Casey Hays's Blog, page 7
December 9, 2014
It's here!
The Archer Book 2 in the Arrow's Flight Series is out!! Read it, review it! Thanks so much for your support!
October 9, 2014
I would NEVER go back!
Oh, the joys of Middle School.
Now mind you, I have been out of middle school for years. And I mean YEARS! Since that time, I’ve been a high school graduate, a fast food cashier, a clerk, a college student, a wife, a mother, a high school teacher, a secretary, a personal assistant to a district judge, and most recently, an author. I’ve had my share of joys and disappointments along the way, and I’ve had to endure problems far worse than anything I encountered in junior high. But recently, I’ve had the opportunity to relive some of those glorious middle school moments through my own 13 year-old daughter. And what fun it has been!
So I thought up this brilliant idea! Why not give you the privilege of reliving those memories with me? Lucky you!
Remember when your worst nightmare was waking up with a zit the size of Egypt right on the tip of your nose? Well, actually, that just happened to me yesterday–so bad example. But you see my point. Things that bothered us as pre-teens are miniscule compared to what lies before us now: economic crisis, debt, an impending ebola epidemic, ISIS, retirement pensions going belly up. Not to mention car and house payments, keeping food on the table, and maintaining the mountains of laundry that seem to appear every single weekend. I mean, seriously . . . how many pairs of underwear do you need, son? Can’t you turn them inside out and wear them twice…haha! Yuck! Just kidding…
Anyway, what I’m getting at is that our beautiful, young, pre-pubescent, unsure, lacking-in-wisdom-and-judgment babies only have to worry about whether or not Coach is going to play them in this week’s game. See the difference? And yet, for my daughter, this is HUGE!
I remember pretty much feeling my way through every day of middle school one slow inch at a time with these thoughts running through my brain: “I wonder who will let me eat lunch with them today? Why is my hair doing that weird thing? Oh my gosh, he looked at me again! Does he like me? I should ask Jenny to ask him if he likes me. I forgot to do my homework! Mom is going to kill me! Oh my gosh, he looked at me again…”
Seems trivial, but my daughter’s experiences of late have reminded me of how critical it is to be aware of the grand-scale importance of these issues to a young, pre-pubescent, unsure, lacking-in-wisdom-and-judgment little girl who is rapidly blooming into a woman. There are times when my daughter cries without warning, and without even knowing why she’s crying. There are times when she reverts to her little seven year-old mentality and watches her same favorite childhood movie over and over and over on a never ending reel. There are times when she’s crazy about this boy or that boy, then thinks he stinks, then doesn’t think of him at all. Times when she is devastated that someone said something mean about her behind her back, and I have to remind her that she’s said things behind backs, too. And I must confess, in general, middle school girls are probably the meanest breed around. And why? Because middle school is the time when reputations are established, when labels are plastered onto your life for the rest of your high school career, when it is decided whether you will be popular, nerdy, pretty, smart, or a juvenile delinquent. And sometimes, you don’t even have a choice in the matter. But, none the less, everyone strives to get the right label. That, my friends, is the ugly nature of the middle school beast.
Give me an economic crisis any day, right? Maybe . . .
I’m not always the best at handling my daughter’s “issues.” Sometimes–and this is so totally stupid, and I know it–but I expect her to act like an “adult” in a situation, to react with maturity, to take a different approach. I have to flick myself on the side of the head during those times and remember that she’s not an adult. She shouldn’t react like an adult. And the hardest thing? To remember that this is her life, her experience. As much as I may want things to be different for her than they were for me, as much as I want to shape her venture into my idea of the best outcome, I simply can’t. I can’t make her experience happen the way I want it to happen. I have to just let loose and let it roll out the way it’s meant to. (*whispers* I secretly hate that part . . . )
So… would you go back? Would you restep into the world of cafeteria lunch lines and mucky gym clothes? Would you revisit the time the boy with the big, blue eyes and the team jersey asked you to be his date for Homecoming . . .which in middle school consists solely of trading mums and watching him play in the football game. No romantic candlelight dinners and late night kisses for the 8th graders. At least, there better not be! And yet, perhaps this is the reason we would risk the pain of middle school angst once again. For the sweet, little moments that happen along the way. For the teacher who thinks you are the most brilliant thing she’s ever met, and if she only had a classroom full of you, she could die a happy woman. For the girl who invited you to sit with her when she saw you eating lunch alone, and to this day, you are inseparable. For the cute boy you’ve known since kindergarten who surprises you every once in a while by popping up at your locker to rearrange all your pictures of Theo James that are plastered inside. The little moments . . . these are the ones that make us all want to go back to simpler times.
Now that I think about it, middle school wasn’t so bad.
Yeah . . . right!
Now mind you, I have been out of middle school for years. And I mean YEARS! Since that time, I’ve been a high school graduate, a fast food cashier, a clerk, a college student, a wife, a mother, a high school teacher, a secretary, a personal assistant to a district judge, and most recently, an author. I’ve had my share of joys and disappointments along the way, and I’ve had to endure problems far worse than anything I encountered in junior high. But recently, I’ve had the opportunity to relive some of those glorious middle school moments through my own 13 year-old daughter. And what fun it has been!
So I thought up this brilliant idea! Why not give you the privilege of reliving those memories with me? Lucky you!
Remember when your worst nightmare was waking up with a zit the size of Egypt right on the tip of your nose? Well, actually, that just happened to me yesterday–so bad example. But you see my point. Things that bothered us as pre-teens are miniscule compared to what lies before us now: economic crisis, debt, an impending ebola epidemic, ISIS, retirement pensions going belly up. Not to mention car and house payments, keeping food on the table, and maintaining the mountains of laundry that seem to appear every single weekend. I mean, seriously . . . how many pairs of underwear do you need, son? Can’t you turn them inside out and wear them twice…haha! Yuck! Just kidding…
Anyway, what I’m getting at is that our beautiful, young, pre-pubescent, unsure, lacking-in-wisdom-and-judgment babies only have to worry about whether or not Coach is going to play them in this week’s game. See the difference? And yet, for my daughter, this is HUGE!
I remember pretty much feeling my way through every day of middle school one slow inch at a time with these thoughts running through my brain: “I wonder who will let me eat lunch with them today? Why is my hair doing that weird thing? Oh my gosh, he looked at me again! Does he like me? I should ask Jenny to ask him if he likes me. I forgot to do my homework! Mom is going to kill me! Oh my gosh, he looked at me again…”
Seems trivial, but my daughter’s experiences of late have reminded me of how critical it is to be aware of the grand-scale importance of these issues to a young, pre-pubescent, unsure, lacking-in-wisdom-and-judgment little girl who is rapidly blooming into a woman. There are times when my daughter cries without warning, and without even knowing why she’s crying. There are times when she reverts to her little seven year-old mentality and watches her same favorite childhood movie over and over and over on a never ending reel. There are times when she’s crazy about this boy or that boy, then thinks he stinks, then doesn’t think of him at all. Times when she is devastated that someone said something mean about her behind her back, and I have to remind her that she’s said things behind backs, too. And I must confess, in general, middle school girls are probably the meanest breed around. And why? Because middle school is the time when reputations are established, when labels are plastered onto your life for the rest of your high school career, when it is decided whether you will be popular, nerdy, pretty, smart, or a juvenile delinquent. And sometimes, you don’t even have a choice in the matter. But, none the less, everyone strives to get the right label. That, my friends, is the ugly nature of the middle school beast.
Give me an economic crisis any day, right? Maybe . . .
I’m not always the best at handling my daughter’s “issues.” Sometimes–and this is so totally stupid, and I know it–but I expect her to act like an “adult” in a situation, to react with maturity, to take a different approach. I have to flick myself on the side of the head during those times and remember that she’s not an adult. She shouldn’t react like an adult. And the hardest thing? To remember that this is her life, her experience. As much as I may want things to be different for her than they were for me, as much as I want to shape her venture into my idea of the best outcome, I simply can’t. I can’t make her experience happen the way I want it to happen. I have to just let loose and let it roll out the way it’s meant to. (*whispers* I secretly hate that part . . . )
So… would you go back? Would you restep into the world of cafeteria lunch lines and mucky gym clothes? Would you revisit the time the boy with the big, blue eyes and the team jersey asked you to be his date for Homecoming . . .which in middle school consists solely of trading mums and watching him play in the football game. No romantic candlelight dinners and late night kisses for the 8th graders. At least, there better not be! And yet, perhaps this is the reason we would risk the pain of middle school angst once again. For the sweet, little moments that happen along the way. For the teacher who thinks you are the most brilliant thing she’s ever met, and if she only had a classroom full of you, she could die a happy woman. For the girl who invited you to sit with her when she saw you eating lunch alone, and to this day, you are inseparable. For the cute boy you’ve known since kindergarten who surprises you every once in a while by popping up at your locker to rearrange all your pictures of Theo James that are plastered inside. The little moments . . . these are the ones that make us all want to go back to simpler times.
Now that I think about it, middle school wasn’t so bad.
Yeah . . . right!
September 5, 2014
Those Wonderfully Nasty Little Reviews
If there’s one thing we as a people cannot avoid, it’s critiques. The little monsters are everywhere. They judge us by what we wear, how we talk, who we know, and what we are. The list is long and laborious . . . and completely unavoidable.
As a writer, I have to add another kind of critique to the list: book reviews. These are monsters of a different color.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love book reviews. They are another form of creative expression that, as a writer, I cannot resist. They are a way to connect with other authors and readers. They present a moment to vent or praise in written form, which is my very favorite kind of form. They allow us to express exactly how angry or overjoyed a book made us feel. I enjoy manipulating words beyond measure, and book reviews? Well, they simply give me one more opportunity to do just that. No wonder I spend the majority of my time with words! They don’t mind being manipulated. And they don’t talk back . . . unless I let them. Ha!
But first, let’s discuss the reviews I receive for my own works. Reviews, at times, full of praise and adoration that give me chills and send my heart soaring above the clouds. My book has been called a “Sleeping Giant.” I’ve been told I write from “Mariana’s Trench.” Wow! Really? Those are compliments I will never forget. Compliments that humble this writer to her core because I see none of that in myself.
And then, there are the not-so-pleasant reviews that cause me to cringe and doubt my abilities. I’ve been knocked down a full star for a “handful of errors” and told “after an author has slaved over a work, the least they could do is completely perfect it.” I’m sure many other authors will profess . . . it is a difficult task to find every single error, and after you think you’ve found every single one, another will creep in on you unnoticed.
The point is, we do slave over our works. We read and read and reread our books so many times that often we are sick to death of the story by the time it’s published. Our works are our babies, and we put ourselves through the painstaking exercise of revisions and edits because we want them to be perfect. But, news flash! Nothing is perfect. And as much as we may try to get every single little tiny detail just so, there will always be things we missed, points we wish we had made, errors that slipped by right under all five of our copy-editors noses. It happens.
But I will admit . . . no matter the outcome, there is something quite satisfying about seeing that yet another reader has finished my book and now has something to say about it. It’s exhilarating! Do I feel a bit nauseous every time the little number beside the five tiny stars moves up a step? Of course! For this indicates the moment of truth: You either nailed it with this reader, or they nailed you! Oh boy!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from it, it’s this: reading preferences vary so much that conflicting critiques are inevitable. My books have satisfied multiple readers on many occasions, and the same books have disappointed a time or two as well. After all, my reading audience is diverse. It is filled with people from all walks of life, and I can’t hit the mark every time with every one.
So how do you cope with such a conundrum? Here’s what I do: I bask in the positive feedback. After reading a negative review, I immediately go back to my favorite 5-star and read it . . . and read it again. And I remember that I am far from perfect, but I love what I do. I remind myself that I have given some readers the treat of a lifetime, and I revel in this.
And then, I sit down . . . and I write another book.
As a writer, I have to add another kind of critique to the list: book reviews. These are monsters of a different color.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love book reviews. They are another form of creative expression that, as a writer, I cannot resist. They are a way to connect with other authors and readers. They present a moment to vent or praise in written form, which is my very favorite kind of form. They allow us to express exactly how angry or overjoyed a book made us feel. I enjoy manipulating words beyond measure, and book reviews? Well, they simply give me one more opportunity to do just that. No wonder I spend the majority of my time with words! They don’t mind being manipulated. And they don’t talk back . . . unless I let them. Ha!
But first, let’s discuss the reviews I receive for my own works. Reviews, at times, full of praise and adoration that give me chills and send my heart soaring above the clouds. My book has been called a “Sleeping Giant.” I’ve been told I write from “Mariana’s Trench.” Wow! Really? Those are compliments I will never forget. Compliments that humble this writer to her core because I see none of that in myself.
And then, there are the not-so-pleasant reviews that cause me to cringe and doubt my abilities. I’ve been knocked down a full star for a “handful of errors” and told “after an author has slaved over a work, the least they could do is completely perfect it.” I’m sure many other authors will profess . . . it is a difficult task to find every single error, and after you think you’ve found every single one, another will creep in on you unnoticed.
The point is, we do slave over our works. We read and read and reread our books so many times that often we are sick to death of the story by the time it’s published. Our works are our babies, and we put ourselves through the painstaking exercise of revisions and edits because we want them to be perfect. But, news flash! Nothing is perfect. And as much as we may try to get every single little tiny detail just so, there will always be things we missed, points we wish we had made, errors that slipped by right under all five of our copy-editors noses. It happens.
But I will admit . . . no matter the outcome, there is something quite satisfying about seeing that yet another reader has finished my book and now has something to say about it. It’s exhilarating! Do I feel a bit nauseous every time the little number beside the five tiny stars moves up a step? Of course! For this indicates the moment of truth: You either nailed it with this reader, or they nailed you! Oh boy!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from it, it’s this: reading preferences vary so much that conflicting critiques are inevitable. My books have satisfied multiple readers on many occasions, and the same books have disappointed a time or two as well. After all, my reading audience is diverse. It is filled with people from all walks of life, and I can’t hit the mark every time with every one.
So how do you cope with such a conundrum? Here’s what I do: I bask in the positive feedback. After reading a negative review, I immediately go back to my favorite 5-star and read it . . . and read it again. And I remember that I am far from perfect, but I love what I do. I remind myself that I have given some readers the treat of a lifetime, and I revel in this.
And then, I sit down . . . and I write another book.
June 19, 2014
Book 2: It's a Wrap
I know, I know… it’s been a while since my last blog. But I have a great excuse. Besides raising two teenagers, trying to be an attentive wife, and working forty hours a week, I’ve been steeped–and I mean deeply steeped–in the lives of Kate, Ian, and the rest. We’ve been on yet another adventure full of mystery and intrigue and, of course, a little bit of romance.
The Archer takes us away from the Village and toward Eden–a paradise city of lights, or so Kate believes. The journey is full of the unexpected. Many questions will be answered, and many more will be raised. And readers, you are in for a treat. Not only will you see all the wonderfulness that is Ian and Kate as their relationship develops, but you will also come to know Justin on a much more intimate level. He has become one of my most endearing characters, and I hope I’ve done him justice. I think some of you may even decide to crush on him a little. Diana will be there with Tabitha, of course, and you’ll also meet a gaggle of new cast members, including Ian’s parents and his old flame, Bethany (sort of, wink, wink.) And we can’t forget Ian’s baby sister, Ava.
And I know the real question; the one that’s been plaguing all of your minds: What is it about the Boys of Eden???? Are they from another planet? No. Did they get bitten by a radioactive spider? Uh…. closer, but, no. You will just have to wait and see.
I always have a bittersweet taste in my mouth at the completion of a novel, and I’m a little bit sad that the creative part of my journey in The Archer is over. All that’s left is the final touches: revising, editing, cover art, oh, and the book jacket spiel, which is really giving me headaches at the moment. What to write, what to write? But… it always comes together.
Some of my writing friends are finishing up an entire series. So I ask you, how does it feel to be almost finished, or already done? Thinking about that comes awfully close to thinking about my son graduating from high school next year. **whispers~ I just don’t think about it.** At least I get to look forward to creating a book or two more before I have to say goodbye to Kate.
I am looking forward to doing a little less writing and a little more reading, I must say. My stack of “books I want to read” is growing ever taller.
So I leave you now with this final thought from The Archer:
“The world is big. Bigger than I’d ever imagined. Bigger than I’d ever hoped. And now that I am in the world, I am terrified. I don’t know who I am outside the Village. But I will learn.” ~Kate
The Archer takes us away from the Village and toward Eden–a paradise city of lights, or so Kate believes. The journey is full of the unexpected. Many questions will be answered, and many more will be raised. And readers, you are in for a treat. Not only will you see all the wonderfulness that is Ian and Kate as their relationship develops, but you will also come to know Justin on a much more intimate level. He has become one of my most endearing characters, and I hope I’ve done him justice. I think some of you may even decide to crush on him a little. Diana will be there with Tabitha, of course, and you’ll also meet a gaggle of new cast members, including Ian’s parents and his old flame, Bethany (sort of, wink, wink.) And we can’t forget Ian’s baby sister, Ava.
And I know the real question; the one that’s been plaguing all of your minds: What is it about the Boys of Eden???? Are they from another planet? No. Did they get bitten by a radioactive spider? Uh…. closer, but, no. You will just have to wait and see.
I always have a bittersweet taste in my mouth at the completion of a novel, and I’m a little bit sad that the creative part of my journey in The Archer is over. All that’s left is the final touches: revising, editing, cover art, oh, and the book jacket spiel, which is really giving me headaches at the moment. What to write, what to write? But… it always comes together.
Some of my writing friends are finishing up an entire series. So I ask you, how does it feel to be almost finished, or already done? Thinking about that comes awfully close to thinking about my son graduating from high school next year. **whispers~ I just don’t think about it.** At least I get to look forward to creating a book or two more before I have to say goodbye to Kate.
I am looking forward to doing a little less writing and a little more reading, I must say. My stack of “books I want to read” is growing ever taller.
So I leave you now with this final thought from The Archer:
“The world is big. Bigger than I’d ever imagined. Bigger than I’d ever hoped. And now that I am in the world, I am terrified. I don’t know who I am outside the Village. But I will learn.” ~Kate
May 2, 2014
Book of the Month
Hey Everyone!
Breeder won Book of the Month for May in David Estes's group: David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! So... I would love for those of you who are members of David's group and have read the book to click on the link I've posted below and join in on the discussion. Even if you haven't read it yet, this is still a great chance to participate and get some input from other readers. And for those of you who voted in the poll and allowed my book this honor, many thanks!
Casey Hays
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Breeder won Book of the Month for May in David Estes's group: David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! So... I would love for those of you who are members of David's group and have read the book to click on the link I've posted below and join in on the discussion. Even if you haven't read it yet, this is still a great chance to participate and get some input from other readers. And for those of you who voted in the poll and allowed my book this honor, many thanks!
Casey Hays
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
April 27, 2014
"Breeder" featured in Digital Magazine
What an exciting prospect it is to see your work appear in so many neat places. InD’tale Magazine has featured Breeder in their April edition. I was thrilled with the five-star rating I received, and I hope their subscribers will take a closer look.
Here's the link to see the full layout:
http://www.indtale.com/reviews/young-...
My work on Book 2, The Archer is well under way with 26 chapters of the first draft completed. So fans, it won’t be much longer before you have the next leg of Kate and Ian’s journey in your hands. Until then, check out the authors I tagged in my blog titled: “The Writing Process.” If you love YA, you will love their books as well.
Happy Reading!
Casey +++
Here's the link to see the full layout:
http://www.indtale.com/reviews/young-...
My work on Book 2, The Archer is well under way with 26 chapters of the first draft completed. So fans, it won’t be much longer before you have the next leg of Kate and Ian’s journey in your hands. Until then, check out the authors I tagged in my blog titled: “The Writing Process.” If you love YA, you will love their books as well.
Happy Reading!
Casey +++
March 23, 2014
March 8, 2014
Why in the world did Ian slap Kate!!??!
To see this and other blogs,visit my website at www.whisperingpages.com
Chapter 14 has stirred up quite a bit of fuss among my reading audience. The distaste over Ian's behavior in one particular scene has been voiced not only by my friends but also addressed in several reviews. And so... I've decided to take it upon myself to address what I have deemed,"The Slap Chapter."
First and foremost, I don't want anyone to think that I condone what Ian did. I don't. In fact, I don't condone any of the violence that takes place in the book. But from a creative and literary standpoint, certain things have to happen. The "slap" had to happen.
So. Why in the world did Ian slap Kate?
Here's a look from the author's perspective:
Let us first consider Ian's situation. He's a prisoner, dealing with less than adequate living conditions (and that's an understatement). He doesn't know how he got here or how long he's been here. He's scared and desperate, and even in those moments where he seems to be doing fine, readers can't forget that he isn't fine at all. Each time we leave that Pit with Kate, Ian stays put, lonely and full of despair, and more than likely longing for his mama. For us, as we travel through the novel--with only Kate's thoughts as our guide--it's easy to forget Ian from time to time. Out of sight, out of mind. But he's still there, and we have no idea what might be going on in his mind unless he vocalizes it to Kate.
Now, based on what I've just said, picture where Ian's emotions might be by the time the "slap" takes place. Three weeks have crawled past, as slow as molasses,(a little Breeder imagery for you there) and Kate has not returned as promised. In Ian's mind, which has already been tainted by a slow slide toward a claustrophobic kind of insanity, Kate has deserted him, and there is no hope. Because of this, he gives the phrase "pent-up anger" a brand new mascot.
So when Kate makes her appearance, all smiles as if only a day has passed since her last visit, Ian has already reached his breaking point. Due to this, he doesn't give her a chance to explain herself. In previous chapters, this side of Ian was foreshadowed, so his actions here are not so out of character. His moods shift so often from hope to frustration to despair--and everything in between--that Kate has no clue what she may find. Frankly, I think we should give Ian the benefit of the doubt. Of course, I know what's coming next... and you don't, so it's much easier for me to say that. :)
One conclusion I don't want readers to jump to is the idea that this is the beginning of a domestic violence situation. I can assure you, it isn't, and for the record, Ian is in no way justified for what he did. I've seen comments to the fact that Ian shouldn't have hit someone he cared about so much. The fact is, Ian shouldn't have hit anyone, period. But did he really care at this point in the novel? Although he and Kate have shared some moments and do development feelings for each other by the end, it's very hard to know how Ian feels about Kate by this chapter, so fixated he's been on gaining his freedom and getting home. Everything is filtered through Kate's mind. All we know is what she thinks and feels and what's in her heart. But she's confused as well by how Ian makes her feel versus what he says and does, and her confusion is only magnified when he finally reveals his true feelings for her.
And really, what I hope readers see, for the first half of the book anyway, is the friendship, albeit sometimes rocky, that develops between the two characters more than the romance.
Now, for the flip-side. Kate's reaction to the slap is much more significant than the slap itself. First, she's used to violence, even if, until recently, she's not been a target. And although it infuriates her, she isn't as surprised when Ian's hand springs out as she might have been otherwise. But the greatest insight I want readers to gain is that by the end of the chapter, she's managed to get the upper hand despite the slap, and her message is extremely clear: Ian's life is in her hands, and he'd better take a quick lesson.
The contrast is in the fact that Ian's violent, anger-filled desperation that causes him to strike out is heavily weighted against Kate's humility sprinkled with resolve. In that moment, she is angry, hurt, and slightly afraid, but she's also, resilient, compassionate and understanding of Ian's plight. She doesn't play the victim because she never has--even when she is most definitely the victim, mostly at Mona's hand. And let's not forget the rest of the chapter. The slap is miniscule compared to the forgiveness and mending that takes place in Kate and Ian's conversation afterward. And in this, we can see Kate's growth. Nothing breaks her. And the slap? It's never mentioned again by either one of them after the chapter ends. And it never happens again, either.
I haven't been able to decide whether I want readers to like Ian or not, but I suppose they will make up their own minds. Sometimes I don't like him myself, but most times, I love him. Because I know the real Ian underneath it all. The one I hope the rest of you will come to know and love even better by the end of the next book.
Chapter 14 has stirred up quite a bit of fuss among my reading audience. The distaste over Ian's behavior in one particular scene has been voiced not only by my friends but also addressed in several reviews. And so... I've decided to take it upon myself to address what I have deemed,"The Slap Chapter."
First and foremost, I don't want anyone to think that I condone what Ian did. I don't. In fact, I don't condone any of the violence that takes place in the book. But from a creative and literary standpoint, certain things have to happen. The "slap" had to happen.
So. Why in the world did Ian slap Kate?
Here's a look from the author's perspective:
Let us first consider Ian's situation. He's a prisoner, dealing with less than adequate living conditions (and that's an understatement). He doesn't know how he got here or how long he's been here. He's scared and desperate, and even in those moments where he seems to be doing fine, readers can't forget that he isn't fine at all. Each time we leave that Pit with Kate, Ian stays put, lonely and full of despair, and more than likely longing for his mama. For us, as we travel through the novel--with only Kate's thoughts as our guide--it's easy to forget Ian from time to time. Out of sight, out of mind. But he's still there, and we have no idea what might be going on in his mind unless he vocalizes it to Kate.
Now, based on what I've just said, picture where Ian's emotions might be by the time the "slap" takes place. Three weeks have crawled past, as slow as molasses,(a little Breeder imagery for you there) and Kate has not returned as promised. In Ian's mind, which has already been tainted by a slow slide toward a claustrophobic kind of insanity, Kate has deserted him, and there is no hope. Because of this, he gives the phrase "pent-up anger" a brand new mascot.
So when Kate makes her appearance, all smiles as if only a day has passed since her last visit, Ian has already reached his breaking point. Due to this, he doesn't give her a chance to explain herself. In previous chapters, this side of Ian was foreshadowed, so his actions here are not so out of character. His moods shift so often from hope to frustration to despair--and everything in between--that Kate has no clue what she may find. Frankly, I think we should give Ian the benefit of the doubt. Of course, I know what's coming next... and you don't, so it's much easier for me to say that. :)
One conclusion I don't want readers to jump to is the idea that this is the beginning of a domestic violence situation. I can assure you, it isn't, and for the record, Ian is in no way justified for what he did. I've seen comments to the fact that Ian shouldn't have hit someone he cared about so much. The fact is, Ian shouldn't have hit anyone, period. But did he really care at this point in the novel? Although he and Kate have shared some moments and do development feelings for each other by the end, it's very hard to know how Ian feels about Kate by this chapter, so fixated he's been on gaining his freedom and getting home. Everything is filtered through Kate's mind. All we know is what she thinks and feels and what's in her heart. But she's confused as well by how Ian makes her feel versus what he says and does, and her confusion is only magnified when he finally reveals his true feelings for her.
And really, what I hope readers see, for the first half of the book anyway, is the friendship, albeit sometimes rocky, that develops between the two characters more than the romance.
Now, for the flip-side. Kate's reaction to the slap is much more significant than the slap itself. First, she's used to violence, even if, until recently, she's not been a target. And although it infuriates her, she isn't as surprised when Ian's hand springs out as she might have been otherwise. But the greatest insight I want readers to gain is that by the end of the chapter, she's managed to get the upper hand despite the slap, and her message is extremely clear: Ian's life is in her hands, and he'd better take a quick lesson.
The contrast is in the fact that Ian's violent, anger-filled desperation that causes him to strike out is heavily weighted against Kate's humility sprinkled with resolve. In that moment, she is angry, hurt, and slightly afraid, but she's also, resilient, compassionate and understanding of Ian's plight. She doesn't play the victim because she never has--even when she is most definitely the victim, mostly at Mona's hand. And let's not forget the rest of the chapter. The slap is miniscule compared to the forgiveness and mending that takes place in Kate and Ian's conversation afterward. And in this, we can see Kate's growth. Nothing breaks her. And the slap? It's never mentioned again by either one of them after the chapter ends. And it never happens again, either.
I haven't been able to decide whether I want readers to like Ian or not, but I suppose they will make up their own minds. Sometimes I don't like him myself, but most times, I love him. Because I know the real Ian underneath it all. The one I hope the rest of you will come to know and love even better by the end of the next book.
March 4, 2014
A letter from the author about Breeder
It has been quite interesting to see the different perspectives from my reading audience when it comes to my latest publication Breeder. The ratings have ranged from 5 to 2 stars, the average being 4s and 5s, but what I find most intriguing are the comments themselves. Some readers have loved everything about the book, while others have found some or all of it quite “disturbing.” I welcome both insights with open arms, as my goal in writing this book was to cause people to feel alarm, to long for a happy ending for the characters, and, if possible, to recognize the spiritual drought presented. As a reader myself, I understand that the like or dislike of a book can be attributed to so many things. But today, I want to share my insights on what I have seen from my reading audience.
Readers should be disturbed by the ways of the Village in:
1) The complete disdain or lack of regard for men.
2) The act of reproduction and the beauty of intimacy as a dreaded process where it would be revered and praised in another context.
3) Forced breeding
4) Imprisonment of an entire gender
5) Violence
6) Genocide/Selection (Survival of the fittest)
These should be gravely contrasted by the description of Eden as a place of:
1) Love
2) Home
3) Family
4) Child-raising
5) Marriage
6) Security
7) Respect for individual well-being
8) Sanctity of Life
It has been exciting to see the outpouring of opinions. I look forward to hearing more from my fans and followers in the coming months. Keep the good conversations flowing!!
Casey Hays
Readers should be disturbed by the ways of the Village in:
1) The complete disdain or lack of regard for men.
2) The act of reproduction and the beauty of intimacy as a dreaded process where it would be revered and praised in another context.
3) Forced breeding
4) Imprisonment of an entire gender
5) Violence
6) Genocide/Selection (Survival of the fittest)
These should be gravely contrasted by the description of Eden as a place of:
1) Love
2) Home
3) Family
4) Child-raising
5) Marriage
6) Security
7) Respect for individual well-being
8) Sanctity of Life
It has been exciting to see the outpouring of opinions. I look forward to hearing more from my fans and followers in the coming months. Keep the good conversations flowing!!
Casey Hays
February 15, 2014
Congrats!
Thanks to all who entered the Breeder giveaway, and congratulations to the fifteen winners. You will receive your autographed hardback copy in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, if you are interested in a light fun read, The Cadence is on sale for $4.99 (Kindle) and $13.00 (paperback) on Amazon.
I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day and received lots of LOVE. <3 Have a fantastic weekend and God bless!
Casey
In the meantime, if you are interested in a light fun read, The Cadence is on sale for $4.99 (Kindle) and $13.00 (paperback) on Amazon.
I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day and received lots of LOVE. <3 Have a fantastic weekend and God bless!
Casey
