I used to write mainstream heterosexual romance, but while I often received requests for partials and praise for my voice, style, etc., the consensus was always that something was missing. Heidi: I started writing gay romance before I read it. Can you tell us why and how you got here? Recently, a friend asked me why so many women write M/M romance. Mary: There's a book out called Why Straight Women Love Gay Romance. And who better than sweet Kelly to draw him out? He never stood a chance. So I think that "change" is basically his slow reveal of himself. He was so used to his own walls he never thought it'd be his own heart tearing them down. I think Kelly broke through his thick skin because Walter didn't think he had to protect against it. For Walter I think it just became so hard to grow up in a house without functioning, loving relationships, especially so since he's naturally loving and protective. I think we all do this in our own way when we feel vulnerable: We find something to hide behind so people don't see the real us.
In my head he was always the romantic, protective soul, but the Lothario act/image was both a front and a protective shield. Next to Randy Jansen (from Double Blind), he's probably one of my favorite characters, and I often refer to him as Randy's white-collar cousin, so I suspect they ARE the same character. Mary: Heidi, how hard was it to turn Walter, the charming Casanova, into a romantic, protective soul? It was gradual to me and fun to watch. It's sweet and funny, and Heidi writes sexual tension exceptionally well. It felt as though Heidi let me in on a little secret, watching the wall around Walter's heart crumble before he realizes it's happening. In the end it's Kelly who is brave enough to convince Walter that they are a couple. When Walter explains the metaphors he sees in that movie in an intelligent way, Kelly is even more smitten. Kelly introduces Walter to Disney movies, and Walter shows Kelly Fight Club. Some of my favorite scenes are Kelly and Walter sharing their favorite movies. It was refreshing to see Walter try to resist temptation while Kelly was doing everything in his power to seduce Walter, including threats to pick up anyone just to get lucky. Kelly lets himself want Walter, but Walter surprises both of them by refusing Kelly on the grounds that Kelly deserves better.
Kelly blooms under Walter's guidance and friendship.
0 kommentar(er)
