Kerry Adrienne | Meet Derek Poole (from PURSUING THE BEAR)

Character Interview (Perspective):

Meet park ranger and woodworker, Derek Poole from PURSUING THE BEAR

“Sure!” Oh crap, that was too eager. Bria lowered her voice and tried again. “I mean, sure, if you’re already heading that way. Don’t go out of your way on my account, though. I have this.” She held up the compass.

“And you know how to use it?” Derek’s eyes shone.

• It seems like you have a bit of a humorous streak. Do you like to tease?

Derek: I only tease people I like. And it’s gentle teasing. Nothing mean or
bullying of course. With all the issues in Deep Creek National Park right now, I
find having a sense of humor helps me cope. I also hope it puts people at ease.

• So you don’t tease the lions?

I haven’t really had the chance. Besides, they’re trying to take the bears’ land
away, and the cave. With war brewing, I really don’t spend a lot of time
thinking about how to entertain the lions. Especially the twins, Marco and
Mason. Those lions are trouble waiting to happen.

• But you tease Bria?

Yeah. I kind of like her. (chuckles) She’s so smart, though. I’m not sure what
she could possibly see in a simple ranger and woodworker. She’s got more degrees
than someone her age should have.

• She’s driven?

Very. It’s difficult to be around her and wanting to help her but not being able
to. I have to protect the bears first. Still, when I see the excitement in her eyes…

• Sounds like you’re smitten.

(laughs) No comment.

• Tell me about your woodworking. Isn’t that an old-school hobby? What is it that draws you to it?

I’ve always liked working with my hands and my parents encouraged it…to a point. Finally, I decided I’d do what I wanted instead of what everyone wants me to do. I love working in wood—discovering the life inside a branch. Carving a branch that once housed a bird’s nest, or a bee hive. Wood is so warm and alive, and one of the most magical things in our natural world.

• Speaking of magic, who is Shoshannah? I’ve heard her name but no one can really explain what she is or how she helps.

That’s tough. Shoshannah is everywhere and nowhere in Deep Creek. Mostly, we can
find her in the cave, but even that isn’t guaranteed. She’s an ancestral shifter
spirit. She helps shifters transition, heal, and even face their demons.

• What does she look like? I mean, is she a bear, or a wolf, or a lion?

Depends on what she wants to be. She seems to have the power to be any type of
shifter. Right now, since the bears control the cave, she helps us—probably
because we occupy the area. But I’ve heard of her helping other shifters, too.
She’s a bit of an enigma. (leans back) I can tell you that when she does appear,
her beauty is all encompassing. She’s like light—ethereal, bright, and magical.

• She sounds amazing. I want to thank you for sitting down to talk with me. It’s great to meet you, Derek.

Any time. You know where to find me.

If you want to read more about Derek, Bria, and the ancestral spirit,
Shoshannah, check out the links here on the interview page. Sounds like Bria has
already sparked something in Derek. I hope they can find their way to each other.