Don has made cameo appearances in Books Six through Eight (Laramie, Say Goodbye to Sparkleland and A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate). In those instances, he was simply Emory's boyfriend/partner.
I really enjoyed writing this chapter. It gave a deeper look into who Don is. In my mind, I picture him as a truly kind gentleman, but portraying him as a person who has cracks beneath the surface and a lifetime of heartache made him much more interesting as a character. The passage with Tate was very rewarding for me as an author.
I have to believe there are straight friends out there that "experiment" with each other. I've never directly asked my straight friends if (first) they ever experienced such moments and if so, how it affected them. Do they regret doing it? Does it bother them to think about it? Was it a bonding moment? I honestly have no idea. Don and Tate definitely had one.
Heart and Soul is Emory's book, clearly, but we also see two main characters portrayed here. I've appreciated the comments from people who say I am portraying "their age" appropriately. I always want my writing to have an authenticity to it.
In the chapters ahead, I will peel more layers away from this character.
By the way, I named Don after an older reader. He has since past. He was married for his whole adult life, but he still allowed himself to be in touch with his true self, even if it was by reading my stories and those of others. I found him very kind through his emails. I miss hearing from him.
Each of my books has its own niche. Trent had his journal and Lance had his meetings. Jakob's book was told by years; Cooper's was written in months. Laramie's story had the atypical approach of two perspectives at a time, even though the other one other than Laramie changed throughout the book. Mitchell, of course, had his sessions with Logan. Corey and Aiden alternated narrating the chapters for their freshman year. Emory's book is all in relation to when he met Don.
So often, a book takes a long time for the protagonist to fall in love. That wasn't what I was after here. We knew from his previous appearances that Don was Emory's partner. Dealing with love at a mature age was the main goal of this story.
I hope you like Don.
So delighted you are back! I was already an Emory fan so I am loving getting to know these characters more deeply. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!
ReplyDeleteFinally got round to reading your story. Sooo good. It reminds me a little of my own story, being an older guy I didn’t think i would get involved with a guy, but I did. Still early days in the scheme of things so I am just enjoying it and we’ll see where it goes.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the next chapters in the story and will be invested in it.
Thank you for your continued writing and about how an older guy’s new relationship develops.
M.
I love this new book! Could it seriously be because I am near their ages? You have been the best part of my day.
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I am again deeply moved. I cannot but admire your talent to paint a broad canvas of gay life through these past decades and across several generations. I sympathize with Emory's trouble with Pedro and now, Don's biography! I know life is not fair, but to read his story is heartrending.
ReplyDelete- G.
I just finished the chapters on Emory and Don. Thanks for sharing. As a ‘senior’ bi/gay man, I can certainly identify. Certainly reading this allows me to live vicariously through them.
ReplyDeleteI’m sometimes nearly overwhelmed thinking back to opportunities lost, yet had I acted on my impulses I wouldn’t have had the children I have or the life I led. We all do have choices and I don’t regret mine, but on the other hand, it’s hard not wondering what might have been …
J.
I don't know what you have planned, but I am glad you are pulling back on Emory's guilt over sex with Cooper. Cooper seems to not see it as a problem, and it didn't ruin the relationship. I even seen that maybe deep down they both enjoyed it but don't want a repeat. Cooper obviously thinks Emory is wonderful - I am glad it is kept that way. Larry doesn't seem to know about it I forgot. God Larry is a saint.
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