One of my most frequently asked questions is: “Who would play Riley if Salvaged were a movie?”

Riley Bennet (of Salvaged and Rise) is one of the hardest characters I could “cast”. I’ve tried and tried to find the perfect Riley but he’s just so darned wonderful, he’s hard to find!

For today’s post, I thought I’d post photos [to see photos go to the actual post on my website here: http://stefnemiller.com/2011/08/08/be...] of actors that I picture as I write characters. Some of them might be too old or young to actually play the character, but they’re still a great inspiration.

Salvaged and Rise – Now Available


Attie Reed = AnnaSophia Robb

Riley Bennett = Charlie McDermott

Marme (Mrs. Bennett) = Patricia Heaton

Pops (Mr. Bennett) = Dennis Quaid

Cooper = Chris Egan
AnnaSophia in my opinion, is the perfect “Attie”. Seeing her in Soul Surfer sealed it for me. She’s got the innocence, yet strength that defines who “Attie” is as a character.

Charlie, who currently plays in my favorite TV show, The Middle, would be an amazing “Riley”. Not only does he have the looks (and Lord knows, “Riley” has to be hot), he can play serious or hysterical. Because “Riley” plays so much off of “Attie’s” ever changing frame of mind, this leading male needs to be able to keep up. I think these two together would be opposites that could prove to be a very powerful combination – just like “Attie and “Riley” are in the books.

Patricia as “Marme”… well, I couldn’t wish for more. She’s small and spunky just like our favorite mother of the books. She’s got a fun, yet loving motherly appeal and she’s my favorite actress on television, so I had to pick her! Not to mention, she plays Charlie’s mom on The Middle – so they already have a mother/son/love/antagonistic relationship that’s priceless.

Dennis as “Pops”, would be amazing. He’s got the calm, loving, gentle and comforting characteristics that “Mr. Bennett” shows all through the novels. And, I think he and Patricia would make a perfect odd couple.

As I sat in the theater to see Letters to Juliet and Chris popped up on the screen, I shouted “That’s my Cooper!” I’m crazy about “Cooper” (although I know many fans don’t agree) and Chris is exactly how I picture him to be. Love, love, love him.

Collision – Release date: Feb/Mar 2012 (Check out the first few chapters by clicking on the link above)


Kei Sallee = Emma Stone

Cabbot "Cab" Stone = Kellan Lutz
Kellan has a heart for Uganda. Much of this story takes place in Uganda and “Cabot’s” realization of a life that exists outside of his Hollywood world. So, I used Kellan as my inspiration for “Cabot”. I feel like Kellan has a heart for missions (although I don’t know him personally), so to picture him in a story where the character learns about a life in Uganda and finds some purpose in it, it just seems to fit.

Emma Stone – has the red hair and spunk that anyone would need to play “Kei”. “Kei” and “Cabot” spend the first half of the book alone, so it would take very strong actors to carry the scenes and keep people enthralled. These two would do it! I think there would fireworks, no doubt about it!

Brave – Completed and seeking a contract. (Check out the first few chapters by clicking on the link above)


Pollyanna "Poe" Brave = Georgie Henley

Tillman "Till" Rhoades = Lucas Till

1972 Winnebago Brave = Winnie Brave
Georgie is the youngest sibling in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe films.

Lucas was in the Hannah Montana Movie.

From her pictures, Georgie seems to have a quirkiness about her – and “Poe” is certainly quirky… and independent.

And Lucas? He’s got a leading man innocence to him that I see in “Till”.

Winnie is a major part of this story – so I had to share her with you. Coming across this picture is where the entire story of Brave was born.

Gifted – Currently 60% complete. (Check out the first few several chapters by clicking on the link above)


Ashling Declan = AnnaSophia Robb

Skyler Preman = Cam Gigandet

Jayson Coy = Bailee Madison

Sofie Ayo - Selena Gomez

Milo Halim = Quinton Aaron

Brand Fredrick = Nick Jonas

Ethan Truman = Taylor Lautner
Gifted is an action and drama packed story that reaches into the spiritual realm. The story centers around a young team of seven “Gifted” individuals. While “Ashling” and “Skyler” are the main characters – the entire ensemble is important and the team wouldn’t work without each and every one of them. All seven characters are strong on their own – but together, they’re amazing.

Here’s AnnaSophia again. Can you tell I’m sort of obsessed with her right now? I chose her as my “Ashling” over two years ago when I started writing the novel. Why? Her eyes. Two years ago she was too young for the character, but now, she’s perfect. “Ashling” has no physical sight, but can see in the spiritual realm – she’s known as “The Visionary” so the person I pictured as “Ashling” had to have amazing eyes. Not only is AnnaSophia beautiful, but she’s got the most intense eyes I’ve ever seen. She would be perfect as this character.
I think Cam is the ultimate hero-esq guy. He’d be perfect for “Skyler”, “The Shield”. Very protective, but a sensitive side.

I love the young, Bailee Madison as “Jayson” (although the character is about sixteen). She’s got an innocence to her and seems to be a positive personality. She’d be perfect to play the sweet, caring, dutiful, yet hysterical, “Jayson” who carries the gift of “Healing”.

I love Selena Gomez as “Sofie”. “Sofie” is one of the strongest characters of the team. She carries the weight as the team member who has the gift of “Wisdom”. She speaks truth, sometimes harshly, but is also extremely sarcastic – just how I like my spunky characters to be.

Quinton is the big teddy bear I needed to play “Milo”. He can be strong when he needs to be, he’s known as “The Soldier” but brings much of the comic relief to the team.

I chose Nick as “Brand”, aka “The Sword” because the character has an intelligence and musicality to him.

And last but not least, Taylor as “Ethan”. Ethan is the athletic character, aka “The Strong One”, but also carries qualities of being assured in himself and his team, as well as a constant optimist.

In my mind, these young actors make up the perfect team for the characters of Gifted.

So, there are the dream casts for my novels.
Do you agree or disagree with some of my choices for Salvaged and Rise? Who did you see in the roles as you read them? And, who would you cast in the roles of Tammy, Anne, Tess, Jenn – or other characters of the book? Share your thoughts and photos with me!

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Love and Blessings,
Stefne