DARRELL WILLIAMS

 You've met the protagonist of "Minor Problem," 10-year-old Tony Gregory, and the deuteragonist, 9-year-old Carl Gregory. Their friend, Desireè Blake, is another vital character. Now, prepare to meet another one of the tritagonists, a vital character supporting the two main characters. His name is Darrell Williams, but you'd better call him 'Will'; he is ten years old. Carl's cousin is a next-door neighbor to him and Tony. He is also in the same class as Tony and Desireè in school.

As a beautiful day ends in the summer of 2001, Will and his friends hear a loud crash from Tony's house. After investigating, they find the house trashed and Tony's parents missing. The kids then head to Carl's house, where they walk in on his parents with the kidnappers. It is up to Will and his friends to help Tony and Carl escape three bumbling villains and save their parents.

Name: Darrell Paul Williams

Nickname: Will

Birthday: July 16th, 1991

Parents: Carson & Ramona Williams

Hometown: Baytona, Newfoundland

Height: 4'0

Weight: 105 lbs.

Eye Color: Brown

Hair: Short, straight, black

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Burgers

Worst Fear: The Dark

Hobbies: 

Practicing karate and playing video games

Ambition: 

To be the ultimate fighting champion and help his friends save the day

What are their strengths?

Will, the epitome of bravery, is the strongest among the five children, except nobody knows about his severe fear of the dark.

What are their weaknesses?

Will can be full of himself sometimes, and he often likes to pick on kids weaker than him, especially if they're annoying.

What do they want?

Will wants to help his friends save the day but makes it look like he has nothing better to do. He considers himself too cool for 'spy games' but jumps at the opportunity to test and prove his strength.

What do they need?

Will needs to help his cousin Carl and friend Tony see the bigger picture and convince them to get help for their parents the right way.

What motivates them?

Will's actions are driven by his love for his cousin and friends and his desire to be cool.

What's their central conflict?

Will's central conflict is with the kidnappers, as he often fights against them with Tony, Carl, and the others. He also conflicts briefly with Jeffrey-Mason Murphell, who he finds highly annoying. He also sometimes tends to clash with Tony since they both have similar attitudes.

Do they achieve their goals?

Read "Minor Problem" and find out!

    When we asked author Joshua Emberley-Penney about creating the character of Will, he had this to

say:

    "I honestly don't remember meeting Paul; he's always been there. This story wouldn't be complete without him. Living next door to Paul, he was always adventurous, funny, and tough. He was the type to always pick on you, but never allow anyone to bully you (unless it was a really good laugh. I forgive you for the icy snowballs.)" As he continued, Joshua said, "The worst thing about your friends inspiring you to write fictional characters is that it smacks you in the heart, especially if you don't see them often. Whenever I write about being young with Dillon, Meghan, Paul, and Kindra, I almost think I need a box of Kleenex. I would relive those days in a heartbeat."

    Just as Tony, Desiree, and Will attended preschool together, so did Joshua, Meghan, and Paul. When Paul Budden was asked about being the base for the character of Will, he laughed and said, "I don't mind at all. I doubt the real-life guy will be as interesting as the book version." We also learned that Paul has managed to get a sneak peek at "Minor Problem," being involved with the editors and keeping close contact with the author, all while being a hardworking father. "I bet (the book's) gonna do great," he says. "One of these days, I'll get around to reading it all. It's a bit of a nostalgia trip, too; it does a good job of reminding me of the days we played in that yard."

Well, there you have it, folks. 

Keep an eye out for "Minor Problem."

Written by Joshua Emberley-Penney

AVAILABLE SOON!