Joseph Taglio, affectionately called "Tags" by his close friends, is one of my favorite characters. What makes Tags particularly interesting is that he is the first character I created without basing him on someone I know personally. He made his debut at the age of 17 in "Torn Robes: Choices."
Tags grew up in an orphanage, having been placed there as a toddler. Unfortunately, he was labeled as “trouble” by his peers and the town's elite from a very young age, which denied him any chance to prove himself. During his teenage years, he learned how to survive on the streets.
Tags is a handsome young man of Italian descent, with long dark hair that he usually keeps tied back in a sleek ponytail. However, for his picture, I chose to capture him without the ponytail. He has strong facial features and hazel eyes. His typical attire includes a brown leather bomber jacket, jeans, and either flannel shirts or T-shirts, depending on the weather, paired with boots. Tags lives in an apartment building owned by the man who fostered him, along with several other boys from the orphanage, after they reached their teenage years. During this time, they helped run drugs for the town kingpin, Mr. Robeesy.
I envisioned Tags’ character to be tough and streetwise, yet also somewhat naive in a childlike way. He never allowed anyone into his life until he met Erica, which is reflected in the following excerpt from the first book, "Torn Robes: Choices."
He learned at a young age to harden his heart, until he met Erica. Sweet, innocent Erica Gray. She had an uncanny way of making him feel important and significant.
He and Erica are the parents of a precious little girl named Madison. They are the most important people in his life, and he is determined to protect and care for them at all costs. The following scene from "Torn Robes: Choices" illustrates the motivation behind his commitment as he watches Erica push Madison on a swing in the playground.
Tags could see the playground from where he stood in the small knoll above. Watching the carefree scene play out before him, “Aah,” his heart swelled with pride and much love.
Gilford was a small town. Ever since he could remember he’d been labeled the small-town hood. The troublemaker. Always being shuffled from one foster home to another.
“Why do you cause so much trouble?” At first, Tags didn’t understand. He didn’t mean to cause trouble, it sort of happened.
Tags was about five years old when he took the neighbor’s dog out on an adventure. How did he know the police had been called to look for him? Soaked and covered in mud after galloping through a small area of marshland, Tags and the dog arrived home hours later. Exhausted. Instead of a strong warm hug of reassurance, he was greeted with a severe tongue lashing. Then he was sent to his cold, dark room without any food or a change of dry clothes. Left alone to cry himself to sleep.
“Don’t worry Madison, that will never happen to you, I promise,” Tags said as he looked down at the little girl.
Developing the character of Joey "Tags" Taglio has been a true highlight of writing the Torn Robes series. He is a unique character with a rugged presence. Beneath his tough exterior lies a deep and caring soul, despite his indifference. His growth throughout the series has been a rewarding experience, and I take great pride in the journey we have undertaken together.
The scene below is an excerpt from the second book in the series "Torn Robes: Reckoning." Pastor John is overseeing the Detention Room and is having a private conversation with Tags, a regular in the class.
John leaned over Tags’ desk and whispered for only his ears. “Tags, tell me you’re not doing anything illegal.”
“Pastor, I won’t say either way. A man’s got to do what a man’s gotta do. For his family. You understand?”
“No, I don’t understand. Does Erica understand?” John shook his head.
“You leave Erica out of this. I told you before I’m my own man.” Tags jumped up.
Grabbing Tags by his coat sleeve, John escorted him out of the classroom and into the hallway. Directing the class to open their books and get some homework done as he walked him out.
Standing toe to toe, John asked. “What happened to depending on God for everything?”
Tags stood there with no answer.
John continued. “What happened to giving him reign over your life?”
Still nothing.
There was a battle raging, the battle for his soul, and John recognized it. “Tags, remember… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
“God’s timetable. My crossroad.” He left John to stare after him, walking toward the exit sign. Tags looked like a little boy, John thought.
I’ve shared examples of Tags from the first two books in the series, and now I’d like to leave you with a scene from the first chapter of the upcoming third book, "Torn Robes: The King's Highway." Tags plays a major role in this story. This scene takes place during the summer, as Erica and Tags take a walk with their daughter, Madison. Tags wants to ask Erica for her opinion on something he has been considering. Despite his tough exterior, Tags reveals to the reader that he has insecurities.
“Erica, if I tell you something you won’t laugh at me, will ya?”
“No, of course not. You sound serious, what is it?”
“I was thinking about when I was a little boy, moving from foster home to foster home and then back to the orphanage. I never had anyone to talk to. My only memories are of being yelled at, called names, or hit for one reason or another, and always feeling...alone.” He lifted his head to look at her. “What if I went there and asked if I could just hang out?” Tags couldn’t read her expression. He knew it was a dumb idea and regretted bringing it up.
After a moment Erica asked, “You mean like volunteering your time?”
“Yeah, isn’t that what I said?”
Tough and streetwise, yet somewhat naive in a childlike way.
I've included the song "Save My Life" by the Sidewalk Prophets, which plays an important role in book two, “Torn Robes: Reckoning”. I hope you take a moment to click on it and enjoy the music. I listened to it quite often while writing the second book.