Character building through conversations
Tyler Rowan of “EnTyleryWords.com”
This fictitious conversation is between Andrea Mann a journalist researching for an article about patrons of “Feed Our Souls” (FOS) homeless shelter in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Andrea: Tyler, tell me about the circumstances that brought you to FOS. How old were you? What happened that you came to FOS?
Tyler: I was twenty-two, living in my car at the time. FOS had good food and I was starving.
Andrea: Were you working?
Tyler: Lost my job. Then I couldn’t pay my part of the rent, so my roommates kicked me out. Well actually I left. I wasn’t going to let them pay for my place. None of us were doing that well.
Andrea: So FOS was there for you when you were between jobs. What happened that you lost your job?
Tyler: I screwed up. Worked for a builder. I was learning a trade; you know how to put up walls, windows, a roof. But I partied too much. Came to work hung over, still drunk and almost got one of my co-workers killed. I was fired which I totally deserved.
Andrea: Not easy to admit.
Tyler: Took me a long while to get over, you know, almost killing someone. Sobered up fast but my references were shot.
Andrea: Hard to find a job without a good word from someone.
Tyler: Damn near impossible and it didn’t help that I’m not cut out for working at a fast food place or the dollar store.
Andrea: What about family?
Tyler (sarcastic laugh) Don’t have any.
Andrea: No family? You’re an orphan then?
Tyler: Not exactly. My dad died when I was eight, but mom remarried.
Andrea: And…
Tyler: Stan doesn’t want reminders of mom’s old life, tried to drive me out before I was eighteen but I had to finish high school at least, wanted to go to college. Yeah, that was a childhood dream. And I have a sister but she’s in jail.
Andrea: No aunts, uncles, grandparents?
Tyler: I thought this interview was about FOS.
Andrea: Yes, right. Sorry. It is but the background of FOS patrons helps us understand the support that might be needed beyond a bed and a meal.
Tyler: I don’t need support. I just need something to eat now and again.
Andrea: Of course. That is our main purpose.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction based on the character in “Kill Words” by Clare Graith. Tyler’s blog can be found at EnTyleryWords.com (launching soon). FOS is a fictional homeless shelter. Andrea Mann is a fictional journalist. Any resemblance to real people and places is coincidental.
CG Express 
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