Character Interview of Gabriel's Inferno with Sylvain Reynard

Sylvain Reynard, THANK YOU so much for taking the time out to answer your fans questions. 

YOU ASKED.....SR ANSWERED!! ENJOY! 

SR.... Also, curious about your use of the word Beshert.... With Yiddish roots... Over the term soulmate.... I whole-heartedly believe in this ... Found the choice of a word with Jewish/Yiddish origin and interesting choice.... 

Jen @zenjenbee

Mrsjbee@aol.com

I first heard the word “Beshert” many years ago and was quite taken by the concept. It carries with it the idea of soulmate and destiny, and deep, enduring love. I thought it would describe the relationship between the Professor and Julia better than “Soulmate.”

SR... One more question.... The professor clearly is into Kama sutra... What other novels would he recommend in this genre? 

Jen @zenjenbee

Mrsjbee@aol.com

There was a deleted scene in “Gabriel’s Rapture” in which the Professor discussed the book “Kosher Sex” with Julia. The Professor emphasized the rabbinical teaching that the orgasm is the right of the wife. Julia agreed.  I’ll speak with the Professor about sharing the scene …

 

Professor....if you could change only one mistake you made with Julia what would it be and why

I would never have left her alone in the apple orchard. That is one of the biggest regrets of my life.

Julia, if you could go back and change anything would you or would you keep it the way it was?

I wish Gabriel hadn’t left me – ever. I wish I’d made sure he knew my name...

Gabriel, what would you have done if Julia did not take you back after you returned to her?

 I probably would have drunk myself into an early grave.

Professor. What and when was you first attraction to Dante's Beatrice

When I was a freshmen in college, I enrolled in a western literature course where we read Dante.   I was captivated by his descriptions of her.

My question is for professor Gabriel Emerson(Sylvain Reynard)Professor I am a little upset that you left Julia in "Gabriel's Rapture" with nothing bur cryptic clues as to your plan-why could you not contact one of your family member to talk to Julia after her final meeting with the dean-you hurt her very much and you made me cry.

Please don’t cry. (Hands you a handkerchief, while looking stricken)

Julianne, A stress mechanism when did your straighten of your silverware start. As a child or a nervous young adult? 

Cordially yours Karen_E

(Julianne appears puzzled)  I don’t straighten silverware …

@ SR - Are/Were you a Dante specialist?

 I prefer to think of myself as a specialist in Scotch …

My question is for SR. Could you explain further the reasoning behind Gabriel's vasectomy? Was it punishment for Paulina losing her ability to have children as well?

Gabriel explains to Julia that he made the decision on the heels of Paulina’s loss. His self-loathing was such that he didn’t think he was entitled to reproduce, so yes, I think he was punishing himself.

Mr. Reynard,  

Here's the scenario. Gabriel is shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. He eyes a pair of vintage leather wing-tip oxfords. It just so happens that they are the last pair in the store and he is going out on a date with Julia that evening. He knows he'd look ravishing in them. Amazingly, a young man by the name of Christian Grey also sees the shoes which happen to be the same size Gabriel needs. He wants them because he's Christian Grey. 

A random teenager starts chanting, "Fight, fight, fight..."

How does this end?  

(Parenthetically, you should know who I'm rooting for.)

  

I’ve had discussions with EL James about this. I’ve always insisted that despite Mr. Grey’s intimidating personality, Professor Emerson went several rounds with a few Southies in Boston and would trounce him soundly.  And then the Professor would really go to work on him … ;)

Professor Emerson, what is your proudest academic accomplishment to date? Do you have more than one example to share?

I’m proud of finishing my dissertation at Harvard and successfully defending it. Without Beatrice’s intervention, I would be dead.

Julianne, you've struggled with your self-esteem for a very long time. Do you feel as if you have finally reached a place in your life where you are content with yourself?

(smiling) I don’t think anyone is content with herself or himself. Perhaps we aren’t meant to be content with ourselves. Perhaps we’re supposed to strive each day to be better, kinder, and more generous.

I actually have two questions for Professor Emerson..

First, I should tell you that I liken the version of you that wears glasses to Clark Kent - hidden, masked, passions suppressed and compartmentalized. The question is, do you actually require a prescription or do you just want to reserve the emotional, provocative, sensitive version of yourself for Julianne? And, if you'll indulge me, Professor Emerson, my second question is, would you consider tutoring me once a week to teach me Dante?

I require glasses for reading or when my eyes are tired.  I think I ruined my eyesight in graduate school, as many students do.

I’m afraid all my private tutoring sessions are promised to one very special student …

Professor, what is your ultimate sexual fantasy? ;)

I’ve already lived it.  ;)

Professor Emerson, 

Dante was bound by the traditions of courtly love in regards to Beatrice, even referring to her as 'la gloriosa donna della mia mente.' How do you think your perception/opinion/study of Dante will change given the knowledge you now have of your own Beatrice?

 ~Vicki G

 I have a hell of a lot more respect for his restraint now than I ever did before. The man must have had the self-control of a god.

Gabriel- How do you deal with knowing that there are thousands of women around the world who think you're the hottest thing ever? 

And...can you please be nice to your neighbor...we think pretty highly of him.

Hugs,

Tamie

Wait a minute, you know my neighbor?

This question is for Julianne.

If things had not come together for you and Gabriel would you have eventually given Paul a chance? If not why?

 I don’t think so.  I would have spent the rest of my life knowing that my heart belonged to someone else and that would have been a cruel way to treat a friend.

Paul,

 Seriously? Why the Rabbit for Julia? Unless it has anything to do Monty Python it just isn't cool. Oh, and you never had an inkling about Julia and Professor Emerson? One would think with your deep feeling for her you could have seen sooner just who Owen was. 

Sara

Sara, what can I say? Love is blind.  She told me she had a boyfriend from her hometown, I believed her. I didn’t realize she had a background with Emerson. He was an ass to her. Who would have believed that he knew her?!  If you’d seen Julia when she first got to Toronto, you’d know that Rabbit was a kind way of describing her. She had these big eyes and she was nervous. I just wanted to put my arms around her and protect her. Call me crazy.

SR-Whatever happened to Christa? She whored herself and just wondered if she ever got what she deserved? Was she spitting mad that Gabriel & Julianne got married? Ohhh that would be so awesome to hear her reaction! LOL! Ok I have a mean streak when it comes to Christa and her cruelty.

When the curtain closes on Christa, she’s happy at having engineered the demise of Gabriel and Julia’s relationship and Gabriel’s leave of absence from the University. Then she gets on her broomstick and flies to Columbia …

This question is for SR --

I actually have two questions.

1. Would you consider writing a third book? I feel like I need a little more closure, how the married life was once they went back to Boston and what happened to Paul & Christa. And of course if Gabriel & Julianne ended up having kids or adopting.

2. Would you consider making this book into a movie? 

Thank you,

Andrenella

Hello Andrenella. Yes and Yes. J 

Professor Emerson what would have you done if Julia had taken things with Paul further than just kissing? She didn't believe you were coming back so do you think that you and Julia could have gotten over that?

Lariza:)!

Next question …

Professor Emerson,  

What was written in the note that you sent to Julia's apartment!? She ripped it up and I've been wondering what you could have said that you didn't mind her not reading it at that time!

(SR is answering this question) This discussion was a deleted scene from “Rapture.” I don’t know if I’ll post it online or, if I decide to do a third book, it might be revealed there. So at the moment, I can’t say …

For Professor Emerson-

If you weren't a professor and Dante specialist, what career path do you think you would have chosen. I ask this because I can't picture you doing anything else. 

THANKS!

There was a time when I thought I might like to be a writer. Or a lawyer.

Professor Emerson: When did you become interested in Dante and what was your master's dissertation about if I may ask? Also the Great Pestilence comes to Europe about 27 years after Dante's death, what do you think would have been Dante's reaction to it? Do you think the 9 circles of hell would have been different based on the plague or do you think Dante would have perhaps thought he himself and all of humanity were in one of the circles?

My dissertation was on a comparison between “La Vita Nuova” and “The Divine Comedy.”  That’s a good point about the Plague. You can see how the Plague influenced the writing of Boccaccio, for example. But I would be merely speculation to say what effect it would have had on Dante. I’d like to think he would have finished “The Divine Comedy” regardless.

Julianne: Getting hired in the Humanities is difficult in this day and age, do you happen to have a back up plan if you can't become a professor? Also besides Dante, do you have any other Medieval interests (i.e. Chaucer, Gower or perhaps mysticism and Medieval saints)?

Yes, that’s true. But if I have the opportunity to do research and to teach (even if it’s part-time), I will consider myself blessed.  My secondary research interest is Florentine history and the work of Boccaccio.

A general question for Gabriel, Julia or Paul: Which of the 7 deadly sins do you associate with and which of the 7 holy virtues would describe you?

(From the Professor) Pride. And I lack the holy virtues – all of them.

Gabriel, what is the worst non-subtitled domestically produced romantic comedy that you have watched?

  

(scratches chin) They’re all dreadful. I doubt I could name one.  (He pauses) But they make Julianne smile, so ...

My question is about Christa. Well, sort of. When Christa went to look at the security tapes and was ignoring the tall blond American woman at the bar, was that Paulina? Were they working together to bring Gabriel down?

Yes, that was Paulina sitting next to Christa in the bar. As to the second question, I need that to remain a mystery …

This question is for Professor Katherine Picton. I know you're a private person and don't mix personal with academia matters BUT! 

You had conditionally agreed that you would take Julia Mitchell as her thesis supervisor pending an interview. It was implied this was done as a favour to Professor Emerson.

Inquisitive minds want to know...what was it that Professor Gabriel Emerson did for you to owe him such a favour??

(This is from SR)  The scene in which Prof. Picton explains her history with Gabriel to Julia was deleted from “Rapture.” It’s possible I will post it online for readers, or maybe it will find it’s way into the third book, if I write it.

Hello, my question is for SR. ;-)

Just reaching the chapters where Gabriel has left after the hearing and still wondering about the "friend" of Julia's lawyer that had had a couple of sexual encounters with Gabriel. Is it not important to know WHO she is? Will we know? (Admitting I am on Ch 29 and have not reached the end to know if this becomes clear) 

Thank You,

Iris~Elli

Hello Elli. I didn’t think it mattered who the woman was. Soraya reveals her identity and explains the context of the rendezvous. At that point, the mystery is revealed. (I didn’t think readers would want the sordid details)

Julia, does the professor prefer boxer shorts or briefs? What brand does he wear? :) Where would you like Gabriel to bring you for your next romantic getaway and why? Thank you.

(Julia is blushing) Um … neither.  And I’ve always wanted to visit Paris with someone I loved.

Professor just wondering....

How did no one realize what Christa was trying to do? Everyone [at least I think everyone] could tell what she was up to. Maybe not the whole receiving favors part, but you could tell she wanted to be in his pants from the very first seminar. Why didn't anyone report her? 

Thank you.

(The Professor is wearing a Stoic expression)  I never expected her to charge me with harassment. She was an annoyance that I thought would go away. How many graduate students have the nerve to take on one of their professor and their academic institution? It’s career suicide.

My question is for Christa.

Despite your best efforts, Gabriel & Julia ended up together after all. Has this inspired you to reevaluate your priorities?

They’re together? WHAT?!

Professor,

What was your inspiration for studying Dante?

I find his words beautiful.

My question is for the charming, polite and compassionate neighbor of Professor Emerson. 

Many readers of this story we are attracted by their empathy, and felt curious about his character. Could you tell us more about you? For example what is your name, a brief physical description about yourself, what is your usual occupation, if you have a fluent and good relationship with the teacher and how long you know him ... Thank you in advance. ANA

I’m a snarky narrator. That’s about the extent of my talent. ;)

Professor,  

What is it about a fine leather pump you find so arousing?

There’s something about the shape of a woman’s shoe, like the shape of a woman herself, that I find endlessly fascinating. They’re both works of art.

Katherine Picton, what was the nature of your relationship to Professor Emerson that you owed him a favor. Also, you had to have known that he already put in his resignation when you made Julia promise to meet the Dante Specialist at Boston University. What was your ultimate goal in doing this?

(Prof. Picton peers over the rims of her spectacles) I keep my personal life private. But I can say that I owed him a debt, which, I believe, I have adequately discharged. To your second question, well, I should think the answer is obvious. If those two young people couldn’t get themselves together, then I was going to do it for them.

Dear Professor Emerson, 

Now that I have finished ravishing (ahem...I mean reading) your 2 delicious books, what would you suggest I read next? Since you have completely spoiled me with your sensuous demeanor, I'm not sure I will be able to find another suitable book that will do me justice! HELP!

(SR is answering this question) If you go to my Goodreads page, you’ll see that I have several books listed and that I’ve reviewed a number of them. http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4765186?shelf=read  “A Severe Mercy,” “Grave Refrain,” and “Throwaway” would be a few of my recommendations.

For the bashful next-door neighbor:

Julia and I would both like to know about the dubious origin of the Superman pajama bottoms.  

I think we can sympathize with the plight of those who receive Christmas gifts from well-meaning, albeit clueless relatives.

Do you prefer Blonds are Brunettes?

(This is from SR)  I prefer those who are kind. Character is what is important. 

SR: I suppose this question is for Grace or any of the Clark's: On that night Julia was suppose to come to dinner and didn't because of the problem Gabriel created did any of you think of Julia? I know Rachel and Aaron were at the house when she came over, but during that night when maybe Richard came home with Scott, did they not see Julia's bike? If so did anyone think of where she may have been? Was there a slight suspicion that maybe it was her Gabriel was talking about?

(SR will answer)  Julia was in and out of the house a lot when she was a high school student. I don’t think anyone would have thought much about seeing her bike there, since she and Rachel left things at one another’s houses. The situation was so tense and everyone was so upset about Gabriel’s interaction with his mother and brother, the Clarks weren’t in the best position to make inferences or solve mysteries. And they thought Gabriel was impaired (which he was) and thus, hallucinating.

One for Grace: How do you feel about Julia and Gabriel together as a couple? We don't get to meet you although you play a role in the background of the story I'm just curious what your thoughts were of Gabriel and Julia together.

Every mother wants her child to be happy and in my case, I also wanted my children to become good people.  Julia and Gabriel had a lot to overcome in their lives, but I’m proud of the changes they’ve made and the persons they have become.

SR-what was the most difficult experience to write re Gabriel in GI and GR? Thanks for a wonderful story hope we get a third!

Anything having to do with Gabriel’s past was difficult to write.

For the Snarky Narrator: Do you think you get enough recognition and attention considering how crucial you are in both GI and GR? 

*blows thankful kisses and waves*

Snarkiness is a peculiar compunction of some narrators. (But it should not be disdained without trying it)

What was written in the note that Julia tore up outside of her apartment? Julia tried to find it but it was all gone.  What did you say to her?

I said a little about this in one of the answers above, but the information was revealed in a deleted scene that I may post online.

I don't have a question for one of the characters, however I do have a few questions I'd like to ask SR~ 

Your identity is such a mystery! Will you ever decide to go public? Your name, your age, your looks, your voice....who is the writer behind these beautifully written love stories? All things I yearn to know yet, I admit the mystery is part of the intrigue! Maybe you would consider a contest with your Graduate Seminar Students....the winner gets to meet you! 

Looking forward to a reply!

(blushing) You are very kind with your compliments. Thank you.  For me, writing is a hobby and although it’s enjoyable, I like keeping it separate from my private life.

SR, thanks for adding to our enjoyment for Gabriel's Inferno by answering some of our questions.

1. Gabriel can become very passionate in a museum.  Has he ever had museum sex with anyone other than Julie?

2. Did he ever take any of his one-night-stands home with him or did he confine his exploits to the washroom at

Lobby and/or other clubs?

3.Is Professor Pain one of the women in Gabriel's erotic black and white photos which were hung on his

bedroom wall?

Thanks again, 

Debbie

Hello, Debbie. The Professor is a bit cranky about some of your questions, simply because he’s trying to protect Julianne and not bring up too much from the past. But I can tell you that Prof. Pain was not in any of the photos. -SR