Character of the Week: Joe from Trajectory

"No one knows what it's like/To be the bad man/To be the sad man/Behind blue eyes. No one knows what it's like/To be hated/To be fated/To telling only lies. But my dreams/They aren't as empty/As my conscience seems to be/I have hours, only lonely/My love is vengeance/That's never free."

The Who's Behind Blue eyes is the perfect song (although his eyes are brown, but we'll let that go) for our character this week: Joe Davis from Trajectory.

Joe is a man who is very much trapped in his own head. He's a police sniper. Some have deemed him to be a killer. Other applaud his bravery. Very few fully understand what he does, and how deeply his own work affects him.

Joe comes from a military family. His father was a soldier in the Army. He vividly remembered all of the times his father would ship out and leave the family while he toured. He was a sniper, and thus in great demand. Joe was proud of his father, and they spent a fair amount of time together when he was home. He taught Joe how to shoot. He taught him how to be a soldier. He taught him how to be a man.

There was one tour that he never returned from. Young and vulnerable, Joe and his mother were now on their own. At twelve, Joe was young enough to have felt a tremendous impact from it, and old enough to see how difficult life became for his mother.

There was always a chasm in his heart left by his father. It was started the first time his father went away. Each time after that, the chasm grew. When his father died, the chasm became a canyon. Desperate to find any kind of connection, Joe went into the Marines. He could only imagine the pain he was causing his mother. But his pain and disconnection from his father was far too great for him to ignore.

Joe was a very successful Marine. He graduated at the top of his class. He was an excellent marksman, just like his father. He received several medals, and moved up the ladder quickly. He was a well decorated and well respected military man,

After the Marines, Joe returned to Detroit and became a police officer. He worked patrol and served as a police officer for 6 years. His dream, though, was to join SWAT. The intensity of it, the significance of it, the correlation to his father were all too lucrative for him to resist. Many officers try for SWAT, and Joe was one of the few who was accepted.

Another man made the SWAT team when Joe did, and that was his best friend, Pete. Joe and Pete actually met in the Marines. They found camaraderie in each other since they were both from Detroit. As time went on, they forged a strong friendship. Joe finally met someone who understood him. Pete was like the brother Joe never had. He knew he could trust Pete completely, and he did. Pete was the only person in whom Joe confided that he was bisexual. He was afraid. The stigmas, misunderstandings and prejudice that many bisexual men face caused Joe to keep that a secret. Pete understood. He respected Joe. He never judged him. The bond that Pete and Joe shared was incredibly strong.

                                             



Prior to becoming a SWAT sniper, Joe visited his favorite coffee shop one day. He ordered his coffee. When he turned around, he noticed a beautiful woman painting. Curious, he came closer to her. He was quite impressed by the scene she had on her canvas. He told her that he liked her work. When she looked up at him, he melted. He was instantly infatuated with her. He asked for her business card. Her name was Claudette - it was a name he would never forget. Within a couple of days, he called her...for a date.

Thus began a rather unusual romance. Two very unlikely people found themselves deeply in love with the other. Their connection was strong, but they both enjoyed their quiet time as well. Joe and
Claudette maintained their romance for years. They complimented each other. They balanced themselves out. They both got what they needed from the other. Theirs was the perfect relationship.

That is until Claudette felt motherhood calling her. Though she was a strong and independent woman, she loved the idea of raising children. She wanted to teach, and learn, and love. She felt she had a lot to offer children, and she whole-heartedly believed that Joe would make the perfect father.


The idea caused Joe to stop dead in his tracks. Children? Children! Children who would grow up without a father like he did. Children who would lose their father at an early age and be left with the same broken heart that his father left him. No. There was no way he could do that. He refused to subject children to that. They shouldn't suffer the same way he did as a child.

Thus ended their relationship. Sort of. Neither was able to truly let go of the other. Claudette came around and helped Joe with his cat, Gertrude, when he was out on calls. They would talk on occasion. They both enjoyed the other's company and conversation. Joe couldn't bring children into this world knowing that they would hurt the way he was hurt. But he also couldn't bring himself to let go of Claudette.


Life continued on. Joe did his best to make sense of it all, which wasn't always easy.

One specific call changed everything.

It was a call to a known drug dealer's house. A sixteen year old kid who sold out of his house when his parents were away for two weeks every month. Narcs had their eyes on this kid for a while. It was time for SWAT to come in, and hopefully take him down.

For days, Joe sat in observation. Behind his gun, watching this kid's every move. After three days, the police decided to send in an under-cover agent. That's when things got bad.


It didn't take long for the kid to realize something was up. SWAT stormed the place. Shots were fired. When there was finally a clearing, Joe shot, and the kid went down. After all the smoke had settled, the kid and one SWAT officer were dead.



Pete, Joe's best friend and confidant was gone.

Joe was shaken to his core. Nothing made sense any more. Everything was strange and confusing and meaningless. Joe couldn't make heads nor tails of life. He needed to get away from himself. So he went to the one place where he knew he was safe: Claudette's apartment.

He ran back to her, gripping tightly (both literally and figuratively). He felt as though he had lost everything, and he could not bear to lose her again. He went to her that night, hoping for a better outcome.

Joe Davis is a tremendous man. He's dark and mysterious, and yet incredibly vulnerable. He is a strong, sensitive, wise character. His story is one that I still find to be incredibly potent and poignant.

Favorite quote from Joe: "The media swarmed around us like hornets. Today was a big day for them. Pieces of meat for them to fly around and gobble up, like the maggots they were."

Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/Trajectory-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B004VS2GP4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1426894069&sr=8-8&keywords=lauren+shiro

Character of the Week: Tony from Unbreakable Hostage

How does one describe Tony Covelli? Odd? Controlling? Unstable? Confused? Desperate? Angry? Wounded? He's all of the above, and then some.

He's not the kind of character you'd really want to get to know. He's dark, unsocial, angry, peculiar, and even a bit creepy. Yet, there is so much more to him than what you'd initially expect.

Tony grew up in Fresno, California. He and his brother had fairly normal lives. Except when the family would vacation. His grandfather had built a small cabin in the woods by the Merced River. When they had reunions or take vacations, the entire family would stay in the cabin: Tony, Dominck, their parents, their aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was very confining to say the least. The real monster was Tony's Uncle Sal.

Uncle Sal was a very sick man who had his way with all of the children in the family. His illness became an illness for Dominick, Tony's brother. To some extent, it becomes Tony's illness as well, though his manifests differently.


Tony is an aimless person. He's very smart - perhaps too smart. Despite his IQ, he is unable to find a purpose or calling in life. He takes class after class, searching for an occupation. It is in such a class that he meets Lareina Oliveira.

Lareina is a small, feisty, beautiful Hispanic woman. From the first time he sees her, he is completely smitten.


Unfortunately, Tony's "illness" causes him to not respect boundaries. His smittenness becomes an infatuation which becomes an obsession, which leads to him kidnapping her.

Tony is unable to control his emotions. He can become violent, but he can also be as gentle as a lamb. He is unpredictable to say the least. Even he doesn't know what he's going to do next.

He takes Lareina to the family cabin. It's the only place he knows of that could possibly be safe, and that was secluded enough to keep the police at bay.

Unbeknownst to him, his brother Nick assaulted yet another little girl in the cabin. What he thought was a safe refuge was a target for the police.


Tony's intention was never to hurt Lareina. He just needed to have her. She was an object - perhaps even a trophy of sorts. He didn't understand - he couldn't understand that she was not a thing to be had.

He attempts to control her, he attempts to love her. Ultimately, he learns that she was never his in the first place.

It may seem odd to have some sympathy or to extend kindness to someone as sick and abusive as Tony Covelli. He is certainly no hero. He is, however, human. Sick and twisted, but human nonetheless.

Favorite quote from Tony: “That's your bed for tonight. Get some sleep. You're going to need it.”

Come decide for yourself!
http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Hostage-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0615902456/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1427674225&sr=8-17&keywords=lauren+shiro

2015 A to Z Challenge: Pianissimo - Day 20 (T)

For the third consecutive year, I am participating in the A to Z blog challenge.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

This year, we're going to go through my latest full-length novel, Pianissimo.

Can you believe it's been 20 days already? We're up to T! T is for timelessness.

When I write, although my stories are contemporary, I aim for timelessness. I think it's important to write stories that aren't dated. For the stories and characters to be relevant now, and for years to come.

The historical part of this story is rooted in the truth of that time period, yet it is poignant today.

The modern part of this story is applicable to our life and times right now. Yet, the humanity of it is timeless.

My stories are character driven because we will never lose our emotions, our connection, our humanity. Regardless of what happens days, weeks, months, years, or even decades from now, the people and events in Pianissimo will never lose their relevance.

A good story is one that stands the test of time. Pianissimo does just that.

http://www.amazon.com/Pianissimo-Lauren-Shiro-ebook/dp/B00OEOTZMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420832795&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

Holidays are best spent with great books!

Happy Thursday, gang!

It's not just Thursday...It's Christmas!!!

To celebrate the holiday, I want to give you a little sample from First Christmas. It's a follow up short story to Pianissimo.

Corinne tightly held her coffee mug. It was forty two degrees out. Cold enough for her. She pulled back the curtain and looked out the window. No white Christmas here. Not today, anyway. Corinne couldn’t help but to feel bummed by seeing green grass. It wasn’t anything like her childhood Christmases in Indiana.

“Oh well,” she sighed.

Darryl was still sleeping. It was about a quarter after eight. He should be getting up soon. She hoped. She wanted to spend Christmas with him, even if it was a quiet one. It was their first Christmas since he retired from the Army. It was their first Christmas in this new house. It was almost like it was their first Christmas all together. It was incredibly important to her. She didn’t want to sit in solitude on this day. She had done enough of that when he was out serving.

Just as she was about to let go of the curtain, she saw that Rich and Susie were out across the street.

Corinne smiled and opened the door just enough to step out and wave.

Rich looked up and saw her. He gently nudged Susie. “Merry Christmas!” They called out.

Corinne continued to wave. “Merry Christmas!” She shouted back with a big smile.

They smiled back, got into their car and drove off. Corinne loved them. They were the greatest neighbors she had ever had. They were friends. They were even like family. She was so grateful to have forged such a great relationship with them.

She stepped back in and closed the door. A chill ran through her. She took a long sip of her warm coffee. That should help her to warm up quickly.

Suddenly, Millie and Mollie came racing out of nowhere, nearly tripping her. Just as Corinne regained her stability, she could hear the heavy thump of Darryl coming down the stairs. Good! He was up. Now Christmas could begin.                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Hope you guys like it! You can purchase your copy here. Happy reading and merry Christmas!  

Introducing Introductions

Happy Thursday, readers!

Have you recovered from stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving last week? LOL.

Today, I want to introduce you to a couple of things.

First off, I would like to introduce you to First Christmas.

First Christmas is a short story that is a continuation of Pianissimo. It's Darryl and Corinne's first Christmas together in the new house. But it's also about a Christmas between Agnes, Margaret, and Margaret's family.

You see how each couple celebrates. You see how each couple connects. You see how the stories from each couple intertwine.

It's a short read, and it's a good way to continue the stories in Pianissimo. Or, if you haven't read it yet, it can also serve as a good introduction to Pianissimo! ;)



Speaking of introductions, I want to introduce you to another introduction for Pianissimo!

If you click here, you will find a FREE 4 chapter preview of Pianissimo!

I know what it's like to buy a book, not knowing the author's voice or being unsure if you'd like the read. This is the perfect way for you to get to know me and my books. This FREE preview allows you to sample the book. Once you've read it and are hooked, you're able to purchase your full copy and enjoy the story in its entirety.


So there you have it, folks! A couple of introductions to help you decide if you're going to put Pianissimo on your holiday wish list. ;)


I hope you enjoy them both!

Happy reading!

It is that time of year!

Happy Thursday, folks!

Hopefully everyone is staying warm, and isn't snowed in too badly.

Winter has come fast and hard (at least around here). With the snow and the cold, we set our sights on the holiday season.

This season, I have more books and stories than every. Print, e-book, audio - whichever you (or the readers in your life) prefer.

If you're looking to get a small sample of my writing, and get a sneak peek into the characters and world in Pianissimo, might I suggest, First Christmas.

First Christmas is a short story that I wrote just for the season, and just for you. It's the story of Corinne and Darryl's first Christmas in their new home. But it's also the story of Margaret and Agnes' Christmas as well. Same rich characters, same sweet sentiment. First Christmas gives you a good taste of my writing, and of Pianissimo (my newest full-length novel release).

It's a fun, happy, short story that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Go check it out at
http://www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Holiday-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00PPOZD2G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416406854&sr=8-2&keywords=lauren+shiro

Halloween Surprise!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!

It's Halloween. In the spirit of Halloween, I am being devilishly good and giving you one more taste of Pianissimo. Consider it my Halloween treat to you! ;)



Corinne lay quietly in her large, empty bed. The new bedroom was still too new, too foreign…too empty. Corinne longed for the familiarity of Darryl’s scent; for his warm body hogging up the majority of the bed; for even his snore.

She lay in the bed staring at the ceiling, her mind focused on her absent husband when a loud,
undistinguishable noise startled her. It wasn’t a crash, perhaps more like a bang. It was loud, whatever it was, and it was concerning. What could have caused such a noise? Did something break? Is the house falling apart? Please don’t let it be anything big, I’m too stressed right now. I can’t take anything more! She prayed.

Corinne got up and ran downstairs to see what had happened. Corinne went from room to room, turning on the lights, exploring each area very carefully. Nothing was out of place. Everything looked fine. Nothing was broken. Maybe she just imagined it.

When every room on the first floor had been checked, she debated if she should go back up to bed, or
check out the basement. She wasn’t a big fan of the basement. It was dark, dank, and kind of creepy.
Something had fallen or something happened. She needed to see what had happened. She couldn’t rest until she knew everything was really okay.

She finally let herself down into the basement through the interior entrance. The old wooden door needed some coaxing in order to open. With a gentle push from her hip, the door opened and Corinne carefully managed the old staircase.

As she surveyed the room, nothing seemed out of order. Nothing was broken; nothing had crashed to the floor. All the various boxes, appliances and potpourri remained in their original positions. 

Happy Halloween and happy reading!

'Tis the day before Halloween

It's time for another blog entry! This is my Halloween edition! ;)


For Halloween, I am giving you a couple of peeks at Pianissimo.

Corinne just sat down. She lit her scented candles and sat down on the couch to relax on a Friday night. Millie and Mollie were curled up sleeping on the far end of the couch. Just as she sat, Corinne saw a dark figure walk past the front door of the living room. She turned quickly, but saw nothing. It was dark out. Perhaps it was just the shadows of the leaves moving in the wind and street lamps. Slightly unsettled, Corinne turned her attention back to the large flat screen TV on the wall in front of her.

Some time had passed and Corinne half-heartedly watched her TV show when she thought she heard
something. Ignoring it, she focused completely on the television. She heard the noise again and it crescendoed. She tried to dismiss it, but the sound was relentless. She muted the television. It was then that she heard a man’s voice groaning. Corinne jumped up out of fear. She looked around. There was nothing she could grab to protect herself. Corinne jumped backwards onto the couch, grabbed her knees and sat huddled. Then she saw Darryl’s old recliner. There was a good hiding spot behind that: between the recliner and the wall. Moving as quickly and quietly as she could, Corinne’s feet skipped across the floor and she ducked behind the recliner. Not knowing what else to do, she hoped that she was somehow hiding from this man. As her heart raced, a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

Corinne was startled as she watched a dark figure appear, sprint towards the source of the groaning, and then disappear again.

Then there was silence. A loud, haunting, eerie silence. Tears continued to race down Corinne’s face.
Slowly and nervously, she stood up. She looked around. Everything seemed the same. The television
continued to play on mute.

Corinne tried to slow down her racing heart and inhale deeply. She was still shaken up, though. She
returned to her place on the couch. She grabbed Mollie and held her on her lap, hoping to gain some comfort.




Her clothes hung nicely in the closet. They looked so small, though. Her wardrobe didn’t even take up half of the closet. It’ll be different once Darryl is home. He will gladly use every last inch he can get out of that closet.

Corinne hummed along as she continued to hang up her clothes.

“Chief.”

Corinne stopped dead. What was that? Who was that? Who was speaking to her? How could she hear
anyone speaking? This was unsettling, to say the least.

All she could do was stand in silence.

Nothing.

Seconds turned into moments turned into minutes.

Still quietness.

What was going on? Who had just spoken?

Corinne heard it. Clear as a bell. Something, or someone, had said the word, ‘Chief.’ Who was it, though? And why did they say it?

The room was still silent. Even the cats were sleeping, she couldn’t even blame this on them.

What was going on? She couldn’t hear a thing now, but just a few minutes ago, someone spoke. They
spoke to her, or so it seemed. It didn’t make sense. Not at all.

Was she seriously losing her mind? Was this isolation becoming too much for her to bear? Did she need to see a therapist? She had never been like this before.

Maybe it was here. Maybe it was Louisville. Was it something here? Was there something in the water? Did this old house have some kind of a gas leak or something that was making her hallucinate? Corinne could not make sense of any of it. She felt as though she truly was losing her mind. Something wasn’t right. She didn’t know what it was, but something wasn’t right.

She took a couple of deep breaths and resumed hanging the last of her clothes. She shook her head continuously trying to make sense of it all.




Corinne bent down to take the canister out of the vacuum when something popped out in the corner of her eye. Startled, she turned her eyes towards it. Her heart began to race. Who or what was it? Why was there something there that she had never seen before. She was certain someone had broken into her house. She was petrified. She was out in the open. There was nowhere to run.

This person was there and they had to have some kind of motive. Who else would break into an old house where a single woman lived? What was their motive? Was it money for drugs? Was he a rapist? Some psychopathic killer?

Her heart began to race even more. Beads of sweat built up at her hair line. She felt hot, weak, scared,
nauseas, petrified. She was so frightened that she was frozen and unable to move. She closed her eyes, waiting for the worst, but praying for the best.

Time ticked away. Nothing. Had he not seen her yet? Or was he the type of person that enjoyed messing with people’s minds?

She kept her eyes closed and tried to keep her breaths deep and steady.

Corinne continued to wait. And wait. And wait some more. What was going on? Had he missed her? Did he rob the house and leave already? Was he coming up with some sick plan? What on earth was happening?

She eventually opened her eyes. She cautiously looked up and over. It was still a blur until she turned and faced it completely. It was not a person at all. It was her throw blanket. It hung over the edge of the counter in the hallway leading to the basement.

How on earth did that get there? She hadn’t put it there. It hadn’t fallen out of the laundry basket because she had just cleaned it a few days ago. One – or maybe both of the cats must have stolen the blanket and dragged it to hallway. Apparently they even tried to jump on the counter with it. Although not typically quitters, it must have been too hard to continue to pull the blanket any further.

Corinne sighed a huge sigh of relief. Her heart began to slow down to a normal pace. The sensation of heat that had washed over her was now dissipating. Moment by moment, she began to feel more human. Once she had truly calmed down, she couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of her girls. Leave it to them to keep her on her toes!

“Okay,” she said to herself in a breathy voice. “Time to get back to regular life.”




Happy Halloween and happy reading!!!