What I Did for What I Did for Love

What I Did for Love was released yesterday by Bloodhound Books. And yes, the story is essentially about a pedophile. At least that's what we would label her in today's culture. A woman in her middle age who prefers younger men? Okay, to be more factual about it, she likes boys. Under a certain age. The age of consent. Amazon won't run the book trailer for that very reason.

Taboos, anyone?

So whatever got into me, the author, to write about such a terrible person? I'll tell you: Lolita. That's what filled me with the kind of twisted passion one needs to write a novel about a despicable person indulging a despicable obsession.

On the other hand, it wasn't hard to write this story. No more difficult than writing about a good woman with bills to pay, a difficult husband or child, a job that demands too much. A woman with a purpose, too often victimized by her environment, her own big heart. I have to admit, I don't write stories about those woman, God love 'em. Many writers do and that's a good thing.

I'm more interested in Lolita. The classic novel by Vladimir Nabokov is one of my favorites. Not just because the writing is incredible with some of the best descriptions of mid-twentieth century America, but also because Humbert Humbert is such a brilliant deviant. I enjoyed learning what made him tick. And tick he does, right up until the bloody end.

So I wondered what might happen if a woman were to pull a Humbert Humbert and prey upon/seduce an underage student. What then? I mean, in real life American schools, it happens. Female teachers get fired, some are arrested, for "partying" with their students.

As T.S. Eliot said, "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?"

Now I'm wondering what you'll think of Cathriona O'Hale…right up to the bloody end. Let me know!