INTERVIEW YOUR CHARACTERS

                      A Personal Essay

                                  By Author/Playwright Linda S. Gunther

  The plot for a potential story can sweep into my consciousness without me intentionally trying to manufacture one. For example, my latest protagonist, Laura Styversant, appeared in a vivid dream I had one night. I awoke, grabbed pen and paper, and started to outline the story based on my dream.

The protagonist I started to sculpt in my head, was a sassy, salty, routinely cynical 51-year-old San Francisco Bay area female private investigator (P.I.) who had everything go wrong in the last year, including a bad car accident which resulted in a broken arm, a fractured ankle, and two cracked ribs. After a slow four-month recovery period she gets back into the P.I. game with a ritzy senior corporate executive male client, Daniel Sarnoff. It’s a challenging case for Laura. Her mission is to locate the man’s ex-wife, who suddenly disappeared, and find out what she did with the stacks and stacks of money, a huge nest egg they hid together inside the master bedroom wall of their Long Island house.

Although Laura, my character, is physically back on her feet from injuries, there are complications in this new case, and her anxiety is off the charts. The client, Daniel Sarnoff, has gone missing. He doesn’t answer her calls. He’s not at home where he’s lived for twenty years. His mail is piling up. And he’s nowhere to be found. Laura thinks that he’s likely intentionally ghosting her. Or is it something else? He’s already paid her a hefty “up front” fee up but Laura despises unfinished business and so, she becomes obsessed with finding him.

Remember, this all came from a dream I had; one of my treasure chests for surfacing potential plot concepts when I want to start a new project.

In the midst of designing the skeleton of this new story, possibly a novel, I decide to attend a webinar focused on Crafting More Compelling Characters.

The webinar’s presenter opens with posing this question:

“Do you interview your characters?”

She goes on to say, “As a writer, you want to find out everything about your lead character; likes, dislikes, fantasies, fears, joys and more, more, more! The only way to do that is to ASK THE DIRECT QUESTIONS. Just pretend you’re interviewing them across the table. And, go deep.”

My mind swirls as I listen to this wisdom. When I exit the webinar, I immediately list specific interview questions to ask Laura Styversant, the protagonist that I’m creating. I come up with ten questions:

1. Laura, what motivated you to become a private investigator? 
2. Do you wish you’d chosen a different line of work? As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
3. You seem cynical about life and a bit sassy, maybe edgy. What happened in your life to shape you this way?
4. Who is the one famous person you’d like to have dinner with? Anyone – alive or dead? Why does that person appeal to you?
5. What creeps you out, scares you, makes you nervous?
6. What would an ideal day for you look like? An ideal location for you anywhere in the world?
7. What family member do you most admire? Connect with? What is it about them? 
8. What one thing or accomplishment would you like to leave as your legacy? 
9. What secrets do you carry from childhood? high school? Your twenties? Something you don’t want anybody to know.
10. When did you have your first kiss? What was the experience like?

This list was easy to create because I was totally curious as to how Laura would respond.

These questions helped me get “inside” Laura’s head, and that is exactly where I wanted to be.

Visit Linda S. Gunther’s website to read 52 weeks of her WRITE-BYTES BLOG which features Tips for Writers of All Levels and Genres.

Website: www.lindasgunther.com

AUTHOR BIO: 

Linda S. Gunther is the author of six published suspense novels: Ten Steps from the Hotel Inglaterra, Endangered Witness, Lost in the Wake, Finding Sandy Stonemeyer, Dream Beach, and Death is a Great Disguiser. Her memoir titled A Bronx Girl (growing up in the Bronx in the 1970’s) was released in 2024. Her short stories and book reviews have been published in a variety of literary journals across the world. Linda’s short plays, Listen While You Work, Divided We Stand, and Waiting for Magic are being produced and performed in 2025 at theaters located in New York, Napa Valley, CA and in the Monterey Bay area in Northern California.

MODERN PSYCHOLOGY AND ITS PLACE IN SCIENCE

Ibragimov Muhammadrasul Abdumoʻminovich

Lecturer, Department of Psychology, National University of Uzbekistan

Oʻrozboyeva Mohina Nuraliyevna

2nd-year student, Applied Psychology, National University of Uzbekistan

       Psychology is a complex field that has been studying the human personality, consciousness, and mental processes since ancient times. Today, this field has secured its place among the developed sciences.

       Modern psychology is perceived differently by people, and it faces several important tasks. One of the most significant tasks of modern psychology is related to strengthening our independence. In addition, psychology as a science has both theoretical and practical responsibilities.

        Its theoretical tasks include:

– Studying the origins and characteristics of psychological phenomena;

– Scientifically explaining their mechanisms and patterns;

– Interpreting mental processes along with physiological processes;

–  Investigating the factors that cause psychological phenomena to appear in life, practice, and various activities.

          Its practical tasks involve delivering psychological knowledge to the wider public. This requires working with the community, dealing with children with behavioral difficulties, helping those influenced by harmful ideologies, and supporting children lagging in psychological development.

         By the 20th century, psychology had reached the peak of development and achieved numerous successes, as proven by V. Wundt’s experiments. In 1879, German scientist V. Wundt founded the world’s first experimental psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig. The hundreds of experiments conducted there proved that psychology had the right to exist as an independent science. Wundt’s influence was so great that in another part of the world—the United States—a new school of thought called functionalism emerged. Founded by E. Titchener, its representatives argued that human behavior could be evaluated not only through invisible mental elements but also through observable signs and activity results. Another major American psychologist, W. James, conducted studies of great practical significance, redefining psychology as the science that studies mental activity rather than mental elements.

         The 20th century was characterized by science taking on concrete tasks, and psychology had to substantiate psychological laws through research. Today, modern psychology continues to develop and diversify without losing its relevance.

          In recent years, new branches of psychology have emerged, such as anthropological psychology, developmental psychology, growth psychology, the psychology of living beings, forensic psychology, psychological literary studies, bioconstitutional psychology, esoteric psychology, psychology of abilities, higher education psychology, psychology of religion, and others.

           Modern psychology now has more than 300 branches, each with its own object of study. To make them easier to research, they are classified into specific groups. Professor A. V. Petrovskiy proposed the following classification:

– Psychology branches studying specific types of activity;

– Psychology branches studying developmental age characteristics;

– Psychology branches studying the relationship between the individual and society.

             Importantly, by the 20th century, applied branches of psychology had emerged, and their achievements began to be actively implemented in education, upbringing, art, business, marketing, management, and crime prevention. From this perspective, no topic or process is irrelevant to psychology in today’s era of globalization and market relations.

       Psychology is so broad in scope that its achievements are being used to realize human potential, stimulate activity, and increase productivity. Modern psychology employs electronic computing technology, as well as electrical and chemical tools, to study the psyche in depth.

       In Uzbekistan, psychology began to be taught as a science at the present-day National University of Uzbekistan in 1928. In 1929, a psychology laboratory was established under the People’s Commissariat of Education. Later, various branches of psychology began to be taught in pedagogical institutes. Today, psychological services have been introduced in Uzbekistan, and their network is expanding.

Reference

1. M. E. Zufarova, General Psychology, 2010.

2. U. Fayziyeva, N. Jumayev, General Psychology, 2021.

Orozboyeva Mohina Nuraliyevna

Student at the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek in Tashkent.

Winner of the 2024 Profession Volunteer Competition

Winner of the 2025 International Scientific and Practical Conference among the CIS countries and recipient of the “Honor of the Homeland” medal.

Member and volunteer of the Tashkent city “Kizlar Ovozi” club.

Guardians

You stand at the border,

For the peace of the homeland.

You are vigilant without moving,

For every trial.

Your parents without seeing you,

For five, six, seven months.

Your children, longing for you,

Thinking in your mind.

You are the guardians of the homeland,

The fortresses of the future.

If my homeland is restless,

You cannot sleep even late.

Maftuna Rustamova Ruslan, a 9th grade student of secondary school No. 30, Jondor district, Bukhara region

Maftuna Rustamova Ruslan qizi. 19.09.2010 I was born in Jondor district of Bukhara region. Currently, I have graduated from the 8th grade of school No. 30. I have been interested in writing poems since my youth. Currently, I have many achievements in the field of poetry.

I participated in the district stage of the “Zukko Kitobhon” Republican Competition and took an honorable 2nd place. I participated in the district stage of the “Jaddidlar izida” Republican Competition and took an honorable 2nd place. In addition, we participated with a team in the “Third Renaissance in the Eyes of Youth” Competition and took 3rd place. On March 8, 2025, my first book was published under the title “My First Words in the World of Poetry”. I was awarded the “New Age Science Creator” badge, established in cooperation with Africa and Uzbekistan. I was appointed as the coordinator of one of the famous US magazines “Synchronized Chaos” in Uzbekistan. Currently, I am the head of the Bukhara region Press Service of the “Young Reformers’ Council”. My creative works have been published in many magazines and articles and indexed on Google.

The Great Ocean
“Among all buildings, the greatest is the school; among all professions, the most honorable is teaching and mentorship,” they say. Indeed, while our fathers bring us into this world, and our mothers strive to ensure our happiness, it is our teachers who give us the reason to live. Just as a singer does not need others’ words, true teachers have their own unique path — they do not follow the footsteps of others. They remain loyal to their words, thoughts, and personal teaching style.

When we speak of the kind-hearted teacher and brilliant mathematician Shodmonova Hilola, a deep sense of pride and admiration fills the hearts of all who know her. She is noble, gracious, patient, wise, and immensely knowledgeable. Her absence in gatherings is always felt. Hilola’s youth coincided with the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence. She was born on November 17, 1988, in a scholarly family in the village of Astarbob, Sobidehqon community, Vobkent district, Bukhara region.

From a young age, she showed a love for books, literature, and knowledge. Her parents, Nurulloev Shomurod and Istamova Qumriya, supported her from the beginning. Hilola graduated from school with a gold medal and was admitted to Navoi State Pedagogical Institute in 2006 on a government scholarship. It was there that the renowned mathematician Muxtorova Shodiya personally mentored her, teaching her all the core courses and helping shape her into a capable and impactful student. Hilola also learned from other respected teachers such as Sultonova, Qurbonova, Idrisova, Nurulloev, and Rasulova.

Through these lessons, she came to understand an essential truth: “When a teacher recognizes the potential and talent in a student, it brings them joy — and they do everything in their power to guide that student toward success.”

Fate led her to School No. 18 in Vobkent District, Bukhara Region, where she taught with passion for a year and a half. Later, she moved to School No. 8 in Vobkent, where she has now been working for 14 years. Despite being a mathematics teacher, Hilola has a deep love for literature. She enjoys reading works by authors like Daniel Defoe, Ahmad Lutfi Qozonchi, Robert Kiyosaki, Fotih Duman, and many others. She even has a personal library of over 100 books, including international bestsellers.

Hilola lives by the wisdom passed down from her parents and grandparents. Her family inspires her to be dedicated, honest, and kind-hearted. With these priceless qualities, she has won the hearts of her students. Thousands of students admire her and dream of becoming like her. On February 25, 2023, she traveled to Tashkent and proudly received an international certificate in mathematics, once again proving her excellence.

Her ambitions for the future are vast. She is constantly striving to improve — currently working to teach math in English, and learning both English and Arabic with great dedication. Based on her experiences, Hilola encourages young people to make the best use of their time. She says:

“Dear friends, time is the key to life. Plan everything carefully, and learn to manage your time well. With proper time management, you can achieve great success.”

As our ancestors used to say: “If you waste your time, you waste your wealth.”
A person who values time will never be left behind.

We wish our dear teacher continued success in her future endeavors and achievements.

Author: Historian and Geographer Sobirjonova Rayhona

Sobirjonova Rayhona is a 10th-grade student at School No. 8 in Vobkent District, Bukhara Region. She was born in December 2008 in the village of Chorikalon, Vobkent District, into an educated family. Her parents have supported Rayhona from a young age. Since childhood, she has shown a strong interest in creativity, literature, and history. Rayhona began writing in the 3rd grade, and her first poem was published in the Vobkent Hayoti newspaper.

Since then, her literary works have appeared in numerous journals and newspapers, including the American newspaper Synchaos, India’s Namaste India journal, Uzbekistan’s Gulxan magazine, Germany’s RavenCage journal, and many others. She has actively participated in various competitions, earning top places and receiving many awards.

Rayhona continues to develop her creativity and remains passionately engaged in her literary pursuits!

I am the child of my Uzbek.

I am the child of the Uzbek,

The beloved of this country.

I live in this homeland, I serve the people. 

In the future, I will certainly, Become a poetess.

I will only raise the flag of my country, To the skies.

I will weave poems, 

I will enrich my country.

With my beautiful poems, 

I will become known to the countries.

I will write such poems, 

That will make the world tremble. The earth and sky, to the world, Sprinkling a peaceful light.

 I draw inspiration from the fruit of the tree, 

These poems will give balm to the heart.

Zumrad Sobirova Tohir qizi was born on April 5, 2007 in the Altinkul neighborhood of Yangibazar district of Khorezm region. She graduated from secondary school No.12 in the district with a gold medal. In addition, she participated in various competitions and festivals and achieved several successes. She received 100% certificates in general education subjects in Mother Tongue and Literature, 77% in History, and B2 level certificates in Foreign Language. She took an honorable 3rd place in the Essay Competition at the regional stage. She took an honorable 1st place in the most beautiful calligraphy category at the “Uzbek Woman” festival. She also works in poetry and prose. Her poems are reflected in the books “Ilm va ijod bo’stoni” and “Ko’zgudagi men”. In her free time, she reads fiction books. I have set main goals for myself and work hard every day to achieve them. I believe that good intentions and relentless pursuit will lead me to my dreams!

Yoonji Huh is a dedicated student enrolled at a school in Seoul, South Korea. With a strong passion for the arts, Yoonji is diligently curating her art portfolio in preparation for university. 

This is Where

This is where she waited every evening,

This is where the dog stopped barking,

This is where they were lovers for the last time,

This is where the parade ended,

This is where they kissed and promised forever, 

Once before she dropped the ring.

This is where the swings rusted,

This is where they carved their names into the bench,

This is where the pigeon gathered,

This is where they played music all night,

This is where the door slammed shut,

And no one ever came back in.

This is where she planted flowers,

This is where he fell off his bike,

This is where the ice cream truck stopped,

This is where they held hands for the first time,

This is where the leaves piled up,

Only to scatter with the next gust of wind.

This is where the wind took the kite,

This is where the bus never came,

This is where the fireflies gathered,

This is where the old woman hummed a song,

This is where the shortcut led,

Through broken gates and overgrown grass.

Footsteps in Motion

The man in the striped shirt,

Thin lines curling around his frame,

One cuff rolled higher than the other.

His shoelaces double-knotted,

A folded newspaper tucked under his arm.

The teenager with the headphones,

Thick black cushions pressed to his ears,

One wire disappeared into his jacket pocket.

His sneakers untied,

A keychain jingling against his belt loop.

The girl with the yellow scarf,

Fabric trailing loosely around her neck,

Fingers smoothing its edge out of habit.

Her boots are damp at the toes,

And a loose thread dangles from her sleeve.

The man with the suitcase,

Worn leather rubbed raw at the corners.

He grips its handle with both hands,

His brown loafers, the soles worn thin,

Catch the edge of a mat near the door.

The woman with the grocery bag,

A paper sack cradled to her chest,

The bottom sagging under canned goods.

Her sneakers, streaked with dried mud,

Pause as she adjusts her stance.

Each step resounds,

A quiet rhythm of passing lives,

Before it fades,

As footsteps shuffle them into the past.

The Gathering

The table glows under warm yellow light,

rice bowls steaming, chopsticks tapping,

and the smell of doenjang rising like a memory.

Our reflections blur in the polished wood.

Grandmother’s silver hair tied low, uneven.

She spoons the doenjang jjigae into my bowl,

her hands moving slow but steady, 

She is careful as always.

Father’s hair, short and slicked with gel,

He leans back, recounting his day.

His voice dips and rises like an old song,

the kind you don’t realize you’ve memorized.

Mother’s braid falls neatly over her shoulder,

its end brushing the edge of her apron.

She smiles faintly as she wipes the table,

her silence speaking louder than words.

My sister’s hair, cut blunt just above her shoulders,

bobs as she argues, words sharp and quick.

Her chopsticks tap the rim of her bowl,

her laugh cut through the warmth like a spark.

My hair falls messy and loose,

hiding my face when I look down.

I twirl noodles around my chopsticks,

letting their voices fold over me.

The air smells of sesame and roasted garlic,

the room alive with clinking bowls and laughter.

Steam rises, curling into the quiet spaces,

and love lingers in the pauses between bites.

Olivia Koo is a high school student and emerging poet. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading, movies and music. She is currently putting together her writing portfolio.