Keith

Noticeably, a new character has taken hold in Controversy. Keith and Ramona have been around for a few chapters, but now Keith is taking a more significant role.

Click here to read Chapter 12.

When I outline a book, I have a very simple framework. I was going to introduce a new love for Brad. I knew it was coming about halfway through Brad's story. What I didn't know is how taken I would be with Keith.

When writing A Bed, A Desk and My Unfortunate Soulmate (Book Eight), Geoff was the college freshman whose sexual development just exploded on him. His addiction to porn and all things sexual placed him in a bisexual (or pansexual) realm, if his identity needed labeling. But Keith, as an older adult, is a new type of character for me.

It's also a challenge. To my knowledge, I don't know any bisexuals personally. I always strive for authenticity in my books, so sometimes I have to make assumptions. (By authenticity, I mean not every character is an idealized quarterback — blond, of course — with an eight-inch schlong. And naturally, everyone on the team has a huge dick and all like to get off together even though they are straight. Right.) As a writer, I prefer the real world. I want every reader to find someone with whom they can identify. I'm hoping Keith comes across as true. I wish I had some bisexual friends: I'd really enjoy talking with them. I'd find them fascinating.

Keith has a wonderful innocence, coming out later in life. It is this youthful quality that Brad (and ME!) find endearing about Keith. I've really enjoyed developing this character. His impact on Brad's life in the upcoming chapters is massive. I hope you are drawn to him as I have been "creating" him.

Watermelon

I will freely admit, Chapter 10 was very different.

Click to read Chapter 10.

Brad thinking of watermelon to take his mind of Will moving on was humorous in its own way, but how many of us have suffered through it? I remember when my first boyfriend (and we were long distance) told me he slept with someone else. My heart was shattered glass. It only seemed natural. But he was my first, and I was head over heels. I think I was No. 17 for him. (We're still great friends, and he is over a thousand now; yes, that isn't a typo.)

Can anyone else relate to their heart being broken by a former love moving on from you?

And then there's that three-way. It's VERY rare that I write about sex with females. For good reason: I have zilcho experience in that department. But because I like to keep my stories grounded — and heterosexual sex is certainly out there — it's appropriate for it to make its way into a story now and then. Certainly, Corey is going to have to debate it in the next book.

The final line of the chapter (mirroring the Prince song title of the chapter) begs the question: How important is Keith going to be in Brad's life?

And has anyone experienced a situation like that?

Stay tuned. 

Will

Since this book (Controversy) started, Will has mentioned throughout.

Chapter 7 — one of the steamier ones — shows us Brad and Will coming together in a flashback. As an author, it is nice to finally show the love growing between the two, even if it is a past love.

Will Fitzgerald is one of my stronger characters. In so many ways (in my mind, at least), he is very different than Brad, almost an opposite. Perhaps that is why they work so well together. It's also why the separation is so heartbreaking because the love was authentic.

Because I have so many things worked out in my head, I have no idea how readers will — or do — picture Will. Is he Brad's true love? Is he a total jerk for moving and not asking Brad to come along? And how will Brad's former partner affect his life moving forward? Can Brad find new love? Or was Will his once chance at the real deal?

Interestingly, a line from this chapter references Corey's statement: "Brad's in love." I didn't just make it up; it happened in Book Six, Laramie, Chapter 23. You can relive it here: Laramie, Chapter 23. So yeah, years ago when I wrote Laramie, I hadn't conceived of Will's character, but I set up something just in case I wrote a book about Brad one day. I like how it all fits.

Oh yeah, there is something else in this chapter — a three-way. As someone who writes love stories, it isn't really a scenario that I go to often. But here is a bit of insider info ... it won't be Brad's last. And I will leave you with that. And do you have any thoughts on them? Too dangerous? Completely hot? Messes things up?

Much more to come...

Hudson

I've been pleased that I have introduced several types of characters. Obviously, the main ones are gay, but I've included straight ones, as well (Corey, Natalie, Daryl, college schoolmates and numerous family members). Even the gay characters are very diverse. I have a variety of body types, penis sizes, sexual preferences, financial situations, supportive/nonsupportive families, etc.

Hudson is different. I've never had an asexual character before. It's not that I'm trying to show some specific message, I'm just letting people like Hudson be seen. Some people might view asexual-aromantic individuals as being lucky as they never have to endure dating. Others might feel sympathy because these people don't enjoy sex. But I don't think everyone, whatever you are, fits perfectly into a one-size-fits-all mold. All people are different.

I do like seeing the friendship between Brad and Hudson though. If I had to choose one word that describes Brad, it would be "kind." Hudson sees it. I think the readers do too.

Click here for Chapter 5.