I really like this chapter.
Click here to read Chapter 13, Heart and Soul.
The reason for that is two-fold. The entire scene at the radio station was fun to write. Trent was my very first character way back in Extracurricular. Well, along with Mike, at least. It's always a treat to bring back past protagonists from my books. I enjoyed crafting Trent's coming out in that first book, although "his" book was really If It Weren't For the Two of Us. In the timeline of all these stories, we see Trent five years after his graduation and how he has grown as a person.
The bigger reason I like this chapter is because several readers contributed to it. While they shared their stories to me personally, I have included some interpretations in an anonymous way. I won't bother clarifying which shares at the Heart and Soul meeting were ones I created as the author and ones that were derived from readers. I just love the authenticity of the chapter.
I do take this moment to thank the readers who have shared with me. Your honesty and trust is taken to heart.
Each of us has a story in our own way. As different as our circumstances are from other people, we still should be aware that we have so much in common.
I appreciate the support of Emory's and Don's story, as well as your time invested in my work. Hugs to all.
As an oldie (just turned 80), I do especially appreciate your current series, and obviously, some of the shares in this new chapter are heartrending to read. It took me until almost fifty to act on my same-sex desires, and until nearly forty to come out to a good friend from college.
ReplyDeleteG.
Now that was a fantastic realistic delightful chapter. Hugs and cuddling and making out are incredibly important. I believe I miss that the most. The support group s amazing. Well done, good sir.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun chapter. I love how we are seeing glimpses of characters from past books.
ReplyDeleted.
I LOVE these last two chapters. I’m not sure what it is but as I get into each book, and think to myself, this is the best one yet. I’m sure some of it, for this one, is the fact that Don and Emory are closer to my age. But I feel so many of your characters I can relate to.
ReplyDeleteThe brilliance of Emory creating a safe space . I hope these meetings actually do exist because, through your writing, it seems they are very much needed.
Sadly, I’m not looking forward to this book ending but already am anticipatory for the next.
TG