Butterscotch Jones, hero of “Due North” by Melanie Jackson

Who are you?

My name is Butterscotch Jones. That isn’t the name I was born with but it is who I am now.

Where do you live?

I live in a small bit of woods in Manitoba, known locally as McIntyre’s Gulch. You won’t find it on any map. We don’t exist on the tax roles. We don’t exist at all– not as far as the government is concerned. No phones, no electricity, no doctors, no government services of any kind. It’s a curious place for many other reasons, but the one that strikes the rare visitor the most is that everyone in town has red hair. The next is that every person there is named either Jones or McIntyre. There are good reasons for this.

Are you the hero of your story?

As much as anyone can be a hero in these circumstances. We are, after all, everyone of us in the Gulch, outlaws. That is because we have no laws to live within, but also because we found this place at the end of the world when we had nowhere left to run.

What is the problem in your story?

An airplane and a dead pilot. Usually when a plane falls out of the sky, it attracts a lot of attention. But not in the Gulch. Not when it’s been storming and the wind is screaming like the damned. It was days after the storm when I was out walking with my dog and found it up on Potter’s Ridge. The pilot was past prayers. There was a large duffle bag full of money in the passenger’s seat, and another one on the floor with a broken zipper that seemed to contain jewelry and some kind of bonds and stock certificates. Of course I took them. But you know what they say about there being no free lunch? Well, it’s true. And those two bags brought all kinds of trouble to our little town and threatened to make us known to the authorities.

Do you have any special strengths?

Only the ones that everyone else here has; endurance, inventiveness and loyalty to my chosen family.

Why did you decide to write this all down?

Because one day, maybe soon, I will be gone. Since I will never have children and don’t even have my real name anymore, I could be one of those whose name was ‘writ on water’. I want someone to know what happened before I vanish from the earth.

Where can we read about your adventures?

Bless the modern age! You can read about me in ebooks or print. Just look for Due North or The Butterscotch Jones Mysteries. My pen name is Melanie Jackson. Everyone thinks these books are fiction. Here is a links http://www.melaniejackson.com/butterscotch.html From there you can get to your favorite books stores.

If you were at the store now, what items would be in your cart?

Kerosene, batteries, tea and books. No TV in the Gulch so we read.

What were the last three books you read?

The Secret Staircase, Moving Violation and The First Book of Dreams: Metropolis

Liam Mulligan, Hero of “Cliff Walk” by Bruce DeSilva

Who are you?

My name is Liam Mulligan, but just call me Mulligan because I don’t like to use my given name. I was named after my maternal grandfather, a Providence, R.I., cop who was murdered by the mob when I was a kid. Whenever I hear the name “Liam,” I picture the chalk outline of his body on a cracked Federal Hill sidewalk. I played basketball as a walk-on at Providence College. For the last 20 years or so, I’ve been an investigative reporter for a dying Providence newspaper, and I’m darned good at it. In “Rogue Island” (Forge, 2010), I figured out who was behind an arson spree that had the cops baffled. In “Cliff Walk” (Forge, 2012), I uncovered a murder-and-political-corruption conspiracy behind the state’s thriving sex trade.

How do your friends see you?

They think I’m a stubborn s.o.b. with a smart mouth that often gets me into serious trouble.

How do your enemies see you?

They also think I’m a stubborn s.o.b. with a smart mouth that gets me into serious trouble. They also tend to underestimate me.

How does the author see you?

Bruce DeSilva? That clown thinks he IS me. I’m an investigative reporter; he used to be. Neither of us do well with authority. And we both get a lot of complaints about our smart mouths. But he’s not me. He’s 25 years older and eight inches shorter. He’s a grandfather, for Chrissake.

Do you talk about your achievements?

DeSilva likes to brag about the Edgar Award and the MaCavity Award he won for “Rogue Island.” Me? I never talk about stuff like that. Never! DeSilva ratted me out by telling readers I once won a Pulitzer Prize, but journalism awards are crap. You just stick them in a drawer and move on to the next story.

Do you have any money troubles?

I work for a dying newspaper in a small city. What do you think?

What do you believe?

I believe in defending the powerless. I believe in exposing public corruption and organized crime — which in Providence is pretty much the same thing. Although my job as an investigative reporter is to expose the bad guys, I see nothing wrong with placing a bet with my local bookie or paying a small bribe to get my decrepit Ford Bronco through the DMV inspection. I’ve learned that in Providence, graft comes in good and bad varieties, just like cholesterol. The bad kind enriches powerful politicians and their rich, greedy friends. The good kind puts braces on the teeth of the children of underpaid state workers. Without the good kind, not much would get done in Rhode Island and nothing at all would get done on time. I’m a lapsed Roman Catholic. I used to think I knew what I believed about religion and sexual morality, but after what I saw as I dug into the state’s sex trade in “Cliff Walk,” those long-held beliefs have been badly shaken.

Has anyone ever betrayed you?

Hell, yeah, but if you want to know who you’ll have to read the books.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up on the second floor of a three-story walk-up in the working-class Mount Hope section of Providence with a younger sister and a younger brother. My father was a milkman. Cancer took him when I was still in high school.

What is your most prized possession?

A June, 1935, issue of the pulp magazine “Black Mask” with the first printing of Raymond Chandler’s short story, “Nevada Gas.” Why? Because after the separation from my banshee of a wife, Dorcas, it’s about all I’ve got left.

What is your favorite music? Why?

The blues — Buddy Guy, Son Seals, Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, Koko Taylor, Tommy Castro. It’s the soundtrack of my life.

If you were at a store, what ten items would be in your shopping cart?

Killian’s Irish Red beer, frozen pizza, Maalox, and cigars. Who has money for ten items?

How do you envision your future?

I work for a newspaper. Newspapers are dying. And I’m not any good at doing anything else.

Where can we find you online?”

http://brucedesilva.com

http://brucedesilva.wordpress.com

Jerry From the novel “Tangled Ties to a Manatee” by Kalen Cap

Who are you?

I’m Jerry. I work at the Court Jester Coffee Shop. I clean it good. I get to work by riding my bike my Aunt Vera gave me. I’m the only one in the group home with my own bike.

I like animals a lot. My favorite animal is a manatee named Ankh. By following the directions written out beside my computer, I can watch her on the zoo’s webcam each day for a little while.

Where do you live?

Like I said, I live at the group home. They teach us stuff so we can one day live on our own. At least I hope I get to. Aunt Vera says I have to study hard and behave for them at the group home. Aunt Vera’s the one that took care of me once my mom passed away when I was sixteen.

Do you have any handicaps?

My body’s okay. I’m slow in the head though, but not as slow as others in my group home. Except for Caroline. Mrs. Washington, she works there, she says Caroline can “give me a run for my money.” I think Mrs. Washington’s wrong about that though. I don’t like Caroline much. But she never chased after me for money that I can remember.

What do you want?

What I want is to be treated just like a regular guy. I want to be able to be on my own. But, there’s still stuff I don’t know how to do by myself yet.

I went to this different place for my haircut yesterday and I think nobody there could tell I had “special needs.” ‘Course, they could just been being nice and pretending they didn’t know. But nobody there treated me funny. I liked that.

So, being a regular guy on my own, and being treated regular. That’s what I want.

What was your childhood like?

When I was a kid, school was hard. I didn’t get it. Now, they’re teaching me how to work around some of my learning problems. So, learning the easy stuff is better, but they got me learning harder stuff now.

As a kid, I had bullies that gave me a rough time, but I had friends, too. It was kind of hard for me to make friends though. But, mom was good to me. And my aunts too, though they’re not the same as mom.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

I don’t have too many secrets. I do keep quiet about sometimes knowing what animals are feeling, but that’s just because Aunt Vera doesn’t like it. She thinks that’s crazy talk.

My mom didn’t think it was crazy though. She thought it was a gift and said I was supposed to keep it a secret.

Uh oh. I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. It only happens sometimes though, so maybe you could just forget I told you.

Do you have any skills?

I do hide good. Before I got taken out of regular school’s special ed when I was little, another kid taught me how to hide. And I practiced and practiced, and got pretty good at it. Mostly I hid from bullies. But, sometimes I hid at home, too.

Who is your true love?

Janelle is real pretty and smart. She goes to college. She was supposed to volunteer for the zoo trip today, but she got Gavin to sub for her instead.

I was careful not to let no one see, but I teared up when I found out she wasn’t coming today.

What makes you angry?

One thing that makes me mad is getting teased.

I put on some cologne this morning, before I knew Janelle cancelled on us, and Mrs. Washington said it was too much. Then Caroline teased me about it. The others teased me, too. Then, at the zoo, after finding out the manatee building was closed, I got mad. Then, everybody started teasing me about liking Janelle. So, I got even madder and ran off.

What in your past would you like to forget?

I would like to forget getting knocked out by Craig a couple of hours ago. He’s the big guy with Stan. I came across them after I left the group at the zoo. I just wanted to cool off some, but I guess I was snooping around, and I got caught. Craig walloped me hard, so I’d like to forget that. But, I can’t since my head hurts and they got me tied up in this basement.

They say they’ll let me go after this job at the high voltage place is done. But, I got a job, too, and I’m supposed to be at work tomorrow morning.

Are you honorable?

I had to ask what that means. But, if it means doing the right thing because that’s the right thing to do, then I try to be honorable. I work when I’m supposed to work. I do my studies like I’m supposed to. I don’t lie hardly at all. I’m nice to most people most of the time. Oh, except maybe Caroline. She bugs me too much. But everybody else, I’m mostly nice to.

So, I’m not perfect, but honorable enough, I think.

***

Author website: http://kalencap.com/

The novel is available at Amazon.com in paperback -

http://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Ties-Manatee-Kalen-Cap/dp/0985321008

& kindle ebook –

http://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Ties-Manatee-ebook/dp/B0080KIAD6

Tony Gavel, hero of “Wasted Space” by J. W. Metcalf

Who are you?

My name is Tony Gavel, I’m a private investigator in Big City. I am 36 years old

What are your achievements?

Well, I don’t like to brag but if you goggled me you would know I was a former golden gloves champion at 16, State wrestling champion during college, and the youngest person in the Big City Police Department to ever make detective.

What is your most prized possession?

I have two actually. My first prized possession is my .38 revolver Louise. She has saved my life so many times. I don’t know how I would get through the day if I lost her for good. My second prized possession is a map of Red Valley Falls. I took off a year after college before i joined the force and spent it living off the land in red Valley Falls. I own a hunting/fishing cabin there. During that year of living in the wilderness I made a map of all the secret crevices, caves, mine shafts, etc… I lost it during a case, though that I call Gone Fishing, when convicted serial killer Doogan Ashe cut my climbing rope and dropped me into the rapids 40 feet below me.

What, if anything, haunts you?

My ex-fiance Mary. She was killed during a robbery at a liquor store, while she was getting some wine for dinner, and i was never able to bring her killers to justice. That has haunted me ever since. It has ruined any chance for me to have a real relationship with a female.

What was your childhood like?

Times were hard growing up in a strong Irish community. Not many people in my neighborhood had a lot of money. My dad worked two jobs trying to support my mom and my two sisters and me. We had a lot of thugs and bullies where I lived that would shake me down for my lunch money or just give me a beating because they could. Most of the dads worked so just the moms would be home all day, cooking and cleaning and doing various chores around the house. They never really payed attention to what the kids were doing all day out in the streets.

Then Dwight moved into the house next door to me. He was a big kid back than. Not many people liked to mess with him. He saw me getting a beating one day by three of the street bullies and jumped in to help me. I never saw anyone fight like he did. Most kids in our neighborhood used sticks or what ever they could get their hands on. They would throw wild punches or rocks. They always traveled in packs so that you had no real chance to defend yourself unless you were with other people. Dwight ran in and kicked the guy that was on me and then stood over me in a boxing stance protecting me. The other kids were laughing at Dwight, calling him all kind of names and telling him to get out of here before he gets hurt but Dwight stood his ground. The one kid that Dwight kicked got up and charged Dwight. That was all it took. Dwight was a blur of motion. Throwing Jabs and uppercuts, using his big body to push kids aside if they came at him more than one at a time.

At the age of nine, I started my life in boxing. I trained hard every day with Dwight after school. I started to fill out and get muscles where I never had any before. Dwight and I were always together. No one ever messed with us much after that day. A few times they would try when Dwight wasn’t around and I still got some beatings, but I started to hurt them a lot more than I was getting hurt. By the time I was ten, people left me alone. Dwight and I were starting to get a reputation and no one wanted to mess with us.
My dad took an instant liking to Dwight and he became like a brother to me. He started coming to our Saturday pizza nights. It was the best times of my life. If it wasn’t for Dwight I would never have won the Golden Gloves championship when I was sixteen. He really turned my life around and helped me turn into the guy I was today.

Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.

In my wallet I have cash, probably about $500 or so. I carry a lot of money so that I may pay off contacts etc… I have an expandable baton I carry in a secret pocket of my jacket in case I don’t feel like shooting someone and I need to defend myself. Credit cards for when I’m on a case and need to have expenses. My gun Louise, I never leave home without her. My cell phone. It’s a big part of my business.

Where do you live?

I currently live at 19 Orchard Ave, Big CIty, USA. I have a hunting cabin in Red Valley Falls, USA and I had an office in Big City, but it got torched during a case that I call, Wasted Space, so now I am looking for a new one. If you know of a place cheap be sure to let me know.

Are you healthy?

I hope so. I work out at least four days a week. Mostly I use the punching bag and speed bags. I also swim almost every day. It keeps me in fighting shape. The only time I don’t work out is when I’m on a case, with the crap that usually happens to me, I don’t have time for it, but I do make it up after the case is over.

Do you have any skills?

*laughs* Is lock picking a skill? I do have a bunch of different skills. I am excellent at reading peoples body language. I am very tech savvy. I can Box, wrestle and hit a bulls eye with my gun from 50 yards out. I can survive in the wild. I specialize in finding missing persons. There’s more, but I don’t want to tell you all my secrets.

Do you embrace conflict?

As a matter of fact I do. I feel that you will never accomplish anything in life if you shy away from conflict. My problem is that I am usually stabbed, tortured, have broken bones, or got shot when I am trying to face my conflicts.

How do your enemies see you?

I would hope that I have no enemies, but the truth is a lot of people just misunderstand me. I am just trying to do a job and if they don’t like what happens to them, then they shouldn’t have done something stupid. My enemies would say I am stubborn, annoying, relentless.

Do you have money troubles?

I am doing well at the moment. I make a good living doing my job. I get a lot of clients and they keep me busy.

Have you ever had an adventure?

*Laughs* My life is one big adventure. I wouldn’t know where to start with this one.

What is your favorite beverage?

Jack Dawson’s Home Brew. Jack is the bartender/owner of’ Last Call’ in Red Valley Falls. He makes a special apple flavored beer, mixed with moonshine. It has a real sweet flavor, but has a big kick. If you ever make it to red valley Falls you should try it out.

Are you honorable?

I try to be, but in my line of work it’s hard. I have to con and fool people into giving me information sometimes, but I am honorable to my friends and make it a point to never lie to them. My friends know that my word is good and I would never be dishonest to them.

What do you think of yourself?

I think of myself as a hard working, dedicated, caring person that would go to any length helping out my clients.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

Yes, I kinda touched on it before about my buddy Dwight. I wanted to add to that though. He made me look deep inside myself and taught me to take no #$%^^$#@, sorry. Take no crap from people and to stick up for myself and believe in myself. He taught me to never give up and how to excel at whatever I do.

What are the last five entries in your check registry?

Nothing. I hate checks and I will not use them. I pay cash for everything and I do not accept checks from clients either. I have had so many problems with checks that I just stay away from them now.

Are you the hero of your own story?

I wouldn’t say I’m a hero. My clients might say differently though. I am just a guy doing a job that I got paid for. You decide for yourself. Read my Case File: Wasted Space and you let me know if you think I’m a hero.

Kindle Version of my book http://amzn.to/TonyGavelPI
Nook Version of my book http://bit.ly/TonyGavel
My Blog (just starting out) http://authorjwmetcalf.wordpress.com/about/

Alex and Lisa Mendez currently starring in “Mourning Reign” by Edward Hancock II

Who are you?

Alex Mendez and Lisa Mendez. Police Detectives.

Where do you live?

We live in Gilmer, Texas and work for the Longview Police in Longview, Texas

Are you the hero of your own story?

Alex: I’d like to think Lisa is the hero

Lisa: Spoken like a man that wants to stay married.

How do you see yourself?

Alex: As unworthy of the responsibility placed on me as a Police Lieutenant. To say nothing of unworthy of such a great wife and kids. Humble, I guess, but grateful to be sure.

Lisa: As a mom and wife first. Police officer second.

How does the author see you?

Alex: I have heard him say, “Alex is the me that I never got to be.” I’m not really sure what he means by that. I’m me. He’s he.

Lisa: the ideal woman. Flawed, but accepting of those flaws.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

Alex: Yes, we bicker, but it’s mostly for show…I think.

Lisa: Yeah, but why’d I have to be so tall? 5’9 for a woman is pretty large.

Do you have a hero?

Alex: Yes, Lisa

Lisa: Yes, Alex….but don’t tell him I said that. He thinks it’s my dad.

What do you want?

Alex: My wife and kids to be safe, secure and happy, now and forever. To walk closer to God and be a man they deserve.

Lisa: To see my children grow up to be good people. To effect change in ways I can only dream of doing.

What makes you happy?

Alex: Hearing my wife say she loves me. Hugging my kids.

Lisa: Alex when he’s fresh out of the shower…. Oh wait…. Is that what you meant by “happy”?

What are you afraid of?

Lisa: Being denied the opportunity to grow old with Alex.

Alex: Dying…. Leaving Lisa and the kids alone… unprotected.

What is your biggest disappointment?

Alex: My dad not getting the chance to meet Lisa and the kids

Lisa: My parents not getting to meet Alex and the kids

What, if anything, haunts you?

Alex: The memory of my dead brother…. I have real guilt about that because I always longed to do something before him. Him being the oldest, he did everything first. I used to pray that God would let me do something first. When he died, (in the line of duty) I was still a teenager. I felt as if it was my fault. In my adulthood, I still carry that with me.

Lisa: The fear of failing my children or my husband

Has anyone ever betrayed you?

Alex: You’ll have to read the rest of the series to find out.

Lisa: Not that I’m aware of.

Do you have any handicaps?

Lisa: I don’t play golf…sorry.

Alex: Yes. I fell 30 feet or so while chasing a perp once. When I am tired, stressed and whatever, it can cause me to limp. I have weak spells as well.

What was your childhood like?

Alex: The youngest of two children. I was always in Ted’s shadow. Until he died.

Lisa: The only child of kind parents who meant well, but weren’t perfect by any means. I loved them dearly and when they died, it cut me. I don’t talk about it, but it broke something in me. There’s a part of me that’s unable to emotionally attach… even to my husband. I love him and will kill anyone that tries to harm him. But there’s a part of me that even he doesn’t know. He just doesn’t know that. What’s the quote? A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets? Well, it’s true.

Did anything newsworthy happen on the day you were born?

Lisa: I was born March 15, 1976. March 15 is the Ides of March. Wasn’t Julius Caesar killed on the Ides of March? But, as far as I know, nothing happened on that day in 1976, no.

Alex: May 12, 1969. 3 days after my birth, Apollo 10 was born on a full dress rehearsal for the eventual Apollo 11 moon Landing. To my knowledge, nothing on that specific day.

Lee McCloud, protagonist of “No Remorse” by Ian Walkley

Tell us about your part in the story, Lee McCloud.

I’m a special operations soldier whose mentor’s daughter, Sophia, has been kidnapped in Mexico, along with her friend, Danni. I organize some buddies in Delta Force to help me go after the kidnappers. Trouble is, when we ambush the Mexican cops who took the girls and arranged an exchange, we discover that Sophia and Danni are sold, and long gone. Subsequently, I end up charged with murder. I’m offered only one way out of this mess––leave the Army and work with a secret government outfit operating outside the law stealing money from wealthy supporters of terrorism. I take the deal, but I’m still determined to find Sophia and Danni, even if it means disobeying orders of my new employers while I track down the guy who bought the girls.

You have to work with a beautiful computer genius, Tally. Is that difficult? Fun?

She should’ve been left at the office. She’s had no experience in the field, so I’m gonna have to hold her hand, aren’t I? At least, that was my initial assessment. Sure, she’s smart, but her good looks make her stand out in the crowd, and that’s not good in undercover roles. Also, she doesn’t like soldiers. She dated one once, and he attacked her. Or so she said. Maybe I might change my feelings later on…

Has some event in your childhood had a profound impact on your life?

My nine-year-old sister was abducted in front of my eyes when I was fourteen. She had run ahead of me along a quiet road in a park, and a van pulled up and two guys grabbed her. One of them shot at me but missed. Then she was gone. That’s why it’s so important to me that I get Sophia and Danni back. And it explains why I have no remorse the way I deal with bad guys. Trouble with today’s justice system, it leaves too many bad guys with an incentive to keep doing bad stuff.

And what about your personal life? What sort of things do you enjoy doing?

What personal life? I almost got married once. But four weeks before the wedding she dumped me for my brother. Since then, I don’t really trust women much to get close to them. Sex is sort of a recreational release for me. And lots of the women I meet, too, fortunately. The infrequent times I get away you’ll find me doing physical activities like mountain climbing, scuba diving, skiing, parachuting, that sort of thing. I might read a book on a plane occasionally, but I’m learning to fly helicopters at the moment (after No Remorse).

Do you talk to your brother any more?

If he answers the phone at my mom’s place. And then it’s a little strained. Good luck to them, I say, but I don’t forget. As for forgiveness, some things are not worth worrying about. Get on with life. But not when someone has done something truly evil. Like Sheik Khalid and his surgeons.

What are six things you would carry around on a mission?

Knife or pistol in an ankle holster; lock-picking tools; my iPhone; a key to a safe deposit box that has lots of cash and a false passport; and a few condoms for emergencies. And a gym bag full of guns and changes of clothes (I’m no Jack Reacher)

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you like to be stranded with?

No Remorse has lots of bad stuff happening on the island of Andaran. I’m not sure I even want to answer that question. (Tally might hear.) You know, this is where the Muslims have it all over us: the seventy-two virgins thing. How can anyone beat that in paradise? Yeah, yeah, I know, keep those letters coming… One thing I am not is politically correct, okay? The real answer is: someone sexy and with a great sense of humor.

NO REMORSE is available at Amazon and other online stores, and in all good bookstores.
http://amzn.com/B006D30IBE
Kirkus Review and other buy links from Ian Walkley’s website: http://www.ianwalkley.com/

Inspector Gilles Maintenon, Hero of “Redemption: an Inspector Gilles Maintenon Mystery” by Louis Bertrand Shalako

You are Inspector Gilles Maintenon of the Surete?

Yes.

Some of your homicide cases are being explored by author Louis Shalako?

Yes.

One of your cases is detailed in ‘Redemption: an Inspector Gilles Maintenon mystery?’

Yes.

Are you the hero of your own story?

I am never the hero, Madame. Standard operating procedure is to reduce risks as much as possible for all concerned. This includes the guilty as well as the innocent.

What is your problem in the story?

A young man is accused of murder, and what little evidence there is definitely implicates him and no other. But I did not believe him capable of murder under these particular circumstances. Most of us would kill, and justifiably so, to protect our families and our own lives.

How do your friends see you?

I have never asked. We remain friends after many years, so I suppose I’m all right to get along with.

How do your enemies see you?

My enemies see me from the wrong side of a set of steel bars or a police desk.

How does the author see you?

I think he sees me as an extension of himself…a useful tool, to misquote the Socialists.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

No, but he tried very hard.

What do you think of yourself?

I try not to think about it too much.

What are your achievements?

Several hundred murderers have been guillotined, and many more reside for the term of their lives in new surroundings, partly due to my efforts as well as the efforts of my colleagues and brother officers.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

I have the romantic’s tendency to dream, which I believe to be incurable. If I run out of cigars, I can be pretty miserable. There are a few others.

Do you have any skills?

I am thoroughly trained in the art of detection and criminal psychology.

If you had not become a policeman, what would you have done with your life?

I have asked myself that question many times.

What do you want?

Perhaps it is a question of what I don’t want—I don’t want to die alone. In that sense, I am no different than anyone else. But in answer to your question, I have everything that I need…except love.

What makes you angry?

I should say that crime makes me angry, but that would be a half-truth. Certain types of crime are merely pathetic, and I have more than my share of compassion for both victim and perpetrator. What makes me angry, really angry? Violence makes me angry. It resonates with me. I could be like that all too easily. My job is to prevent it, or, when that fails, as it so often does, to bring the miscreants to justice. I have learned to govern my passions accordingly. Otherwise I would not be able to do my work. And, I think my life could have turned out very differently. This was something I only learned recently.

Are you lucky?

Yes, I probably am, but I never rely on luck. Hard work, clear thinking, persistence and teamwork are the key to success as a gendarme.

What in your past had the most profound effect on you?

My wife. Even now, I can barely speak her name without blinking back tears.

Was there a defining moment of your life?

I wanted to be a professional cyclist. You must understand the romance of the early days of the sport. I was very young. But my father convinced me to become a gendarme. It was a secure job, and the pay was the best I could hope for. My father had little schooling, and he saw it as a way out of the crushing poverty he had accepted as his own fate. He wanted better for all of us. My father was not exactly lavish with his praise. I can only think of three times in my life when he said he was proud of me. When I was accepted into the Police Nationale, was one of those times. He cried at the ceremony.

Is there anything else about your background you’d like to discuss?

No, not particularly.

‘Redemption: an Inspector Gilles Maintenon mystery’ is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble in e-book and print.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006G583XE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/redemption-louis-bertrand-shalako/1108022269

Click here for an interview with: Louis Bertrand Shalako, Author of ‘Redemption: an Inspector Gilles Maintenon mystery’
_

Killer T. Ford antagonist from “Daytona Dead” by Karen Vaughan

What is your story?

I am the featured antagonist in DAYTONA DEAD

Who are you?

My name is Duane Ford a.k.a KILLER T. FORD

Where do you live?

Daytona Florida, I have a nice estate with a ranch house and a slip for my cabin cruiser

Are you the hero of your own story?

Yes it’s all about me!

What is your problem in the story?

Too many cops trying to track me down and a pesky tourist whoo blames me for running down her ex husband. You’d think she’d be grateful!

Do you run from conflict?

No I mow it down with my car.

How do you see yourself?

I know what I want and how to get it-usually by illegal means

How do your friends see you?

What friends?

How do your enemies see you?

A whining prima dona and someone not to mess with.

How does the author see you?

She painted me to be a ruthless man who lives by his own standards.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

Yes she wanted a mean spirited and spiteful person and this is what you get.

What do you think of yourself?

I have a healthy self-esteem and a truck load of ambition

Do you have a hero?

Dale Earnhart Jr. Only man who beat me that I respect

Do you have a goal?

Win a lot of races and stay a few steps ahead of the law

What is your most prized possession?

My 40’s Chevy; we are one with the universe

Do you have any hobbies?

Rebuilding classic cars and showing them

What is your favorite color?

Blood red –It’s such a rich colour

What is your favorite item of clothing?

Jeans, and my racing uniforms — I am a casual kind of guy. I don’t kill people wearing Armani

What are the last five entries in your check registry?

Last 5 cheques I wrote to pay people off

What are the last three books you read?

Book of Robert Frost Poetry, Complete works of Edgar Allen Poe, Christine by Stephen King

If you were at a store now, what ten items would be in your shopping cart?

Beer, girlie magazines, steaks, salmon, 10 lb bag of spuds, Corn Flakes, Jim Beam, Bratwurst sausage, beef jerky and pork rinds,

Ben Fieldstone, a Character from “A Human Element” by Donna Galanti

Where do you live?

Nowhere. I am a nomad. After being a photographer in the Navy, I started up my own business… after I hit rock bottom and cleaned up my drinking. I travel with the rich on vacation all over the world. I don’t have a home. And that’s the way I like it. Especially the one-night stands that come with it.

What is your problem in the story?

I never dealt with my parent’s death. They were crushed under a meteorite when I was nine. Years of foster homes left me cynical and a loner. I eventually wised up and figured out I needed to come to peace with my parent’s death if I ever wanted a real life. One that involves people.

Do you embrace conflict?

The first time I did was when I hit my foster father back. I was sick and tired of him beating on me. Yeah, sometimes I look for a fight. Like the time I tried to rescue a girl from a bully Marine in a bar and ended up getting my face smashed in on the street. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the girl either.

How do you see yourself?

A loner and I like it. Next to my blond Norse-God friend, Andy, I look like a scowling, rebellious teenager mad at the world with my dark looks, and hands shoved in my pockets. I’m fine with that.

How do your friends see you?

My best friend, Andy, says I’m missing the big picture.  He thinks I should stop running from my past and find love. Andy says everyone has a past, but it’s your future you can change. He calls me a skinny James Dean wanna-be.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

Yeah. The first one was booze, but I overcame that. Sink or swim, you know? Second is women. Love them all. And after three years stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Navy, I sampled them all too. Chinese, Korean, Hawaiian, Philippine, Tahitian. Anything exotic.

What do you regret?

Running away the night my parents died. They wanted me to play an instrument and be in the band. Dumb to run away over that. But when you’re a kid everything is so dramatic. I wanted to scare them, that’s all. To find me gone and be upset. Then when they found me they’d tell me whatever I wanted to do was fine with them. Only they never did find me. They died. I feel guilty as shit about it. I know I couldn’t have prevented their deaths. But part of me still feels if I hadn’t run away they wouldn’t have died.

What makes you angry?

Injustice. Bullies. Mean people. I have no tolerance for any of that. My foster father was a bully. I watched him go up I flames and enjoyed it. That’s how much I hate bullies. And the man that killed Laura’s loved ones and chases us now. Give me the chance to take him down and I won’t miss. He’ll suffer long and hard. It won’t be a quiet death. That’s if Laura and I survive.

What, if anything, haunts you?

Laura. I fell in love for the first time with her and then, like that, one morning she was gone. We could have made a life together. Why did she leave when she was the only woman I ever loved? I felt like I had no destination after that. She had been my destination and now that was gone. I would do anything to find her again.

Are you lucky?

Most definitely unlucky. What do you think? Parents crushed under a meteorite. Foster father that beat me. Nearly did myself in with drinking. Dudes in Hawaii that whipped me and almost killed me. Fall in love with a woman who’s being chased by a killer. I hope I got all my bad luck out of the way early on. It’s got to change sometime, right?

Have you ever failed anyone?

Laura. I wanted to protect her from this killer that chased her but discovered it was out of my control. There was no way I could hope to save her and that frustrated the hell out of me. I so wanted the chance to make that up to her.

What in your past would you like to forget?

Man, all the prostitutes I hooked up with in Honolulu. Thank God, I stayed clean. But one of them damn near got me killed by her pimps. She turned out not to be a woman either. Not fun.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

That I was nearly raped by some big ugly dudes and thrown off a cliff. That was a night not to remember. Didn’t share that story with anyone for quite some time. Oh, and my foster father’s death. I never spoke of that to anyone until I met Laura.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?

Umm, let’s see…being that I had a “close encounter” with a man once and didn’t know it I heartily opt for a woman. Only one though. The kind with long chestnut hair, perky breasts, and large brown eyes. Laura.

***

About A HUMAN ELEMENT:

One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next.

Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite–her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents’ death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening secret that binds them together. But the killer’s desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts Laura and Ben’s emotional relationship and Laura’s pure spirit to the test.

With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to his and she has two choices–redeem him or kill him.

Readers who devour paranormal books with a smidge of horror and steam will enjoy A HUMAN ELEMENT, the new novel about loss, redemption, and love.

Reviewers are saying…

“A HUMAN ELEMENT is an elegant and haunting first novel. Unrelenting, devious but full of heart. Highly recommended.” –Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of ASSASSIN’S CODE and DEAD OF NIGHT

“A HUMAN ELEMENT is a haunting look at what it means to be human. It’s a suspenseful ride through life and love…and death, with a killer so evil you can’t help but be afraid. An excellent read.” –Janice Gable Bashman, author of WANTED UNDEAD OR ALIVE, nominated for a Bram Stoker Award.

BIO:

Donna Galanti is the author of the paranormal suspense novel A Human Element (Echelon Press). She won first place for Words on the Wall Fiction at the 2011 Philadelphia Writer’s Conference. Donna has a B.A. in English and a background in marketing. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group and Pennwriters. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in PA with lots of nooks, fireplaces, and stinkbugs. Visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com

LIKE Donna’s Author Facebook  page for news and updates! Her tour runs through April 11th^h with book giveaways, more guest posts, and interview fun, and a chance to win the big prize giveaway! So pop over to her blog to see the full tour schedule.

Connect with Donna here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/DonnaGalanti

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiAuthor

Blog: http://blog.donnagalanti.com/wp/

Purchase A HUMAN ELEMENT here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Human-Element-ebook/dp/B007IIIZUO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-human-element-donna-galanti/1109435439?ean=2940013900530&itm=1&usri=donna+galanti

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/139981

Jake Warnick, a character in “Silver Moon” by Jetta Stone

Who are you and what is your story?

My name is Jake Warnick. I’m a career law enforcement officer and a cowboy at heart. I’m married to the lead character in the novel “Silver Moon” by Jetta Stone. People have described me in several ways: A Rebel, a bad boy, or just plain wild man. I don’t think that I’m any of those things. I’ve never broken any law, actually, I’ve spent 25+ years upholding the law. Okay, if I had to pick one, I might agree that I’m a rebel of sorts for I do tend to create my own set of rules for circumstances. I’m edging my way toward the big 50 soon! Age has never bothered me before, but the last couple of years have brought it all home that my life, in general, needs an overhaul and I’m strongly considering a career change – out of necessity.

Are you the hero of your own story?

Hum! Well, that depends on someone’s view of what a hero is. What is a hero? Is he someone, larger than life, that comes in like Superman to save the day? Superman was not a real person by the way. Real people have flaws – even heroes. It’s my understanding that most people believe that real life heroes are really good at what they do. They exceed everyone’s expectations. They are fearless, trustworthy, courageous, and stand by their values. They are independent, determined, and self-sufficient. They stand up for the weak and in front of the bully. In that case, I could be thought of as a hero. I don’t match “all” of the above mentioned qualities, I have my faults, but I do possess several of these qualities. However, I am not the hero who comes in and saves the day in “Silver Moon”.

Do you embrace conflict?

Depends on what you’re calling “conflict”. If it’s a fight, I don’t start them; however, if confronted, I finish them. If it’s a disagreement, I don’t like arguing, I distant myself from that. I don’t like bickering, I run like hell from emotional confrontations. However, if you’re talking about “challenge”, then yes, I embrace conflict. I live for the challenge; it’s in my blood. Jessie says you can smell the testosterone in my sweat. I run on adrenaline 24/7. Give me a bad guy to chase down or a gnarly bull to rope, I’m on it. I guess there’s a difference in emotional conflict and physical conflict; the latter I’m comfortable with.

How do your friends see you?

Well, this would be kind of hard to answer, but I’ll try. I’m very loyal to my friends. If they’ve got needs, I’m there to help. There have been times that Jessie has accused me of putting my friends before family. She says I need a lesson in priorities. She’s probably right. I guess I see family as an intricate web with many needs of emotions and responsibility. My male friends’ needs are simple; if they are injured, I pick up their work; if they need a loan, I share my last dime; we’re a brotherhood. Anyway you want to square it, my loyalty to my friends is solid. I help them and I keep their secrets, but then, my true friends also keep mine. That’s what we boys do; we cover each other’s butts. I’m also fair. If you’re young and not a career thug, I’ll try to help you get past your one mistake and get on the straight and narrow path. If you’re a career thug, I do what I can to catch your butt and throw it behind bars where you won’t be taking advantage of innocent people.

How do your enemies see you?

Well, they respect me. That may sound odd but it’s true. They know that I’m fair. However, I believe my enemies also take me seriously because they know that I’m fearless and never back down from a challenge or a fight; and, I usually win. The rare occasion that I might lose, the attack came unexpectedly and from behind.

Do you have any major problems in the story?

Yeah, I sure do! My whole life seems to be unraveling. After 25+ years on the police beat, I’m feeling a need for a change of career. Being a lawman runs full course through my blood. Everyone says I’m a natural at it. I must admit that the job comes easy for me; however, the rules are changing. Lawyers and book educated rookies are mudding up the waters of what real police work should be, which is to protect the innocent and put the bad guys behind bars. These days, because of unethical lawyers after fame or the almighty dollar, the crooks have more rights than the victims; and the lawyers can’t wait to get us cops in court and on the stand to be crucified. Some rookie book educated street dumb pantywaist is now my supervisor and loves making my life hell. So, although I’ve always loved my job, I’m on the way out if I can make this Rodeo Business a success. But, that’s not the most significant problem I have. I’m losing the most important person in my life. She’s the love of my life. She is part of my very soul. She keeps me alive. She is Jessica Warnick, my wife. I admit, I’ve put her through hell with my rebel ways. I’ve been irresponsible and guilty of indiscretions which are unforgivable, that I know. The truth is that I do try to reign my wild side in. I don’t want to lose my wife. Jess and I are like oil and vinegar, which makes life together very difficult. Those differences drew us together, but trying to live in the mix has been hard on both of us. She’s stronger willed than I am. Things get impossible at home, I fall prey to some sweet thing’s offer to comfort me. It’s a weakness, not a desire, if you can bring yourself to understand that fact.

Do you have any skills?

Everyone says I’m good at everything. Success in anything that I do, physically, comes easily. When it comes to emotional involvement, I have difficulty opening up my inner being to either give or receive.

What do you want or need?

That answer is simple. I want “change”. I need a change of career and I need money. Police pay is barely enough to exist on and I’m tired of just existing. I need money to forge a second chance with Jessie. Life needs to get better for us. We’ve got a lot of problems, but money is the root cause of a lot of those problems. Hopefully, this Rodeo Business will make us enough money for a new start together. I’m gonna give it all I’ve got!

What are you afraid of?

That’s simple. I’m waking up fast to this fact; if I don’t finally tame the demons of my spirit, I’m gonna lose the most important person in my life. Jess doesn’t realize that I do try. As I said earlier, it is a weakness, not a desire. To be such a tough guy, I hate to admit that I’m flawed by weakness.

Who was your first love? Who is your true love?

My first love was a teenage fling which I eventually got over as I matured. But, my true love has always been Jessie. This relationship has been toxic to both of us. There is something in our souls that keeps us together but our behaviors have nearly destroyed us. Her world of black and white collides with my world of gray. She’s tight reigned, I’m free spirited. The very thing that drew us together tears us apart. It’s that missing piece we saw in each other that was missing from our own personality – she needed courage; I needed structure. If she could lighten up and take life easier, I truly believe I could give her what she needs from me.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

The major turning point in my life was when I had no more chances left to change my ways. I had received my last pass for bad behavior. Jessie was planning to leave me. Change of behavior was no longer a choice – it was a certainty.

What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possession is that of any cowboy – a good horse!

What is your favorite scent?

The scent of Jessie. I love to smell her skin when she steps out of the shower. I also love the fragrance she wears. It’s sweet with a strong hint of cinnamon. Jess says the fragrance is called “Spellbound”. The makers got that right. It puts a spell on me! Or maybe, it’s just Jessie that does that.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is brilliant green. It’s the color of Jessie’s eyes.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Steak – Black Angus. Just knock the horns off and put the carcass on my plate! My favorite beverage is pure water. When you’re breaking a sweat nothing quenches a thirst like water.

What is your favorite clothing?

That’s easy to answer. A good pair of Wrangler jeans, a sturdy pair of Justin Ropers, and a good 20x Stetson hat – not the cheap kind drug store cowboys wear.

What is your favorite music?

I’m not that much into music, but if I had to choose one it would be that slow twang of Country. The sounds that are music to my ears are the wind blowing through the trees. The water rushing over rocks and falls. The sound of hooves beating hard and fast across the range, and last but most loved is the sweet sound of Jessie’s voice – it’s music to my ears – except when she’s bitching – then it’s hell! Ha.

What are the last three books you read?

Man, I don’t read about other people doing things! I’m too busy doing them myself! Somebody needs to write a book about me! Oh, I think they did – it’s called “Silver Moon”.

What has been the biggest thrill of your life?

I’m a dare devil. Bottom line is that I live my life on the edge and full of adventure. But no adventure has been as thrilling as holding Jessie in my arms. She still warms my blood and makes my heart beat faster than a bullet. For that moment in time, when all our differences and problems are in the shadows, and it’s just our bodies and souls embraced in passion, life can’t get any better.

Are you Lucky?

Some people think I’m just plain lucky! I don’t know if I’m lucky or not. I’m lucky enough to have lived my dreams. I always wanted to be a cop – I’m a cop. I always wanted to be a real cowboy – I’m a real cowboy. Jessie has always thought that I lived my rebel lifestyle without consequences. Not true! It’s a given that there are consequences to every action. The difference between me and Jess is that I don’t let the consequences get under my skin or hold me back. I just live life barreling over the top of them!

Are You a Romantic?

Awh, come on! There you go asking those emotional questions again. I don’t really know what Romance is supposed to mean. As far as I’m concerned, we guys just do what we do! If you have to read about it in a book or plan it – it’s not spontaneous or real. Do women like “planned” romance or the spontaneity of flirting, teasing and playing. If flirting, teasing and playing are romantic, then I’m a romantic.

Where can we find out more about you?

To learn more about me and the other characters in Silver Moon just drop by Amazon.com and pick up a copy of the book. Happy Trails!

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Moon-Jetta-Stone/dp/0983349207/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331754268&