Shattered Glass
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Questions? =D
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LenaLena
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Feb 14, 2012 07:15AM

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Than..."
Yeah, we haven't met Julian. But he's going to be pushing all of Darryl's buttons and making the brat very irritated. Which is just too much fun. I love Darryl all riled up!
Cai's letter was difficult to put out there because it's not edited and it may change, so I'm glad you liked it. I think people might need to get a good handle on Cai as I start writing it. He's definitely not Austin and he won't have the same voice. While parts of the story will be have humor (I can't not write humor), it will probably touch on a lot more angst and, I hope, be more romantic. Cai is an artistic soul. Riley is not. That will be both the humor and the angst.
Marleen wrote: "Oh you read Kate so well!"
Have I got her number then? \o/
Marleen wrote: "Oh you read Kate so well!"
:>
Moi? Somehow I developed a very undeserved evil reputation around here! Heh.
:>
Moi? Somehow I developed a very undeserved evil reputation around here! Heh.

I have no problems with going fan girl-mode, and your description of what to expect from Cai's and Riley's story makes me want to squeal. Humor and angst :D
And Cai's story can't not be romantic, he's soooo sweet :)

:>
Moi? Somehow I developed a very undeserved evil reputation around here! Heh."
*snort*

And Cai's story can't not be romantic, he's soooo sweet :)"
Cai is the only romantic character I have. I know Peter says he's romantic, and for him he probably is, but true romantic? That's Cai. Which is great for me because it lets me be more creative =D.
Kate Mc. wrote: "Marleen wrote: "Oh you read Kate so well!"
:>
Moi? Somehow I developed a very undeserved evil reputation around here! Heh."
Evil is bad? When did that happen? >8D
Lisa wrote: " can already tell Cai is special. Angst and romance fit him. Your characters are all so distinct. It already separates you from so many because I can tell you are not going to give us cookie cutter characters and storylines. I'm looking forward to seeing how you bring them together. I also like (and I won't say this correctly) how you wove in Cai being bipolar. It fits with the intense creativity of his character.
Darryl is a trip.... "
Thanks so much, Lisa. I think and wonder if sometimes I'm not so concentrated on my characters that the plot suffers. So it's great to hear they touched you. (or touched you...ifyouknowwhatimean.
And thank you for the compliment about Cai. I do worry that he'll be too intense for people. While I researched bipolar (disorder? - not sure that's a good word for people), I learned that it's very typical to lead a normal life, but that bipolar had affected their lives very strongly. Those are both things that are going to be explored in NSI as well as the influence it plays on the people in Cai's life.
PS: Darryl is a brat.
Btw, I'm trying to answer every post, but if I missed a question, please repost it, because I lose track really quickly while alt-tabbing and working on formatting =)

:>
Moi? Somehow I developed a very undeserved evil reputation around here! Heh."
Save it for the people who don't hang out with you 24/7 on Goodreads, Kate. Maybe they'll buy it.
PS: Darryl is a brat.
Please, please, please don't call him a brat 57 times in his book. And don't let Julian use Brat as a pet name or anything like that. It's one of the things that just totally kills the romance for me. I have a list, somewhere here on Goodreads (lord knows where) of all my pet peeves. If 'brat' isn't on there yet, it should be.

LOL oh no, it would never ever EVER be a nickname for Darryl. And that term would be ooc for Julian. Does your list (like mine) include "baby" "babydoll" "bitch" and "boy"?
I don't mind brat, but it's for me to use about my characters because they're younger than me and they're my boys, but no, love interests with weird nicknames don't work for me either. (hence why Austin only calls Peter: Peter Rabbit (twice I think) and not Rabbit as everyone else does) I do see how they work for others though. And that's totally okay.
Unfortunately, Austin will take a while to be weaned off the "Tinkerbelle" nickname, but I think when Darryl breaks his nose a few times (and possibly snaps a finger bone-not an impossible event), he'll learn his lesson =D.
I call Darryl a brat, but that's because I see inside him. To anyone else he's a very angry person, very guarded and has the possibility of being very, very violent. I doubt they'd risk that nickname.
Dani wrote: "Marleen wrote: "Please, please, please don't call him a brat 57 times in his book. And don't let Julian use Brat as a pet name or anything like that. It's one of the things that just totally kills ..."
Yes! Cutesy nick names are a big off button for me. I bet Darryl doesn't like you calling him a brat either, though. Probably brings out all his most hostile behavior, which, in the right context might be kind of fun to watch. :>
Poor Austin. He's soooo oblivious. However, I'd have a hard time giving up "Tinkerbelle" too!
Yes! Cutesy nick names are a big off button for me. I bet Darryl doesn't like you calling him a brat either, though. Probably brings out all his most hostile behavior, which, in the right context might be kind of fun to watch. :>
Poor Austin. He's soooo oblivious. However, I'd have a hard time giving up "Tinkerbelle" too!


Self-medicating was something I read and heard constantly while researching bipolar disorder. I don't think I met a single person while doing my research who didn't mention that first and foremost. Drugs, candy, alcohol and adrenalin rushes were the most common ways.
I will say that everyone I interviewed and corresponded with were so interesting and awesome. So I got a lot of cool things from it.
(view spoiler)

He does sometimes want to play stabbity with my eyes when I call him that, but then I conjure up a cute guy and I'm quickly forgotten =D.
And yes, poor Austin. It is fun to torture him though, isn't it? It got more difficult toward the end of the book, when his superficiality and assholeness started to fade. *sigh* Growth always ruins my fun.
Aiko wrote: "Can I add "pretty baby" to that list? Grown men should never call each other pretty baby."
I think I can see that some people like the kinky side of that. Everyone has their flavor of love. It's not my cuppa, but I can see how it might turn some people on?
Marleen wrote: "Thank you for putting my mind at ease. Yes, all those are on my list. Other things on my list are seeing several different layers of emotions in people's eyes (mind reading through iriscopy) and gr..."
Haha well I can't promise to follow all your list! I do like reading emotion in eyes. But I think, for me anyway, I always translate things like that in the way the eye crinkles at the edges, or hood half-mast or grow wide and glassy. Huh, I dunno if I actually have emotions in the eyes in SG (I've only read it 21 times-no exaggeration). I probably did, but I generally like to describe the other expressions that go along with a look. I definitely think you can read emotions in just the eyes though. =D It could be a fun project for another folder? Trying to read men's eyes just by that little glimpse of a picture LOL?

I do believe some emotions can be seen in peoples eyes, but there is a limit ^^ Some books have whole conversations just by looking into each others eyes ;)
I just saw this thread on my updates! I had to come and say. I so so so loved this book, just blown away.
Just so many things good things, most of which have already been covered here already. Austin's voice, was epic.
Other little things like the Ethiopian captain's name perfectly spelled, they Spanish just right. I really appreciate the care you put into this book. I lived in Ethiopia for years, and I am Dominican so those things stood out for me.
All the characters were so clear, so many shades to them. There was always more that I expected.
Just BRILLIANT! I am looking forward to the other stories. I cannot wait to get to know Cai more.
Just so many things good things, most of which have already been covered here already. Austin's voice, was epic.
Other little things like the Ethiopian captain's name perfectly spelled, they Spanish just right. I really appreciate the care you put into this book. I lived in Ethiopia for years, and I am Dominican so those things stood out for me.
All the characters were so clear, so many shades to them. There was always more that I expected.
Just BRILLIANT! I am looking forward to the other stories. I cannot wait to get to know Cai more.

I do bel..."
Yeah, I have this weird thing about "the older man" and "the blond" etc. So I get ya lol. It's distracting. I do think third person m/m is more difficult because of the constant pronoun use. It's a special skill to write it properly. I guess we'll find out if I do that with NSI, since the book only spoke to me in third and not in first.
Lisa wrote: "I'm actually doing a stupid happy dance in my head. I knew you researched I could tell, but it is so fantastic that you interviewed and got to know real individuals.
There were times when Peter ..."
LOL well I do comment this much. I love chatting and because I hole myself away for so long writing, I tend to become a chatterbox when I come out of that writer's den.
I'm a research fiend! One of my beta readers circled something about the Lacrosse Austin was watching. She said "I don't think they have Lacrosse on ESPN" and, yes, lol they did because I *hangs head in shame* looked up ESPN's schedule for the dates and times of whenever I used it in the story.
Oh gawd, it's so embarrassing to admit that HAHA. How completely anal is that?
And don't even get me started on the court hearings I watched and the doctors I contacted about bullets through the stomach. I even called my husband's brother, who's a GP here in Sweden and he had to contact a surgeon for me. (oh gawd, I can't stop typing. Make me stop!)
PS: Lisa, there were times they made me BONKERS. I know just how you feel.

Just so many things good things, most of which have already been covered here already. Aus..."
Wow thanks so much Laura! That's just awesome. I wondered if anyone would even notice that I researched Ethiopian names (which is why he is called Captain Ashanafi and not Captain Mengitsu.[sic?] - they don't get addressed in the same way as other cultures!) I hope I did it justice.
Did I just reveal AGAIN how anal I am about research? oO *facedesk*

Dani wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "I just saw this thread on my updates! I had to come and say. I so so so loved this book, just blown away.
Just so many things good things, most of which have already been cove..."
Reading books where it's so clear that it was meticulously researched, in this genre is nothing short of miraculous.
Mengistu spelling was just fine. It's funny because that is a very infamous name in Ethiopia. Mengistu Mekonnen was the head of the military junta who ruled Ethiopia in the 70s and 80s, which is known as the Red Terror. In Ethiopia peoples surnames are their father's first name, so when I read it, I was like NO WAY Mengistu???!! Which would been a real crazy plot twist :O)
This book however didn't need more of anything for me, it was just great like it was. Austin Glass is EPIC. What a narrator. If Philip Marlowe would have come back reincarnated as a gay immature ass, who is kind and of brilliant, and has with an even edgier sense of humor, Austin Glass would be it.
Just so many things good things, most of which have already been cove..."
Reading books where it's so clear that it was meticulously researched, in this genre is nothing short of miraculous.
Mengistu spelling was just fine. It's funny because that is a very infamous name in Ethiopia. Mengistu Mekonnen was the head of the military junta who ruled Ethiopia in the 70s and 80s, which is known as the Red Terror. In Ethiopia peoples surnames are their father's first name, so when I read it, I was like NO WAY Mengistu???!! Which would been a real crazy plot twist :O)
This book however didn't need more of anything for me, it was just great like it was. Austin Glass is EPIC. What a narrator. If Philip Marlowe would have come back reincarnated as a gay immature ass, who is kind and of brilliant, and has with an even edgier sense of humor, Austin Glass would be it.
Dani wrote: "Did I just reveal AGAIN how anal I am about research? oO *facedesk*
"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many books I've been thrown out of because something doesn't sound or feel quite right and then I have to go chase it down on the internet myself. If I can trust an author to be careful and honest with the little details, then I can willingly suspend disbelief and trust her to take me with her into her story. Much easier to pull off plot twists and keep me engrossed if that little inner voice isn't whispering suspicions in the back of my mind. :)
You may not think so, but those carefully researched bits show up in subtle ways and they add a lot of depth. DON'T feel guilty about checking stuff out!!!
"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many books I've been thrown out of because something doesn't sound or feel quite right and then I have to go chase it down on the internet myself. If I can trust an author to be careful and honest with the little details, then I can willingly suspend disbelief and trust her to take me with her into her story. Much easier to pull off plot twists and keep me engrossed if that little inner voice isn't whispering suspicions in the back of my mind. :)
You may not think so, but those carefully researched bits show up in subtle ways and they add a lot of depth. DON'T feel guilty about checking stuff out!!!

If we'd had a car, I'm not sure I wouldn't have. Though gunshots are almost unheard of here. I don't think I've read about someone being shot here in...er... ever? Wow. LOL I know it's happened in Stockholm, but damn these people do not know the full terror of bad neighborhoods.
Swedes are so lucky *glares at hubby for his perfect life*

"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many books I've been thrown out of beca..."
I'm glad it doesn't come across as too anal lol! I have to say it was fascinating to learn things as I went about writing.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Dani wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "I just saw this thread on my updates! I had to come and say. I so so so loved this book, just blown away.
Just so many things good things, most of which have alre..."
I did know it was a popular name, but I hadn't realized the history behind it. I was going for names that would be common. That's something I like too. Researching names has become sort of an interesting hobby for me, but more about their meanings and the way they relate culturally than the people who made history with those names. I'm not sure I would have chosen that name for the Cpt. if I knew that. I have this view of the Ethiopian people being very proud and very incorruptible. At least the ones coming to the US (yes, sigh, I'm so naive lol).
Also, Phillip Marlowe, YES-or Milo Sturgis (my favorite detective of any series or book-Jonathan Kellerman And he's GAY!)
Dani wrote: "Kate Mc. wrote: "Dani wrote: "Did I just reveal AGAIN how anal I am about research? oO *facedesk*
"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many books I've been t..."
Ethiopians are very proud and incorruptible people that is pretty good way to describe them. Only country in Africa that was never colonized, and they had a Monarchy! All the way to the 70s until Haile Salassie I was dethroned by the Junta.
I kept thinking of Philip Marlowe reading this novel, actually I kept thinking...This is modern Noir! This mystery was so driven by the character's personalities...Everything kept going back to them (view spoiler)
"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many books I've been t..."
Ethiopians are very proud and incorruptible people that is pretty good way to describe them. Only country in Africa that was never colonized, and they had a Monarchy! All the way to the 70s until Haile Salassie I was dethroned by the Junta.
I kept thinking of Philip Marlowe reading this novel, actually I kept thinking...This is modern Noir! This mystery was so driven by the character's personalities...Everything kept going back to them (view spoiler)

I know what you mean. I get chatty for a while and then I just need to back away from the computer before I type myself out. I'm reading SG again for the print version, so it's a good distraction.
Peter is a good distraction. Is it wrong to want to boink your own character creation? (He is the only one I'd do though. Austin is hot, but I spent so much time in his head, he's like a brother).
I did a lot of research on the Sunny Isles Florida and the Albanian/Russian mob. That was really fascinating stuff. And uh oh hint alert, will play a big part in NSI =D.
The Brianksy Boys mob was basically thought up from reading articles and stories on the Rudaj Crime family in NY. Fascinating stuff. And the Sunny Isles Florida "Little Moscow" gangster are very much a real thing. I definitely had fun researching them. Very violent gangs. Both the Russians and the Albanians. And reading about the clash between the Cosa Nostra and them was even cooler.

Just when I thought I couldn't get more excited about this book.

"
Stop that! It's a good thing when you're a writer. I can't tell you how many book..."
I'm so glad you felt that way. I realize flashbacks don't work for everyone. TBH Peter's description of that event was one of my favorite things about the book. His head is such an uncluttered mess. And he's so screwed up, but so put together at the same time. How that works I just don't know, but that's how I see him.

You are allowed to do what you want with your creations. I on the other hand relate a bit to much to Austin so no can't want him and there are parts to Cai I relate to too. Huh so far can't boink any of them...crap. Maybe Julian or Riley.
Did I see you say somewhere you might write Cai's mom's story (het?)?"
Be warned about the googling mob stuff, you can get caught up reading newspaper stories and wiki articles and the bibliography to wiki articles then websites and forums and omg, you'll emerge sometime four months later with glazed eyes and gnarled clicker fingers.
And yeah, I have a lovely story for Cai's mom I want to write eventually and Zhavra and, most especially, Angelica. I think they all deserve their HEA. I do have a difficult time with het, but I love strong women, so I think that's a good place to start.
Aiko wrote: "Dani wrote: "I did a lot of research on the Sunny Isles Florida and the Albanian/Russian mob. That was really fascinating stuff. And uh oh hint alert, will play a big part in NSI =D."
Just when I ..."
;)
And now I must retreat into my batcave because Cai needs to be written and I need to finish the paperback formatting lol.
=) I might return in a few hours. (I drank way too much coffee today!)

"
Certainly. I ..."
Just stopped in to say I love your book!!! Love love love :) And to say that we all have crush on Aleks as far as I know, welcome to the club and maybe you should prepare for a few crushes yourself!

ha ha ha. I finally figured out why I've run into so many people from Nordic countries on GR this winter. They're in..."
The army is growing Kate, mwahhahahahaha :)

I help glare!!!

I shall give in and edit it this week. *facedesk* I have l..."
Oh holy cow!!! Happy place happy place happy place....

I'll put it on my to-do list for when I'm writer's blocked with NSI!"
Five!

Thank you so much for your wonderful writing!!! Am off to re-read it now....

So do I. What bugs me is when we start reading layer after layer of emotions in the eyes. 'There was anger in his eyes, but behind that a touch of long-buried hurt and a smidgen of uncertainty and even a need for reassurance that he had been unable to communicate to anyone before'. And usually the 'eye reading' is done by some self centered SOB who wouldn't be able to communicate his way out of a paper bag, let alone read body language.

I actually reread SG yesterday! Couldn't wait any longer. I've entered a couple of my favourite quotes from the book onto goodreads incase anyone else wants to 'like' them:
The one where Peter says You and the one with Darryl and Tinkerbelle:
http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/...

Smart/creative people are such a turn on for me. >.>
Moekins13 wrote: "Just stopped in to say I love your book!!! Love love love :) "
Thank you so much! =) I appreciate it more than you could know.
Moekins13 wrote: "and maybe you should prepare for a few crushes yourself!"
@@
No, really, @@.
Moekins13 wrote: "Five! "
Vote tallied and added! =)
Moekins13 wrote: "Only I live in the far far south part of this giant penis shaped land, where minus 38 is a myth. Thank gods."
Ah yes, but all the lovely Swedish men make it worth it.
Moekins13 wrote: "Thank you so much for your wonderful writing!!! Am off to re-read it now.... "
=D Thank you so much for your lovely comments! (tag, you're it!) LOL.
Marleen wrote: "So do I. What bugs me is when we start reading layer after layer of emotions in the eyes. 'There was anger in his eyes, but behind that a touch of long-buried h..."
I can't even oh gawd LOL. You owe me a new keyboard. I'm going to remind myself not to read your posts while drinking water.
MandyM wrote: "I'll agree with everyone else about the character development and research. I love it that you're so anal about it. It's the characters that make your book so great."
It's good to hear that because I"m not sure I could stop my obsession with researching and development of my characters. I love it when they finally breathe and talk to me as I write. (well not to me. That would be crazy. They don't talk to me. I promise.)
>.>
<.<
MandyM wrote: "I actually reread SG yesterday..."
*cringe* Every time I reread it, I find an editing error. I'm not kidding when I say I've read it over 22 times now. I'm actually reading it again too lol. And that Darryl comment is one of my favorites. \o/
Wait. Is it wrong to have favorite lines in your own book? LOL

I also think Cai is the best and can't wait for his story! *joins Aiko in slight fan girl squealing*
And I agree totally about the research! So nice not to have to Google and you incorporate it so well! When reading it was so nice to have all the information without it feeling like only information. Not sure if I explain it so well, sorry! But I swear I know what I mean :). It is definitely not too anal (snicker snicker) to check facts and so on many times.
Tag you're it now!

And Swedish men are definitively pretty. See! I'm not being all rivalry-mode or anything! It's so freaking ingrained in my bones to compete with swedes that it almost hurt to write that, no matter how true it is ^^




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