In our second installment of Santa Wishes from Characters, we’ll hear from Zach and Leith from The River Leith.
As I reported the other day, I saw the following quote on All About the Writing:
It’s that glorious time of year when everyone whispers sweet nothings in Santa’s ear, hoping for a little extra something in their Christmas stocking. Fictional characters are no different.
So this is what I posed to my writer friends:
One of your characters is sitting on Santa’s lap, and whispers something in Santa’s ear. Who is it, and what did they say to ole Saint Nick?
(- See more at: http://www.allaboutthewriting.com/donna_j_cummings/2014/12/santa-baby.html#sthash.yzR7PW7c.dpuf)
Leith: Well, Santa, I’ve been a pretty good guy this year. And, all in all, I’m not sure what to ask for. Maybe Daggi’s cheese in my stocking and Zach in my bed. Otherwise, I’m pretty good right now. There was a time I would have asked for my memory back but I don’t know if I really want that. Part of me would like to remember the boxing championships and meeting Zach the first time, but another part of me is happy with how things are now and doesn’t want to rock the boat. What if remembering everything about boxing made me miss it more than I already do? What if remembering meeting Zach the first time somehow made our coming together again despite the odds less beautiful? If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s how to let go of the past. So I guess I’ll just keep moving forward. Oh, I know! I’d like to have a good idea for a career I’d love. If you’d drop that down my stocking along with that cheese, I’d be grateful. I’m not really into my studies and I feel like there’s something I should do instead. Maybe psychology? I could help people like Dr. Thakur helped me. Oh! And a puppy. I’d like a puppy, too. Just convince Zach that it won’t piddle in the house, okay?
Zach: Hello Santa! Aren’t you looking dashing all in red like that? *waggles brows* Now, let’s get down to business. *counts off on fingers* First, I’d like Leith in a sexy Santa suit, reclining back in my bed, surrounded by candles and fake snow. Second, I’d love to have a little extra time off to write a novel. I’ve been thinking about telling the story of when Leith and I first met. He’s wanted to know the details for awhile now and what better way? So could you drop an extra three hundred hours into the year for me? I’d absolutely love that! And lastly I’d love it if you convinced Leith that a puppy is a bad idea. Though the one he showed me from that rescue site was awfully cute…still, it’s an awful idea. Maybe talk him into a slightly older dog instead–one that’s already housetrained. And that’s all I’ve got! Signing off, Santa! Talk to you next year!
The River Leith is available now at:
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And now at KOBO.
After an injury in the ring, amateur boxer Leith Wenz wakes to discover his most recent memories are three years out of date. Unmoored and struggling to face his new reality, Leith must cope anew with painful revelations about his family. His brother is there to support him, but it’s the unfamiliar face of Zach, a man introduced as his best friend, that provides the calm he craves. Until Zach’s presence begins to stir up feelings Leith can’t explain.
For Zach, being forgotten by his lover is excruciating. He carefully hides the truth from Leith to protect them both from additional pain. His bottled-up turmoil finds release through vlogging, where he confesses his fears and grief to the faceless Internet. But after Leith begins to open up to him, Zach’s choices may come back to haunt him.
Ultimately, Leith must ask his heart the questions memory can no longer answer.
