Character of the Week: Marc from Unbreakable Hostage

Marcus Raymer is a cop whose past is as mysterious as he is.

Born and raised in London, England, Marcus came from a fairly prestigious family. His father worked in Parliament. His mother came from a very influential family, thus she did not work.

Marcus certainly lived a life of luxury. His parents drove spectacular cars. Their home was quite remarkable. His friends and classmates also came from London's most elite families.

Life was good for the Raymer family. Things always have a dreadful way of changing, though.


Marcus had an older sister, Marci. When Marci was sixteen, she met a man named James. James was 22 at the time. They began dating.

Marcus and Marci's parents were not happy about this arrangement at all. They greatly disliked James. The age difference was bothersome enough, but James pulled her away from them. He was very controlling and manipulative. The family had great concerns for Marci.

They attempted to talk to her. Explanations of their concerns only solidified Marci's beliefs that she and James were akin to Romeo and Juliette. Discussions became arguments, conversations became confrontations. The tension escalated greatly.

Finally one day, when the family awoke, they found a note in the kitchen from Marci. She had run off to be with James. That was the last anyone had ever seen or heard from her.

Marci's absence took a tremendous toll on Marcus. Her loss ate away at him. He could never truly relax as he worried about her day in and day out. He became incredibly introverted and quiet. He began losing friends as he totally withdrew from those around him. His parents worried about him because the change was so drastic, but no matter what they did, Marcus remained a loner.

Losing Marci caused Marc to want to become a constable. He felt that by helping others, he was hopefully helping her. That his police work would lead him to her. Again his parents worried: he had never been exposed to some of life's greatest difficulties. Could he truly fare with some of the worst people and places that London had to offer? As well, they hoped he'd change his mind. Police work was not something that people like them would do. Prominent and influential families had a higher status and thus a higher calling. Police work was...well, beneath them.

Much to their dismay, Marc was accepted and became a constable.


Marcus did well as a constable. He was able to diffuse many situations with his calm, quiet, rational personality. His large, muscular built instilled both confidence and fear. He liked police work. It suited him well, and he did very well.

His parents still worried about him, though it seemed their focus was more on status than it was on his well being. He, though, became more focused on their well being.


Some of his father's constituents were becoming displeased with his work in Parliament. Things seemed to be getting tense. Marcus expressed his concern on more than one occasion. His father chalked it up to politics, plain and simple. He was not worried at all.


Unfortunately, Marcus' hunch was correct. One hot summer night, the Raymer home was set on fire, and Marcus lost both of his parents that night.

Marcus was once again devastated. Already a loner, he just lost the two people he had. He could no longer take the loneliness or pain. London was chock full of memories - memories that he didn't want to have.

He took everything he had and moved to the States. He needed a complete change of scenery, so he moved to southern California. A new place, a new climate, and a new life.

California was a beautiful new change. It helped him to escape his past of pain. But he could not escape from his own isolation. His introversion kept him alone, still.

In America, he became a missing persons detective. His drive to find his sister stayed with him on an entirely new continent. Again, Marcus succeeded. He was an excellent detective and one of the highest rescue rates.

One particular day, he received a phone call from a young woman who was absolutely distraught over the disappearance of her roommate. Though she hadn't been missing for twenty four hours yet, he knew that something was amiss. Thus, he took on the case of Lareina Oliveira.


Lareina's case was unlike any other he had taken on. Her captor was like so many others: obsessed, controlling, and unpredictable. She, though, was like no captive he had ever seen. She was smart and quick witted - she sent messages to her roommate Sandy to help lead the police to her. She was strong and determined to survive. Her resiliency was uncanny. She was also amazingly beautiful.

Marcus focused on her wits more than her beauty. It seemed as though time after time, though they were so close to finding her, they missed her. He could not sleep knowing she was being held hostage somewhere. He worked tirelessly to find her. He drove his chief, and the chief of Fresno crazy with his demands and attempts to save her. He continued to believe in her while they had both given up on her and the case.


It was his persistence that eventually brought her salvation. Finally coming upon her and Tony, Marcus fought valiantly to save her. After an incredible battle, Lareina had finally been rescued.

The sight of her tore Marcus apart. She was a small, beautiful woman who had been severely abused. Her faces was battered and swollen. She had innumerable woulds on her arms, hands, and legs. She should have died due to the extensive nature of her injuries. It was a horrible sight. As carefully as he could, he got her in the car, and drove her to the hospital.

He visited her in the hospital during her recovery. There was such a connection, and he had such admiration for her. He needed that moment for himself as much as for her. During his visit, Lareina said she wanted to thank him for rescuing her. Though he told her she didn't need to, when the time came, he was more than happy to spend the time with her.

There was something between them. A mutual concern and respect for each other. An undeniable spark. Indeed, theirs was an amazing bond. From rescue to romance, they were destined for each other. In finding Lareina, Marc also found himself. Marc rescued Lareina from Tony. Lareina rescued Marc from his isolation.
                                                 


Favorite quote from Marc: "Do you think I'd drive all the way up here for a joke, Dominick?! Jesus, get real."

Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Hostage-Lauren-Shiro/dp/0615902456/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1433098115&sr=8-14&keywords=lauren+shiro

Character Interview: Sandy

Here is a VERY late good morning to you all!

Today's character interview is Sandy, from Unbreakable Hostage.






Good morning, Sandy!




Good morning. Thanks for having me here.





Sandy, why don't you tell us the nature of your relationship with Lareina.






Lareina and I have known each other for years. We teach at the same high school. Or, actually, we did. She doesn't teach there any more. Anyway, I came on a year after her. She heard me say something in Spanish in the teacher's lounge, and she laughed at me and corrected my accent. We've been fast friends ever since. We've been roommates for a few years, too. The cost of living in L. A. is ridiculous, so we'll gladly save money any which way we can. It's been a good set up for us.







You were the one who called the police when Lareina went missing. What was that like?





Extremely nerve-wracking. I knew I called early by police standards, but I just knew something had to be wrong. Especially when her parents hadn't heard from her either. So I called Marcus. I never imagined I'd have to do something like that. It's really quite scary having to call the police.







Tell us about your experiences with Marc.







He's an incredible man. He's strong, he's handsome. He genuinely cares. You don't meet a man like that very often.






Does that mean that you're ok with how everything turned out?




Well, it is what it is. Life is full of changes, and that includes people changing. I'm thrilled that Lareina is home. That's all that matters.





Alright, let's end this on a more positive note. What do you think is one thing that no one knows about you, but they'd be interested or surprised to find out?




That I was basically raised by my Hispanic neighbors, that's why I decided to teach Spanish. As much as the Oliveira's teach me, Spanish has been an integral part of my life and I do speak it well. Even if I am a white girl, as Lareina likes to tease.





That is really interesting, Sandy. Thank you so much for joining us today.

Happy weekend reading! :)

Character Interview: Marc

Good Friday morning! It's Friday, so it's time for yet another CHARACTER INTERVIEW!!!!


Today, we're talking to Marc from Unbreakable Hostage.








Good morning, Marc.



Good morning.










Marc, you are obviously instrumental in this story. How do you feel about being such an integral part of such a dramatic story?



Well, it's a bit odd as I'm not used to celebrity. It is my job, however, and I understand that this comes with the territory.











Marc, so many people had given up on Lareina throughout the entire time. What made you keep going? How did you keep your drive?



Her parents were very determined people. They found that "x." They knew she was a fighter. Dr. Bauer knew that Lareina was far too smart to succumb to anything. I also imagined what it would be like to be in her position. I wouldn't want people giving up on me and presuming me dead when I was still fighting for my life.










Marc, you're originally from England and you moved not just to the States, but to California which is like an entirely different planet! How difficult was it for you to change to such a different lifestyle?



I left England for personal reasons. It was time for me to leave there. California offered me a new life, lots of sun and the ability to forget the pain of my past. It wasn't a difficult transition, really. It was exactly what I needed.












What, if anything, did you gain from this experience?



I learned that people can be far more resourceful than you think. Never underestimate anyone. You'd be surprised. I also learned that sometimes the hero even needs a hero. I also learned that family can be a wonderful thing, as in the case with Lareina. Or, it can be a terrible thing as in the case with Tony and Dominick.









As a final question, I always ask if there is something that you would like people to know about you?



Not necessarily something about myself. I'm a rather private person. But, persistence is key in life. We all need to have persistence. Had I not been persistent, things would not have turned out the way they did. Had Lareina not been persistent, we never would have gotten her clues. If you really want to survive or get through something, you must remain determined.








Thanks, Marc!

Happy weekend reading! :)

Getting to Know You

Last night, the Mrs. and I had "Getting to Know You" from The King and I stuck in our heads! LOL. I had this idea anyway, but I thought the title was appropriate for today's blog.




This is going to be a brief who's who of my books! :) The celebrity pictures are who I have in mind to play these characters. Don't forget that you can cast my books as well at www.storycasting.com! That site is a blast! Go check it out! ;)






Loving Her























Linda - Linda is a mechanic who owns her own shop in University City District (UCD) in Philadelphia. She's tough, but very gentle and vulnerable. She is extremely dedicated and loyal.











Katie - Katie is a veterinary student at U Penn and works at a local pizza parlor for money. She's young and vibrant, fun and full of energy. She is mature and logical. She loves being in love and fully believes in happily ever after.











Donna - Donna is Philly cop. She is tough as nails and yet as gentle as a kitten. She is extremely insecure. With no family left, her friends are her family and she will go to any length to protect and take care of them.












Liz - Liz is a southern belle who is a ballerina and a motorhead all at the same time. Tall, elegant and regal, she's also very down to earth and loves a loud engine! She dances with the Pennsylvania Ballet and listens to Metallica on her own time. She has only been with one person: Jen - and she plans on spending her forever with her.










Jen - Jen has MS. She used to be the director of a cat shelter, but when she met Liz, she followed her all around the country. She is quiet and introverted, but don't get her gabbing about her woman because she won't stop! :)











Stephania - Stephania is an exotic, multi-racial beauty. A professional model, she is seen globally, but is still very grounded. She is a spitfire and doesn't back down from any fights!











Maria - Maria is slightly older than the rest of the crowd. She is a grounded, stable woman who works for an Hispanic newspaper in Philadelphia. She adores her family, but only from a distance. Though Stephania is a lot to handle, Maria keeps her sound and grounded.













Brynn - Brynn is a little brunette bombshell. A police officer in Doylestown, PA., she is friends with Donna's partner, John, and his wife. Brynn and Donna meet thanks to John and they begin their lives together as two young female officers in love.



















Unbreakable Hostage





























Lareina - Lareina is a Puerto Rican with exotic and enchanting looks. A Ph. D. student in algebra, she's smart and beautiful. She is very close with her family and holds her Catholic traditions very close to her heart. Strong, resilient, intelligent, and determined, she is one Latina who can never be kept down!













Tony - Tony is an overweight brut. He fell over the fine line between genius and crazy a long time ago. He is obsessed with Lareina and lives in his own dark, twisted world.















Marc - Marc is English, but he's been living in the States for some time now. He is lonely and leads a quiet life save for his work as a missing persons detective. He is captivated not only by Lareina's beauty but by her quick wits as well. He is a caring and gentle man who needs to be saved as much as he saves others.


















Imperfect (not yet released)






Carol - Carol is an IT guru. She's intelligent and caring. She takes the world's burdens on as her own. She is loyal, compassionate and extremely insecure.




























Alex - Alex is a woman with a troubled past. Though she is now back on solid ground, she can never full erase her history. She is a true romantic. She is funny and dedicated, but also very demanding at times.




















Ok, there ya go! Hope you liked getting to know some of my characters. If you'd like to know more, go check out my books! :)

Ode to Jason Statham

Ok, so this blog refers back to the blog earlier this week about literary blasphemy.




In the same trip that we saw "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (dear God, will I ever stop shuttering from that?), my baby got me The Transporter and Transporter 2. Why? Because she's the bestest in the whole wide world! :)





If you don't know this about me yet, I am only "half gay," otherwise known as "bi." And I have had a thing for Jason Statham for a while now. My gay side LOVES guy movies, so it's actually NOT my crush that has me watching the Transporter series or either of the Crank movies. I like action, fast cars, and all that good stuff! :)






Seeing Jason doesn't hurt, though. ;)



He was the inspiration for Marc in Unbreakable Hostage. Hell, he IS Marc from Unbreakable Hostage! I purposefully made Marc British so that Jason Statham could play him when the movie comes out. I'll let ya know when that happens! LOL.





God only knows why my partner puts up with my and my dumbass crush, but she does. :) I think it's mainly because she knows that there is no chance in hell of me ever meeting him! LOL.




I know you're sitting there wondering what the hell the point is to this blog.




There actually wasn't one. BUT, I will plagiarise from myself and say that using celebrities as inspirations for your characters is not a bad idea.


Use them and their voice to create a realistic dialogue. Use their features to help describe how your characters look. Now, you may see someone different in your mind when you read Unbreakable Hostage, and that's fine! I think that's one of the many joys of writing. Your characters don't always look the same to the same people. I love that subjectivity! :)




Remember (and no, I am NOT getting paid to say this. I say it because I just happen to know that these folks ROCK), there is always www.storycasting.com where you can actually cast the characters for Unbreakable Hostage! How cool is that? Oh yeah, and it's free! Does it get any better than that? I think not!



So, while I'm cleaning up my drool from looking at Jason, go hit up storycasting.com and have some fun! I'll be checking to see who you cast! ;)