Leta Blake

author. human. working hard to become stellar at life.

novella

Trans* Research: Knowing The Story #trans* #writing

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So, I’ve been working on what I envisioned as a rather simple, summer love novella with a Trans* MC. I wanted her Trans* identity to be secondary to the love story.

However, as I’m researching, and reading compelling things like THIS ARTICLE, I find myself tempted to make the story something I hadn’t intended. I thought, “Oh, I could have the MC volunteer in the city, working with trans*people who aren’t in as good a situation as she is in.”

And I still might, but if I do that, I have to make sure the book doesn’t get preachy, because that was never, ever, ever the point of what I wanted to write.

So, yes, I have to know my story. That is imperative when writing.

By the way, that’s a good article up there. Check it out!

Writer Wednesday: Winter Chill by Aria Grace & J.J. Hunter

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What are your names? And tell us a little about yourselves?
I: My name is Indie Walker and I’m a freshman and Plymouth State University. I play for the basketball team and am studying business.This is my roommate and best friend Daniel Barnes.  Daniel is one of the rising stars of the wresting team.
D: Well, rising star is a bit generous but we’ve had a good season. I haven’t declared a major yet but my dad wants me to take over his construction business one day so I’ve been taking business classes. Although, I like the accounting classes so I might focus there. There have been a lot of changes in my life this year so I’m not sure yet about career directions.

 

How did you meet? Was it love at first sight?

I: Oh, um, well, we’ve been roommates for the past 7 months and only recently took it, um, well further.
D: What he means is that although we were best friends, it took us a while to come out to each other. We aren’t fully out at school but some of our close friends and family know we’re together. I’m glad it wasn’t love at first sight because I think we’re closer having built a friendship first. He knows all my secrets and still…loves me. It’s pretty awesome.

 

If it wasn’t love at first sight, what changed?

 

I: For me, it changed when I realized that I always wanted to be with him. After a cold weekend and a few great days hanging out together, when we were finally separated it sucked. I couldn’t eat or sleep or function without him. I guess that sounds stupid.
D: Same for me. I was more worried about what my dad would think than what I wanted so I tried to distance myself from Indie but I couldn’t. The pull to him was unlike anything I’ve ever felt.


What is your best & worst qualities? What about his?

I: My worst quality is that I spend too much time in my head. Analyzing situations and thinking the worst. I need to stop that. My best, I dunno. Maybe my jump shot?
D: You’re such a dork. Your best quality is that you’re caring of others above yourself. That might also be your worst. My worst is definitely that I care too much about what other people think. But, I’m getting over that. My best…probably my abs.

 

If you could have one wish come true, what would it be and why?

I: I think mine already has. I never expected to fall in love and be so happy. I’m not sure what else I’d ask for.
D: You stole mine. But, I’ll take it even further. I think my wish is that we’ll be able to live freely without worrying about what other people think of us. I want everyone to be as happy as we are, but even if they aren’t I wish they would stop trying to interfere with our happiness.

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Aria, tell us a little about yourself!

I am a brand new author, just trying to figure out the ins and outs of storytelling. I have a long way to go before I’m great but my fans have been so supportive and encouraging that I am always so excited to publish the next book. I live in California with my husband and family. We like  outdoor sports and swimming with the dogs. When I’m not writing or with the kids, you can usually find me curled up around my ipad reading one of 500 books in my TBR list.

 

What makes your current offering a different and compelling read?

 

This book is different because it was a collaboration with another new author. He really inspired much of the story and made the descriptions much more vivid than I could have come up with. I think most people will agree that it’s the best one I’ve put out so far. Hopefully, we’ll be collaborating again because it was a really fun process.


What is the most rewarding aspect of writing and/or publishing? The most terrifying/frustrating?

The most rewarding part of self-publishing is the instant gratification. I can finish a book, have it formatted and be seeing sales within 3 days. It’s a pretty amazing process. The most terrifying part is getting feedback from readers. In general, readers have been very supportive and most feedback has been constructive. However, getting a really bad review or being called out on an error that you agree with is humbling and can create some doubt about whether I should keep doing it. But, all in all, it’s been so much fun to create characters and situations that can provide some happiness and entertainment for readers. My promise to every reader is that I’m actively trying to get better with every book so if you stick with me…it’ll be worth the ride.

 

Winter Chill: Novella of First Time Love 

Indie Walker started college with a basketball scholarship and a plan to stay focused on his studies. His roommate and best friend, Daniel, is one of the most popular guys on the wrestling team. When a power outage during a winter storm forces them to get closer than ever before just to survive the night, their relationship changes forever. Neither are gay but the physical chemistry they have is undeniable. Unfortunately, Daniel’s issues at home might be too severe for them to overcome.

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