Marcus LaMont Clayton, Hero of “What’s Done in the Dark” by Avah LaReaux

Welcome. Who are you?

My given name is Marcus LaMont Clayton.

Are you the hero of your own story?

Am I the hero of What’s Done in the Dark? I guess it depends on who’s reading the story. I definitely wouldn’t call myself the villain.

What is your problem in the story?

I prefer to think of them as challenges. On the surface, most people say I have no self-control, that I let my libido runaway with me. Of course, there are always multiple sides to every story. Can we talk about it in length?

Do you have a problem that wasn’t mentioned in the story?

Not at all. I’m very open. I’ve shared my soul… but maybe you won’t see it that way.

Do you run from conflict?

I don’t run from anything, especially conflict. My grandfather taught me to face my fears. I definitely do that in the Lost & Found series.

How do you see yourself?

I see myself as misunderstood. Many have read only part of my story and made a snap judgment. They think they’ve seen it all, read it all, before. I would caution them against thinking I’m as simple as their first impression.

How does the author see you?

Avah LaReaux is my author. She thinks she knows me, thinks because she created me she has all the answers. I issue her the same caution: I’m not as simple as many assume. My levels go deeper than even I know. How can Avah possibly really know me?

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

I think Avah did an excellent job introducing me to the world, but I am the only person qualified to tell my story, the Clayton story.

What do you think of yourself?

I love me some Marcus. How could I not? Anyone who doesn’t love themselves is suffering from something that only a person with a degree can help with. The real question is, “Do I like myself?” Well, that’s a question for another day.

Do you have a hero?

Robert Julian Clayton is my hero. He is my grandfather, my mentor, my best friend. There’s not a man in the world as great as Poppa C, guaranteed.

What is your favorite music? Why?

I love jazz music. My favorite artist is Jelly Roll Morton. My granddad introduced me to his sound before I could walk. Jelly Roll is legendary.

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

The five items in my pocket would be in my wallet: my ID, my platinum card, my shrink’s business card, a single gold key inscribed with the words “Silvador,” and a key card to a penthouse suite at the Morgan Belshire hotel.

What are the last five entries in your check registry?

Not even Avah knows the answer to this question. The last five entries in my check book include a check to my son’s daycare, payment for twelve hours of “discussions” with my psychiatrist, checks to my favorite charity and to my favorite accountant who keeps my money straight and growing, and a check to a boutique in Savannah, Georgia for two of the same negligee.

What are the last three books you read?

The last three books I read were Kill Alex Cross (James Patterson), Resurrecting Midnight (Eric Jerome Dickey), Bastards (Avah LaReaux), Unraveled (D. Fostalove), and Beloved (Toni Morrison). I know you asked for three, but more is always better. Don’t you think?

If you had the power to change one thing in the world that didn’t affect you personally, what would it be?

I’d change how the lives of each individual have the potential to negatively affect one another. More often than not, the situations life presents us with deserve a mulligan option. If I could, I’d give every adult a “redo” button, the ability to go back and positively affect change before any casualties could be had.

Good answer. Where can we learn more about you?

Read excerpts from the Lost & Found series in Avey World, http://www.avahlareax.com