People have been asking me about the new subtitle "Don't Call Me Dick." I added it as a transition to that title in the future. A while back, I had an inquiry from an independent film director about the movie rights, but the deal didn't materialize. It was my thought that the film and television industry might prefer an alternate title that wasn't quite so "on the head," if you'll forgive the expression.
An independent novelist
Musings & Announcements I'm very excited about my new novella, Nerissa's First Christmas! I've wanted to write a Christmas piece for years. The story actually started about a decade ago as two completely different storylines.
As I started crafting the story, I realized that my two ideas - although seemingly so different - were actually parts of the same tale. This year, I took my notes, outline, and the first attempt at a screenplay, and sat down again with the story.
It marks the first time I've written a gay character. (Hint: It's not Nerissa!) Writing Nerissa was fun and challenging, as this is a person with no past, no ties, and without the usual foibles most humans have. What she does have, oddly enough for someone who spends her life showing love to others, is an aversion to getting too emotionally attached. It mirrors Chris's similar aversion, which becomes an issue as Chris falls in love with Nerissa.
What developed was a compelling story of real love, not just romance, as well as acceptance and courage. But, in keeping with my natural proclivities, it's also funny too. It's like an old fashioned romantic comedy with modern sensibilities. In fact, I quickly realized that it had a decidedly 1940s structure to it - sort of like the James Stewart/Jean Arthur films, if James Stewart was a beautiful woman. (Not that Jimmy wasn't a handsome man!)
I came out of the whole experience with a sweet, surprising (even to me) novella, of which I'm truly proud. I hope you'll read it and love it.
As I started crafting the story, I realized that my two ideas - although seemingly so different - were actually parts of the same tale. This year, I took my notes, outline, and the first attempt at a screenplay, and sat down again with the story.
It marks the first time I've written a gay character. (Hint: It's not Nerissa!) Writing Nerissa was fun and challenging, as this is a person with no past, no ties, and without the usual foibles most humans have. What she does have, oddly enough for someone who spends her life showing love to others, is an aversion to getting too emotionally attached. It mirrors Chris's similar aversion, which becomes an issue as Chris falls in love with Nerissa.
What developed was a compelling story of real love, not just romance, as well as acceptance and courage. But, in keeping with my natural proclivities, it's also funny too. It's like an old fashioned romantic comedy with modern sensibilities. In fact, I quickly realized that it had a decidedly 1940s structure to it - sort of like the James Stewart/Jean Arthur films, if James Stewart was a beautiful woman. (Not that Jimmy wasn't a handsome man!)
I came out of the whole experience with a sweet, surprising (even to me) novella, of which I'm truly proud. I hope you'll read it and love it.
I was very
gratified by the feedback from two industry professionals who judged the
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards, for which "Richard" was in
competition. Here's some of what they had to say:
"There really wasn't anything that needed to be changed.
Richard-My Life as a Penis was a very entertaining story. I was chuckling from the antics of the narrator, who happens to be the penis of a fourteen-year-old. The penis is very controlling of Hump, the boy he's connected to. This story shows how young men thinks with their penises and not with their heads. I would want to read more just to find out how Hump deals with his growing interest in sex."
"It was a fast paced entertaining read that I would have enjoyed reading more of. I got into what was going to happen next and wanted to get to know Hump better. I was interested in more of his adventures."
Thanks for the feedback and to Amazon and CreateSpace for the wonderful opportunity to be read!
