I had planned to share some news about upcoming books today, but it looks like that’ll have to wait. As I opened up my blog editor, I recalled that today, March 8, is in fact International Women’s Day. Immediately, some of Belville’s notable women clamored at the back of my mind with something to say. And since the timing is so perfect, how could I deny them?

Women’s issues can be quite serious–check out the official website of International Women’s Day for initiatives on things like work, health, and empowerment. What follows is my own light-hearted take on the day (because sometimes a bit of fun and inspiration can go a long way!).

So, without further ado, some of Belville’s leading ladies share what matters most to them:

Red

An alchemist by trade and amateur sleuth by accident, Red’s “newcomer” status in town is beginning to wear off. She spends her days running a store, stocking said store, and generally managing not to blow anything up. When asked what value matters most:

“I suppose I’d have to say ‘inquiry.’ That’s what was drilled into my head as an apprentice, anyway. But it’s also what made me curious about leaving home in the first place. Having so many questions about the world led me to alchemy, which led me here–and that’s turned out pretty well, aside from all the murder investigations. I really believe that the best thing we can do in life is keep an open mind and never stop learning.”

Officer Thorn

Strong and tall and loud and always in uniform, Officer Thorn is an unmissable presence in town–particularly when crime is afoot. For all her bossiness, however, she’s known to have soft spots for new recruits, loyal friends, puns, and buttery croissants. Her answer to today’s question:

“Justice. Hands down. Or should I say ‘hands tied’–since we’re talking about the law? Ha. I never said fancy humor was a value, mind you. When you get right down to it, the world needs justice to move forward. So justice is always served–one way or another.”

Gloria

A beautiful salon owner with a troubled past, the only thing sharper and darker than Gloria’s perfect black nails is her attitude. Or, so she lets most of Belville think. Her answer:

“Normally I wouldn’t do this kind of interview thing. Honestly, it’s silly. But since you asked, I might as well tell you. Compassion. If Red and her friend hadn’t been there for me at my lowest point–well, then I wouldn’t be here answering your question. So I’m glad they were. There for me, I mean. Okay, I said it. Are you happy now?”

Mel

Emmelayne, or “Mel” to her new friends in Belville, is the classic example of “big city career woman gone small town,” and she has the grace to admit it with humor. She’d also be the first to admit that shedding stress isn’t as easy as moving somewhere new. Nonetheless, she’s settled into town well! Her answer:

“I think . . . if you’d asked me that a year ago, I probably would have said something like ‘hard work.’ Or ‘determination.’ But now . . . I still think those things are important, don’t get me wrong, but I think now I’d say patience. So many times, I’ve tripped myself up by wanting something to happen right now, or thinking I could make it happen. When in reality, sometimes all you need to do is take a breath, keep being you, and let everything else work out on its own.”

Sakura

Shadow witch, café owner, and romantic meddler extraordinaire, Sakura could be the posterchild for “big things in small packages.” Her energy has made her reputation in Belville–which is for the best, as her initial appearance in the town was mysterious and even downright scary. Her answer:

“Oh, most important value, what a good question! For everyone it’s different, of course. For me, I’ve always known: it’s bravery. Ha! You thought I would say ‘love,’ didn’t you? But in order to love truly, one has to be brave, don’t you think? And it takes bravery to face the darkest parts of ourselves, as well as the lightest–our hopes and dreams. Those don’t come true without bravery. And I’ll tell you a secret: no one is born brave. It’s something you can learn.”

There you have it! If you’re curious about any of these ladies: Red, Thorn, and Gloria show up in Belville from day one, or rather I should say book one, Beauty and the Alchemist. Sakura moves to town in book four, Cry Big Bad Wolf. And the lovely Mel joins us as a main character in Sakura’s spin-off series, Pomegranate Café Romance, book one: Worthy in Love. 🙂 Happy International Women’s Day!

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