Next up in the blog post series where I introduce readers to the main characters in Breaking the Silence, which comes out later this month!
Abbess of the Monastery
One of my favorite characters in Breaking the Silence is Mother Adele, the abbess of St. Maximinus. She’s an enigmatic and powerful character who went through several iterations (and name-changes) over the course of writing and revising this book. It wasn’t until an artist who belonged to the Rogue Writers at the time drew her over two years ago that she really started coming together in my mind. She’s intimidating, but very human. I would like to know what she’s staring at out of the corners of her eyes.
An Interview with Mother Adele
Want to get to know her more? Here’s an interview with Mother Adele from the beginning of the novel when Stephen first arrives at St. Maximinus
Question: What are some bad habits that you’ve either overcome, or are hoping to overcome? How did you, or will you, achieve this?
Mother Adele: Speaking out of turn has always been a vice of mine. It is easier now that I am abbess, for it often is my turn to speak, but I spent many hours and days in prayer as a young nun, trying to overcome this tendency.
Q: What do other people compliment you on the most?
MA: Everything. I am very good at my job. People complement me on the nuns, how well-behaved they are, on the hospital, its cleanliness, and our hospitality. It is my job to ensure that guests are comfortable in both body and soul and I work hard to achieve success. If I am not complimented, I have failed.
Q: Who or what do you fear losing more than anything else? Why?
MA: Losing? I have no possessions. I am a nun.
Q: What about yourself are you most proud of?
MA: My monastery and my hospital. I am proud to host even the most dignified guests. Dukes and archbishops regularly visit. Kings have visited St. Maximinus. I am proud to lead a community that has the full trust of the people.
Q: What is your biggest fear or anxiety point about your future?
MA: I should say I put my trust in the Lord. I could quote the twenty-sixth Psalm: the Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom should I be afraid? But I am ashamed to admit I am afraid of the Norse raiders. Strong as our little abbey is, I fear it may not be able to withstand the force of the Vikings.
Q: Tell us about the main comfort food that you seek when you are doing poorly. How did that food become a source of comfort?
MA: Brother Ingulf’s cheese, of course. That’s why I keep him on as cellarer, you know. He makes the best new cheese from our sheep and goats, and he doesn’t hesitate to share. It is an indulgence and a luxury, I know, but it does bring me comfort. There are so few comforts at the monastery, I appreciate having this cheese in the cellar on days of need.
Many thanks to Jenai of the Rogue Writer’s Network for supplying these character interview questions.
Tiggy McLaughlin 
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