We’re thrilled to have here today Marcus Taylor from Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s new psychological thriller, SUBMERGED. Marcus is a 42-year-old 911 dispatcher living in Edson, Alberta, Canada
It is a pleasure to have him with us today at Beyond the Books!
Thank you so for this interview, Marcus. Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?
I think Cheryl did a good job of not only telling my story but digging into my psyche. It wasn’t easy for me to relive such intense grief and despair, and it’s still difficult for me to tell people that I’m a recovering addict. I struggle with my demons every day. But now I have something—someone—to fight for. One day at a time, they say.
Do you feel the author did a good job colorizing your personality? If not, how would you like to have been portrayed differently?
Cheryl could have made me more macho, maybe tougher. At times I might have come across as a bit wimpy. But it hasn’t been easy. I’ve suffered so much loss—my brother Paul, my son Ryan and my wife Jane. And during the time my story was being told, I was in a dark place. So I think Cheryl colored me just right.
What do you believe is your strongest trait?
I’m loyal to a fault. To my family, my friends and my job.
Worse trait?
I don’t always listen to authority figures. Especially if I think they’re wrong. Or if they’re being an idiot.
If you could choose someone in the television or movie industry to play your part if your book was made into a movie, who would that be (and you can’t say yourself!)?
Gerard Butler! Hands down, he could play my role perfectly. He’s rugged but handsome. He has intensity that’s perfect for action movies and can pull of the “hero” role well. And women love him.
Do you have a love interest in the book?
Yes. Her name is Rebecca Kingston. Funny thing, I think I started falling in love with her the minute I heard her voice on the phone.
At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?
When I left the center to try to find Rebecca and her kids, I wasn’t sure what would happen—or what I’d find.
If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?
I wouldn’t want to be “Titanic.” Okay, his name’s really Pete Shipley. He’s my boss at the 911 center and probably the most unlikeable person in my story. Plus he’s an ass.
How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?
If I give away the ending, Cheryl will kill me off in another novel, so I’ll just say that the ending is…satisfying.
What words of wisdom would you give your author if she decided to write another book with you in it?
I’d tell her to whip my butt into shape, give me a six-pack and tell me to shave more often. On a serious note, I’d really like it if Cheryl didn’t kill off anyone close to me. I’ve lost enough.
Thank you for this interview, Marcus. Will we be seeing more of you in the future?
Don’t tell Cheryl but I’ve heard rumors that she may be plotting another book that has tie-ins to both CHILDREN OF THE FOG and SUBMERGED, though it’ll be a standalone like my book, not a series.
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From Cheryl Kaye Tardif, the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG, comes a terrifying psychological thriller that will leave you breathless…
“Submerged reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl.”
—Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds
Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…
After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn’t the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.
Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger’s calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.
*SUBMERGED has a unique tie-in to Tardif`s international bestseller, CHILDREN OF THE FOG.
More Reviews:
“From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There’s a reason she sells like wildfire—her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer.” —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction
“Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece.” —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home
“From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with Submerged—a compelling tale of anguish and redemption.” —Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark
“Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters.” —Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes
“Submerged will leave you breathless—an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride.” —Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance
Learn more about Cheryl Kaye Tardif at http://www.cherylktardif.com and follow her on Twitter.
Enter Cheryl’s March Giveaway – 60 Prizes! http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com
Beyond the Books 
Many thanks for hosting me during my SUBMERGED Blog Tour. I really appreciate it! :-)