The Dream Catcher Series Character Interview with Stephanie Anne Ballard & Chaz Lawson

The Dream Catcher Series by Brynette L. Turner

Interview with Stephanie Anne Ballard, psychic

1.      You’re a psychic. What does that mean?

Honestly, being a psychic isn’t what people think. I don’t read cards or tea leaves and tell people they’ll have a long and prosperous future. My gift is a lot simpler than that—I have dreams that come true. When I remember the details of a dream, it’s important. Many times, I’m able to warn or help someone I care about. Sometimes, I’m guided to understand situations or people around me. My dreams don’t allow me to change the future as much as it helps to keep things in perspective.

2.      What did you think about Chaz when you first found out he was involved in illegal gambling?

I was very disappointed and angry. I was scared for him and worried about his safety after he got shot, but I’d never imagined that he was doing anything illegal. That just didn’t seem like him. My friends and I assumed the shooting was related to a robbery or a jealous boyfriend. So, when that dream showed the private gambling club, I felt betrayed on some level—until he explained what was really going on.

3.      You told Chaz that you’re the Dream Catcher. Can you explain that to us?

Certainly. A dream catcher is supposed to capture bad dreams so that a person sleeps peacefully. I can help people feel calmer and more confident about their choices because sometimes what I have to say clarifies what’s going on. My insight gives them a chance to think about a situation before it happens so that they react in a way that makes their lives better. A negative dream can easily bring positive results.

4.      Where you nervous about how Chaz’s friends reacted when you moved to Cincinnati?

At first, nothing bothered me. Even though there were a couple of people who would rather see me dead than with Chaz, it wasn’t important. Chaz let me know repeatedly that he believed in our relationship, and he made sure his friends knew how he felt. Everything between us felt right, like it really was our destiny to be together. How could I be nervous when he believes that as strongly as I do?

5.      Chaz says that when he’s away from you on FBI business, he feels lost. Do you feel the same even though you know that he’ll come home safely?

Of course, I feel lost. He’s my soul mate, so I’m not complete when he’s gone.

6.      Chaz sometimes thinks that you trust your gift more than you trust him. What do you have to say about that?

If I didn’t trust Chaz wholeheartedly, I couldn’t be with him. I couldn’t love him as much as I do. The trouble is that I’m very comfortable relying on my gift—being able to see glimpses into the future has helped me make great decisions. It has helped him, too. This really isn’t a competition or a sign of my loyalty. He’ll understand that some day.

7.      If you knew how Chaz felt about you and could predict the future, why did it take so long to agree with his plans for your relationship?

Knowing something isn’t the same as being comfortable with it. Sometimes he forgets that not everyone processes information and situations as quickly as he does. Besides, my dreams don’t tell me everything. I have to discover the details of life the same way as everyone else—one step at a time.

8.      Throughout this series of books, you and Chaz face some pretty dangerous situations. Do you think that the dreams will always be a way of keeping him safe?

This is going to sound funny coming from me, but I really don’t know what the future holds. It unfolds for me when it gets ready, not when I want it to. Naturally, I want my dreams to always help him. But we’re both realistic that maybe some things just aren’t meant to be known, they’re meant to be lived.

The Dream Catcher Series by Brynette L. Turner

Interview with Chaz Lawson, FBI Special Agent

1.      When you first met Stephanie, you didn’t know about her premonitions. What did you find most attractive about her?

Her confidence. There is nothing sexier than a woman who is comfortable with herself and not timid about saying what’s on her mind. Add that to the fact that she has gorgeous warm brown eyes and a bright smile—she’s pretty irresistible.

2.      When your best friend didn’t immediately like Stephanie, were you worried about your relationships?

My relationship with Sylvia is based on years of trust. We worked together as FBI agents for a long time. In fact, she’s a little like a bossy older sister who thinks she knows what’s best for everyone. Unfortunately, she couldn’t understand that my destiny wasn’t something she could figure out for me. Stephanie is my destiny. She’s my soul mate. Nothing and no one will ever come between us. So, I wasn’t worried at all.

3.      Stephanie doesn’t always go along with your plans. Wouldn’t your relationship be easier if she trusted you more?

Of course it would be. But let me clarify something—Stephanie and I are exactly where we need to be. All relationships have bumps in the road. That’s always been okay. I don’t expect a strong and confident woman like Stephanie to become a follower. Well, actually, sometimes that would be nice. But that’s not her personality. We’ll work things out. Eventually.

4.      When you first met Stephanie, you were undercover and her dreams contributed vital information to your investigation. When you decided to tell your team leader about her, what did you expect to happen?

I had known Steve McDaniels for a while; we’d worked together on another case. He’s a level-headed and very analytical person. I expected him to do exactly what he did—evaluate the details and weigh the options. Thankfully, he trusted my judgment and didn’t laugh in my face. Instead, his decision made it possible to correct Stephanie’s perception of me. We might not be together if Steve hadn’t cooperated

5.      Your priorities changed after you met Stephanie. Can you tell us a little about that?

Sure. Being a law enforcement officer was my life. I loved being undercover. Then, I met Stephanie, and she quickly became more important. There’s no way to really describe the strength of the connection between us or explain why it was so immediate. All I knew was that my world would be empty if I didn’t keep her in it. When she said that it was our destiny to be together, that was the perfect word.

6.      If you could see the future, what would you want it to be?

My future can be anything, go in any direction, and accomplish any goal—as long as Stephanie is by my side. We can survive anything together. Yeah, yeah, I know that sounds corny. But unless you’ve found your soul mate, you can’t understand.

7.      Stephanie takes her job of keeping you safe very seriously. Are there times you’d like for her to back off?

It’s not her job to keep me safe. She shares her dreams because she loves me, and I listen to what she says because I respect her. I would never squash something so important to her. But at the end of the day, it’s my job to love her enough to protect her. She’ll figure that out.

8.      Throughout the series, there is a lot of talk about your aura color. How do you feel about that?

Talking about auras is the same as talking about zodiac signs. They don’t define me; they’re simply ways to describe my personality and preferences. I love for things to be right, have order, be balanced.  I’m pretty analytical and organized; chaos and dishonesty don’t belong in my world. That’s why I love being an FBI agent. Phailin, Karen, and Stephanie all say I’m green. So, that’s all right with me.