A Character Interview From the Novel Vanished by Mark Bierman

Greetings! Today I am sharing The Indie Spot with author Mark Bierman and a couple of characters from his novel Vanished. Take it away, Mark. . .

Character interviews from my novel, Vanished.

 

In this blog, I’m going to allow a peek inside the heads of two main characters from my novel, Vanished. Some of it may be disturbing, but these people speak from the heart. Step into their worlds for a brief time and discover a little about what makes them tick.

First, we have Tyler, our headstrong, yet compassionate, protagonist.

Me: “What led you to leave the comfort of home and journey to earthquake-ravaged Haiti?”

Tyler: “Pain. That and trying to appease my mother-in-law. She was in pain too. We all were. We all suffered a loss. It was her idea for her husband, John, and I, to go on this mission trip. Oh, she meant well enough . . . said it would be therapeutic. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined what was in store.”

Me: “I understand, and I won’t make you spell out the details.”

Tyler: (obviously relieved) “Thank you.”

Me: “Speaking of dreams, have you been sleeping better, since your return home?”

Tyler: “Are you referring to the nightmares? No, those have not diminished. No, I’m not sleeping at all!”

Me: “I’m sorry to hear that. I know this may be an intrusive and uncomfortable question, but I feel like I must ask. Given everything that’s happened, if you could have predicted what you were about to endure, would you still have made that trip?”

Tyler: (sighs deeply) “I, I don’t know. Sometimes the answer is a definite ‘yes,’ other times, I shudder to think what could have happened. I’m a ruined man. I’m under investigation by the police . . .  I haven’t been formally charged yet, they are talking deportation to Haiti . . . I’m innocent! I’ve done nothing wrong, but I’m being treated like a criminal. But when I think about her, that young life that we saved, she has a chance because of what we did. And then there’s . . . I’m sorry, I can’t speak anymore, I need you to leave, please, just go.”

Me: “I understand. And just for the record, I think what you did down there is incredible. You are a hero in my eye, and in the eyes of many.”

Our next character is Eliana, perhaps the bravest one of all.

Me: “How old were you when you were taken?”

Eliana: “Seven. I was just seven years old when that man asked to see the flowers I’d picked for Momma. (sobs) I miss her! I’m sorry I never came home!”

Me: “It’s okay, Eliana, just take your time.”

Eliana: (wipes her eyes and stares defiantly): “I’m ready. I was put there for a reason. I won’t let them win. I’ve turned my tragedy into something good. I’m part of the underground, working in the front lines in this fight. I have information that no one else does, and I have used it to set others free. I will never stop fighting! Even with my last breath!”

Me: (speechless with awe by this woman’s courage) “Eliana, you are one of the strongest people I have ever met. I just have one more question. How can we help?”

Eliana: “Spread the word about human trafficking. Educate people and tell our story. This is not just a third-world problem, this is a global epidemic. We need your support!”

Me: “Thank you, Eliana. I will certainly try to do just that. It was a privilege to meet you and I hope that someday this despicable crime can be eliminated.”

 

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VANISHED

Blurb:

Tragedy . . . heartache . . . how much more can Tyler Montgomery and John Webster take? This missions trip, the “healing” one, has only added fresh layers of pain. Construction of an orphanage in Haiti’s northwest . . . yes. But a doomed rescue operation, human traffickers, human anomalies, extreme personal danger . . . risk of death? They hadn’t signed up for those.

 

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Author Bio:

Born and raised on a farm near Brockville, Ontario, Mark’s childhood consisted of chores, horseback riding, snowmobile races, fishing trips to local lakes, and many other outdoor adventures. He was, and remains, an avid reader of many genres.

Transitioning into adulthood also meant moving from the farm into large urban areas that introduced this ‘country boy’ to ‘big city’ life.

Drawing on his many experiences as a private investigator, and later, a correctional officer, Mark combines his unique experiences and imagination to create stories and characters.

 

Follow Mark online!

Twitter:   @mbiermanauthor

Facebook: Facebook

Website:  markbierman.com