Character Profile for Turn It Off: Sophia Lawson

It's another week which means I got another character profile from Turn It Off. I decided to do one on Sophia because she's pretty important in Turn It Off even though she's only in it for a short amount of time. Back in July, I also wrote a short story based on her past life called Runaway. You can view that here: /sellecameron/2015/07/sophia-runaway-short-story.html .

In the book, Sophia is one of Peyton's many girls and she's the one who gets him deep into his troubled ways. In A Tragic Heart, Peyton ran off a list of girls he's been with before Taylor and she was one of the girls he mentioned. Specifically he said, "Sophia was the girl I liked a lot. The feeling was mutual, so it didn't take long for me and her to-you know." (Page 201 of A Tragic Heart).

Turn It Off is the back story of A Tragic Heart and how it came to be in the first place. I like to think of it as a prequel to the very first novel of the series. Introducing Sophia Lawson!

Full Name: Sophia Kae Lawson

Birth Date: August 5, 1992

Gender: Female

Age During Turn It Off: 15-16 years old

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Brown

Height: 5'1

Weight: 110 lbs

Relatives: Bethany Holmes (Mother), Roger Lawson (Father), Paul Holmes (Step-father), Sean Lawson (Brother)

Relationship Status: It's complicated

Interests/Hobbies: Hanging with friends, partying, acting, listening to music

Positive Character Traits: Sophia is an extremely fun person and is always very upbeat. It's hard to keep her down because of her positive attitude and her bubbly personality. You can easily get lost in her world because she's so addicting to be around.

Negative Character Traits: Although she is a bubbly person, she also has a dark side. Sophia was molested and raped by her step father before she became a runaway. This caused her to lead a life of drug addiction and promiscuity (leading Peyton into a similar life). Some of the things she calls fun aren't the best things to do.

Choice Quote From Turn It Off: "...Everything was fine until that happened."

And that's Sophia! She's wild and fun but she also has a soft side (specifically for Peyton). Maybe someday in the future I'll get to write a book only on her. She has a lot to talk about and she went through a lot in her life at such an early age. You can check out the teaser to Turn It Off here: http://www.amazon.com/S.-Elle-Cameron/e/B00FNI34X4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1 

I'll be back with another character profile shortly...

By the way, if Sophia was a song she would be Runaway by Pink:

 

Turn It Off Character Profiles Coming Soon!

To be honest, I feel like I've bee neglecting the promotion and marketing for Turn It Off which is a shame because it's my favorite book of the series. My work schedule has been so crazy and random things aren't going as I planned but I won't let that stop me from releasing the novel and going on anyway.

Turn It Off is slated to be released by the end of November so basically, it's crunch time. As I did with RED, I want Turn It Off to have character profiles featured on this blog. Some of the profiles will be the same as RED but there are plenty of new and relevant characters in this book.

Recently I conducted a giveaway for the teaser to Turn It Off available on Amazon but the giveaway was over almost as soon as it started and the winners were selected. So starting this week (hopefully tomorrow) I'll post the first character profile for the novel and we can get this train moving towards release day.

Until then, check out the teaser to Turn It Off and the official book cover below:

http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Off-Intro-Chapter-Tragic/dp/1508591970/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Character Profile From RED: David Nelson

It's February which means this is my LAST character profile for RED. It's crazy how time flies, isn't it? I started this whole thing in July and now it's finally ending. RED will be available on Valentine's Day and I couldn't be any more excited/nervous. Anyway,this character profile is for another minor character in the novel. He's Alex's best friend and band mate. Here's David Nelson:

Full Name: David Gregory Nelson

Birthdate: April 8, 2002

Gender: Male

Age During RED: 24-26 years old

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Brown

Height: 5'9

Weight: 154 lbs

Relatives: Mary Nelson (Mother), Benjamin Nelson (Father), Christina Nelson (Sister), Jimi Nelson (Brother)

Relationship Status: Single and free to roam

Interests/Hobbies: Music, Singing, Songwriting, Guitar. He's the lead singer of the band he's in with Alex Kinsley.

Positive Character Traits: He's caring and protective, especially when it comes to Alex. Alex is like a brother to him so he's willing to go the distance for him. He looks out for the ones he love and is a pretty loyal person.

Negative Character Traits: He can jump to conclusions often and sometimes may be quick to walk away. 

Choice Quote From RED: "Maybe someday there'll be some miracle and this will all be forgiven but for now it's too heavy and new."

...And that's all folks! Remember that RED will be available on Valentine's Day and that it is the second part to A Tragic Heart. It's pretty important you know the basis of the story before you begin to read it. With that said, you can find A Tragic Heart by clicking on the link. It's available on both Kindle and paperback. Hope you all enjoyed these character profiles and poems from their POVs. Hopefully you all feel like you know them a little better. 

By the way, if David was a song he'd be "Bold As Love" by Jimi Hendrix

 

My Defeat (A Poem From Ronan's POV + New Scene From RED)

New week, new poem! This one is coming from Ronan's POV and it's a bit of a love poem. Ronan is Peyton's love interest in the novel but their relationship is nothing short of rocky and passionate. There's so much love there but there's also a lot to worry about. RED will be out on Valentine's Day and you can check out the final cover for it here (just click on the word "here"). For now check out My Defeat and if you missed last week's you can view it here.

Today I saw the clearest view

The best part of it was looking at you

You're someone I could love forever

But that's only if you give us a chance to be together

We can take it slow if you'd like

Because I know how much you love to put up a fight

That's one of the many things I love about you

It's never easy, no matter what I do

And you're my favorite song on repeat

You're my demise, my defeat

There was just something about the way you smile

The way your green eyes made it all worth while

There's so much love yet so much doubt

Your eyes wander and I can't figure you out

Yet I want to love you for an eternity

I say that with all certainty 

You're the photograph I stare at all day

No matter what you do I won't have it any other way

I can be so much more than the others

I want to be so much more than your lover

The way you hurt me feels so good

I guess I wouldn't change it if I could

So I'll let you be my defeat, my demise

Just say you love me while looking me in the eyes

Here's the scene from RED that inspired My Defeat. I hope you all enjoy it and remember to pick up your copy of RED on Valentine's Day!

I laugh to myself when Peyton purposely interrupts mine and Tara’s conversation. She can pretend she doesn’t have feelings for me but it’s so obvious that she does. I’ve never been a guy with a huge ego but I have enough confidence to know that I can have almost any girl in this school. They’ve been trying since day one and I have been successfully ignoring them all just for her.

The moment I see the girl with hair as red as communism, and eyes greener than the most well-watered grass, I know what I want. I’ve heard all of the rumors and know about all of the guys but her past doesn’t mean a thing to me. She’s beautiful and confident and I just want her to share it all with me.

It amazes me how she can pretend that I’m invisible to her. She’s been my best friend for the past few weeks and every day I fall more in love with her.

He doesn’t deserve her. Marcus is an asshole and I know that she knows this. She says he treats her well but I know she notices how he talks about other girls and how he stares at them while she’s with him. She deserves so much better.

I wish she’d just let me want her and love her the way I do in my mind. It breaks my heart slowly every day that I have to wait for her, but if waiting is what it takes, then that’s what I’ll do. I wish I could tell her how beautiful I think she is and how no photograph I’ve ever taken can measure up to her beauty. What I would give to photograph her every day for the rest of my life.

“What are you doing tonight?” I whisper, leaning closer to her.

I love the view that’s right next to me. It’s more beautiful than any landscape in the rural parts of Ireland. I swear a window’s frame or glass has never seen anything so flawless.

“Date with Marcus,” she answers after taking a quick glance at me.

“What about tomorrow?”

“I don’t know.”

“Movies at my place? It’s awfully lonely in that big house by myself. I know you’d hate yourself if I got so depressed I drove myself insane.”

She smiles and my heart shatters inside of my chest.

“Sure, tomorrow at your place is fine. Now let me pay attention, at least one of us would have to know what we’re doing,” she whispers while looking at me from the corner of her eyes.

If only she knew.

Reminisce (A Poem From Jackson's POV + New Scene From RED)

Last week I shorted you guys and didn't give you a poem from a character's POV or a new scene from RED. This week I'm making up for it! This poem comes from Jackson's POV and it's a little out of his character. Anyone who remembers Jackson from A Tragic Heart knows that he has the rep of being the cool brother; the laid back one who Taylor confided in. Well, he's the same person in RED only this time Peyton (Taylor and Peyton's daughter) confides in him instead. Usually he's the upbeat, awesome uncle/brother everyone loves but this poem shows a more somber side to him. It's a side you never see much of and he only lets it out in private. Here's Reminisce:

Sidenote: If you missed the previous poem you can view it here!

In my mind I can see your face so clearly

The years went by but it all still feels the same

I can live an eternity & I'll still miss you severely 

Nothing can replace you, none of my fortune and fame

I gasp for air because you're not here

It's like your memory chokes me until I can't breathe

Losing you was always my biggest fear

Your memory haunts me, I can barely speak

I never thought it would all end like this

You, untouchable, while I suffer in silence

Living everyday is a hit or miss

There's an inner battle, I suffer the violence

Now I sit back and reminisce

Nostalgia sends me into a dark place

I'm so sorry you felt you had to go out like this 

I would give it all just to see your face

And she's dying here without you

But I don't want to place blame

But there's nothing I can do

Nothing was ever the same

I can't breathe without you but I have no choice...

Here's the scene from RED that inspired Reminisce. It's Jackson's inner monologue after he holds a conversation with Peyton. RED is set to be released this Valentine's Day (February 14, 2015)! Any Peyton that is in bold letters refers to the Peyton from A Tragic Heart.

My time with Peyton results in me needing some alone time anyway. My stomach is in knots and there is a huge lump in my throat. I head to my room and lock the door. I close my eyes and exhale trying to make the pain go away but it’s stubborn. It wants to hang around for a little while longer.

Almost seventeen years later and the pain is still as arresting as it was the day I found out. That day when Mason called me to tell me that he found Taylor in a pool of her own blood with a giant knife sticking out of her chest. I didn’t want to believe that she took her own life, as it would have been easier to know that someone else was to blame. I hated blaming my own sister for her death.

I remember it so clearly. I couldn’t speak, my mouth was dry and the lump in my throat prevented me from forming words. This feeling that I am feeling right now is all too familiar.

My brain shut down on me. Taylor was my best friend and to hear Mason tell me that she was no longer with me was my biggest fear. I never imagined a world without Taylor. I’ve tried to several times before but the thoughts were in flashes. I never took the time to ponder how I would go on without her because I knew it would hurt too much.

I was angry. Why wouldn’t she call me like she normally did? Why didn’t she think of me? If she wasn’t going to stay for her baby girl, why not stay for me?

Matt, my bass guitarist had to pull me together. I had a show that night and it was too late to cancel. I had to go on stage in front of thousands of people and try my best to smile. I broke down during every break throughout the set. I guess that moment made me a stronger person because nothing could stop me from performing now. Performing through that circumstance taught me how to play through anything with a smile on my face.

Taylor was too young to take on the responsibilities she placed before herself. She should have enjoyed life as a teenager but I could understand why it was so difficult for her. So many unfortunate things happened to her before she reached her fifteenth birthday. I was her only confidant and when I left to tour after high school, she felt alone. Part of me blamed myself for her problems but I knew I had to live my life too. I just wished that there was something else I could have done. I did my best to stay in contact with her but some days were harder than others. She never understood just how much I loved her. Words weren’t enough.

I would take my own life just to save hers if I had a choice. At the funeral I could barely stand to look at her lying there. I wanted to believe that she was only sleeping and it was some sort of sick joke but my gut reminded me that it was all real. The truth is I almost didn’t show up. Mason forced me to come. I called him the day of the service to tell him that I wasn’t going. Ten minutes later he was at my doorstep forcing me to get ready. He told me that I’d regret it later.

I told him that the thought alone was killing me and I wouldn’t be able to take seeing her in that state. It didn’t make sense to me that I’d never see my little sister again. It didn’t make sense that I’d never hear her voice calling me ever again or that she no longer existed. It didn’t make sense to me that she would take her own life…although it made perfect sense to me.

She loved Peyton more than her own life. She loved him so much that she would choose selfishness over thinking about the ones who still loved her that were here on earth. She couldn’t have thought about what it would have done to me. She mentioned me in her suicide note but it wasn’t enough. She couldn’t tell me to stay strong and that she loved me if she was going to do something so drastic. She didn’t understand and every day I ask God to show her mercy because she didn’t know what she was doing. She wasn’t in her right mind. I ask Him every day to punish me rather than her. I deserve it more than she does. She was good throughout her lifetime. She made one irreversible mistake…just one. I plead all the time for Him to go easy on her. She needed grace more than anyone else I’ve ever come in contact with.

Peyton died in a tragic way. No one could have predicted it and everyone asked “why him?” He was only seventeen and had so much life ahead of him. He was supposed to be right next to me selling out arenas. The kid had undeniable talent that was out of this world. He obviously passed it onto his daughter. I think she’s more like him than Taylor. She has his hair and eyes…it’s almost scary. Anyone who knew Peyton could tell that she was all him. She has some of Taylor’s attitude and slight traits in her personality but her nature was every bit of her dad’s.

Her rebellious temperament, her musical ability, her wild ways are all Peyton. He slowed down a lot after meeting Taylor. In many ways she saved him too. Taylor always credited Peyton for her happiness but he claimed that he was a changed man because of her. He gave up his heavy drinking, drug use, partying and women just for her. He told me all about his past life before Taylor while we were on tour. In fact, his past life was eerily similar to his daughter’s present life.

We became really good friends and I looked forward to having him as a brother-in-law. I already saw him as the brother I never had. Damn, Peyton if you never left, Taylor would still be here and if Taylor was still here your daughter would be okay.

There’s no time to play the blaming game. All is how it is and there’s no changing that. We have to learn how to deal with the present without falling down…and if we fall we need to learn how to pick ourselves up. If not for ourselves, for someone who cares about us. I wish Taylor would have known that. I wish I would have told her that the day I visited her a little after Peyton was born. Maybe those words could have saved her life. She always thought highly of my opinions and advice.

The pain that I’m feeling isn’t showing any signs of letting up anytime soon. My thoughts race a 

million miles per hour leaving me sitting at the edge of my bed with tears falling from my eyes. And the pain never goes away...

Character Profile From RED: Robyn West

January is here which means it's time for another character profile (this SHOULD be the second to last one since RED is slated for a Valentine's Day release). This profile is for a minor character in RED but she plays an important part in the main character, Peyton's life. She's her best friend and she's as loyal as they come. Allow me to introduce you all to Robyn West!

Full Name: Robyn Victoria West

Birth Date: July 20, 2010

Gender: Female

Age During RED: 16-18 years old

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Brown

Height: 5'8

Weight: 125 lbs

Relatives: Marsha West (Mother), Garrett West (Father), Jeffrey West (Brother)

Relationship Status: Single/Too busy having a good time to be tied down

Interest/Hobbies: Partying, Hanging out with friends, Modeling

Positive Character Traits: Robyn is as loyal as loyal can get. She sticks by her friends and loved ones through any circumstance and never judges anyone. She's easy to talk to and would drop whatever she's doing at the drop of a dime for someone she cares about. Not only is she loyal but she's also giving.

Negative Character Traits: Sometimes she parties too hard but she's sure to grow out of it. She's young, let her have her fun!

Choice Quote From RED:  "Things may not go back to the way they were immediately, but I think eventually they will. It's just going to take some time..."

That's all I have for Robyn! Although she's a very minor character I feel she still deserves a character profile. Robyn is a beautiful person inside and out and I think we all can learn a thing or two from her. Forget her partying ways; she's someone we all should strive to be more like. As a reminder, RED comes out this Valentine's Day (February 14th) and is the second part to A Tragic Heart (which by the way will have a new cover for its re-release) so I strongly urge you all to catch up. Until next time...

By the way, if Robyn was a song she'd be Right Here by Jhene Aiko!

 

Character Profile From RED: Jackson Caldwell

December is finally here which means that I have a new character profile for you all! This character is far from a stranger and although he's not one of the main three characters, he's just as important to the RED Tragedies series. Anyone who read A Tragic Heart knows him as Taylor Caldwell's big brother but in RED he's so much more than that. Not only is he Peyton's (Hayley) uncle but he plays a major role in RED. He's another character who gets his own POV at times. He's a rockstar, a confidant, brother, uncle, extremely hot...he's Jackson Caldwell!

Full Name: Jackson Gabriel Caldwell

Birth Date: January 19, 1990

Gender: Male

Age During RED: 36-38 years old

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Black/Dark Brown

Height: 5'11

Weight: 168 lbs

Relatives: Taylor Caldwell (sister-deceased), Henry Caldwell (Father), Eva Caldwell (Mother), Kristen Caldwell (sister), Tyler Caldwell (brother-deceased), Mason Taylor (ex-brother in law), Peyton Hale Giordano (brother in law-deceased), Peyton Hayley Giordano (niece), Grayson Caldwell (son), Charli Caldwell (daughter)

Relationship Status: Single/Divorced

Interests/Hobbies: Singing, Guitar, Piano, Playing on stage with his band, Songwriting, Spending time with his family, Women, Recreational use of herbs (occasionally) 

Positive Character Traits: He's loving and would go to new heights to protect the ones he love. Jackson is the cool uncle/brother that everyone wants. He's very laid back and hates confrontation but he will fight if it comes to that. Jackson is/was Taylor's guardian angel on earth. 

Negative Character Traits: Sometimes he can be "too cool" and not make the right decisions. For example, there are times he was/is too lenient on his sister and niece. 

Choice Quote From RED: "Stop crying, forget your mistakes, and move on!"

So that's it for Jackson! For those of you who are familiar with him I hope this got you a little more excited to read about him in RED. For those of you who didn't know him until now, I hope you feel like you just met Jack for the first time. RED will be out this Winter (I get the edited manuscript back this week! Yay!) which means there is still time to catch up with A Tragic Heart. It's the first part to the RED Tragedies series, with RED being the second. Thanks for stopping by and getting to know the characters in my head. :-)

By the way, if Jackson was a song he'd be Radioactive by Imagine Dragons!

Character Profile For RED: Alex Kinsley

November's here! That means I have a new character profile for you all. This is another new character who is extremely important to the novel. He's sort of the antagonist and he's responsible for a lot of the trouble that happens. The book wouldn't be complete without him. He's a ladies man and a bad boy which are two lethal combinations. He gets his own POV here and there and RED wouldn't be so bright without him. Allow me to introduce you all to...

Alex Kinsley

Full Name: Alex Kinsley

Birth Date: June 28, 2002

Gender: Male

Age During RED: 24-26

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Jet Black

Height: 5'10

Weight: 165 lbs

Relatives: Unknown as a result of Alex being disowned by his family.

Relationship Status: Kind of single, always ready to mingle!

Interests/Hobbies: Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll! He's also the drummer in a famous band

Positive Character Traits: He's a great lover and an amazing drummer/songwriter. 

Negative Character Traits: He's not a one woman kind of guy. He doesn't know how to love even when he feels it. Alex isn't known for making the best decisions and he's pretty stubborn. He likes to party and his reputation isn't the greatest in the tabloids...yet women love him!

Choice Quote From RED: "We have opened Pandora's Box and all of the sin of the world exploded within us...I've never felt so alive."

That's all for this month! Alex is a really interesting character that you will both love and really hate. He brings the book on a lot of roller coaster rides and I can't wait for you all to get to know him better. For now, I hope you all have a better idea of who he is. Remember, RED is the second part to A Tragic Heart and the second book in my RED TRAGEDIES series. You still have time to catch up before the release of RED!

By the way, if Alex was a song he'd be "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" by Marilyn Manson. 

Character Profile for RED: Ronan Connolly

It's October so that means it's time for another character profile for a character from my upcoming novel, RED. This character is completely new and he even gets his own POV from time to time. He's someone that I'm sure a lot of girls will like not only because of his good looks and Irish accent but because of the amount of compassion he has. He's an all around great guy! Allow me to introduce you all to.......

Ronan Connolly

Full Name: Ronan James Connolly

Birth Date: February 26, 2010

Gender: Male

Age During RED: 16-19 years old

Eye Color: Brown

Hair Color: Dirty Blonde

Height: 6'0

Weight: 185 lbs

Relatives: Jane Connolly (Mother) & Paul Connolly (Father)

Relationship Status: Completely in love and devoted to Peyton Hayley Giordano (in other words, TAKEN)

Interests/Hobbies: Photography & Art

Positive Character Traits: Ronan is an extremely compassionate and forgiving person. He doesn't hold grudges and he's probably one of the sweetest guys you'll ever come to meet. He has a great swagger about him and seems a little tough on the outside but he's completely soft and loving on the inside. He's a fantastic boyfriend/partner and believes in honesty. Basically, his parents did a great job raising him. Not to mention, he was born and raised in Ireland giving him a hot Irish accent to go with all of these things. 

Negative Character Traits: When it comes to his girlfriend he can be a bit of a pushover but that's probably because he's completely mesmerized by her. He can be blind to her actions at times. 

Choice Quote from RED: "She was temptation itself but nothing about her seemed sinful. It was all heavenly."

That's all for this month! Next month I'll have another character to introduce to you all. He's a bit of a rebel who shakes things up in the story. Without him, RED wouldn't be complete. I can't wait for you all to meet him, but for now I hope you all feel a little closer to Ronan. There will be a lot more of him in RED.  Remember, RED is the second part to A Tragic Heart and the second book in my RED TRAGEDIES series. You still have time to catch up before the release of RED!

By the way, if Ronan was a song he'd be "Simonize" by Pete Yorn.