than that, he was just as much a stranger to her as anyone else off the street. She was a playful child and made friends easily. She was constantly at daycare or latchkey because her mom worked so much. She had grown accustomed to it being just her and her mom. In some ways, she preferred it. One day in school she was playing during recess and heard a ringing in her ears. The ringing went from mild to loud, and then to black. She awoke to the school nurse and the paramedics. She went to many doctors and took many tests and all she could think about was going home and watching Nickelodeon. No other kids had to do all this. She missed so much school that her teachers sent her homework to her. She missed her friends and the interaction they shared. Finally, her mom sat her down to tell her she had a special piece of her brain that was causing her headaches. As time progressed, Madison just got sicker and sicker. Suddenly, the day finally came that would change her life forever: the Morphiius wave. When she awoke from her coma she was fine. That special piece of her brain that her mom talked about was gone.

You can find out more about Madison, and the rest of the team, by purchasing a copy of Children of the Skies by J. Everett Bettis on Kindle or in paperback.