I'm Breaking My Own Rule

Yep, I agreed to be interviewed by Linda Della Donna, blogger of Book or Bust.  I've long been an admirer of Ms. Della Donna and since she has graciously agreed to interview me and was so kind to offer to do so, I decided to break my own rule and talk at length about the writing of "The Long Road from Perdition".

I hope you will visit her site and leave some comments.  Of course, I'll post the interview here as well...Be watching for it, the interview should be up in the next few days or so:  http://bookorbust.blogspot.com/2012/06/coming-soonmy-interview-with-author-jr.html

JRS

How Young is Too Young?

There are several topics in my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition" that are considered controversial.  One of those topics is the debate of how old should you be when you have your first sexual experience? Does it matter? And, why is achieving that first experience the proof that a boy has become a man?

In the novel, the main character, Nicholas has a sexual encounter at the age of 15 years.  One could argue that 15 is a bit young for sex, however, in his case, I imagine he felt very much an adult at that age.  The encounter wasn't a moment of tenderness or even puppy love.  It was the allure of physical excitement and transitioning from a boy's pleasure to a man's pleasure in every way.

If I were mentoring Nicholas, I would most likely remind him of the dangers of casual sex.  Unwanted pregnancy, disease, confused feelings, encountering emotions that one is not ready to experience at this time. All the wisdom that adults can offer at that clumsy, exciting time in a teenager's life.  But, in the story, I think his clumsy, yet exciting moments venturing into adulthood reflected his difficult journey he had experienced since his own birth.  His bumbling birth into adulthood captured the boyhood trauma and heartbreak he was leaving behind, if only geographically.

The true migration into his manhood occurred at the same age, with a different partner later in the story.  One of his choosing who had captured his heart, scars and all.  The mechanics of making love were of major concern until he discovers the moments of intimacy answered all of the unknowns for him.  To find a soul mate who reciprocates love and tenderness at that awkward moment in time is more than anyone can ask for in a "first time."

Nicholas was lucky to experience those moments as a clumsy teenager in a chance moment in time.  He was fortunate to experience love with the tenderness and patience with a partner of his choosing to enter manhood.

15 might be too young for most, but I think it was old enough for Nicholas.  Pick up a copy of The Long Road from Perdition and let me know what you think.

JRS

Fact or Fiction?

It's no secret that I've written a novel entitled "The Long Road from Perdition".  When I asked writers to read the book and offer some constructive criticism, I was a little taken aback that they thought the book was factual. Some even believed that I was Nicholas and was narrating my life through his character.

Since then, I have had others read the book and wonder the same thing.  I don't want to give away the plot, but there are some absolutely heartbreaking moments that are intertwined throughout the book.   I feel that it is much like life really is; heartbreak, anguish, joy, happiness and back to heartbreak again. I want to emphasize that the book is not factual.  I did write about certain events that are known to me and used certain characteristics from a variety of people I've known throughout my life to create characters.  I believe every fiction writer does this.

The fact that people are wondering about this book tells me I've accomplished what I set out to do.  I want readers to think about Nicholas and his struggles long after the last page is turned.  I have to admit, he almost seems real to me as well.  And, at times, during the writing of this book, I felt I was typing as fast as I could to get the plot, emotion and dialogue down as I was seeing and hearing it in my head.  It's almost as if I was watching a movie playing of it in my head.  Perhaps it was watching Adrien Grenier on an episode of Entourage that encouraged Nicholas's physical features...or maybe the plot developed after hearing Jonny Lang's anguished Wander this World.

All I know is that it all came together and became a novel that I'm very proud to have written.  Thank you readers for your comments...I'm grateful.

JRS