The Curious Life of Finn O'Connor

My novel Ether is about two Bostons in parallel universes - one is the city we know, the other, Ether, is a city where no one has any long-term memory or knowledge of their pasts.  When Leah wanders into Ether to escape her own sordid history, she falls in love with Finn, whose job is to persuade Bostonians to give up their troubles and move to Ether forever.  The rest is classified... for now!  But you can meet Finn, if you like!

If you were a dish at a Mexican restaurant, what would you be & why?

I'd be the chips and salsa at the beginning.  I'm free and tasty and the start of something fantastic, but you totally forget about me by the end of the meal.

Describe yourself in five words or less.

Perceptive, adaptable, charismatic, anxious, tired

Name one thing you just cannot live without.

My neighborhood.  I literally cannot live without it.

Okay....Boxers or briefs?

Oh aren't we curious? Why don't you come out for a drink with me and maybe we'll get to that.

What's your favorite smell?

Leaf burning fires in the fall.

What was your first impression of [girl MC] when you met?

I thought she was one of us and I creeped her out by staring at her on the subway.  I can't really blame myself, though, she was practically glowing.  She stood out, clear and sharp and colorful and everything around her was just a fog to me.

Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?

The same place I've been for the past few decades, splitting my time between Ether and Boston and helping people 'move in,' so to speak.

Have you ever had a spiritual/religious/awe-inspiring experience?
I kind of remember going to church when I was little, back when I lived in Southie. I don't remember feeling much, but it was a pretty building and I liked the music.

What is the grandest romantic gestures you've ever made?
One time, I told Leah what I was actually thinking.  I've never done that before.

What's one trait you have that [girl MC] finds annoying?

She can be a royal bitch. She just kind of walks into a situation and assumes she knows all there is to know and has the solution to every problem in her pocket.  Of course... she is very smart, and she does solve a lot of problems... but yeah, it can be annoying.

And wow, I read this as what's annoying about her! Ha! Leah finds a lot about me annoying, I think.  Mostly she's frustrated that I'm evasive about personal questions (she says 'cryptic) and that I'm really dedicated to my job.  I'm kind of a work-aholic. 

What is the one thing you'd never admit your significant other does better than you?
I don't have an SO.  But if you mean Leah... she's worlds smarter than I am.  I freely admit that, though. There's nothing I admire about her that I feel like I have to hide. 

If you could change anything about [girl MC] what would it be?

I wish Leah knew, really knew in her heart, that she's so beautiful and vibrant and brave and smart. I don't think she believes it, and her life would be different, better, if she did.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

I wish I could turn back time and prevent people from getting hurt to begin with. I do my best administering emotional anesthetic, but it would be great if I could actually solve problems instead of just covering them up.