It's the one we've all be waiting for! I'm going to interview Jared Douglas, from Our December on Saturday Feb 19. I need questions. Jared is coming along, so we can ask him anything. Stop by my personal blog or my Goodreads blog and leave a question. What do you want to know? Go on, you know you wanna :) .
Keep in mind I will be talking to 20 year old post Our December Jared.
The Making of a Man series features a fast food style restaurant that I totally made up. The Greasy Dog. The 2nd book in the series, A Place to Run releases soon (March is soon! no really ;P) and The Greasy Dog is featured again. I also made up the name "Greasy Pounder, " the for the star of the menu. While a "Greasy Pounder" may not sound all that yummy. It's based on a fine Southern tradition that is indeed very yummy. (Please note "Southern" referrs to the Southern USA all states below the Mason-Dixon line. You see that Florida fails at being a Southern state, this is due to all the transplanted Northerners hiding from snow)
And back to my point. It's Recipe time! So you can appreicate, along with Alex, Clark and to a somewhat lesser degree Jared, the yum that is the Greasy Pounder!
A Visual of the finished product:
(please note the professional use of the word Weenie in the description, I do not know what WV is. I borrowed this graphic from a defunt website.)
I'm lazy so feel free to replace my prepackaged items with homemade.
You'll need
Hotdogs (pick your fav. They like the red ones here and yick ok? give me a good ol' Oscar Myer)
Hot dog buns (please don't buy enough to make the buns and hot dogs even out)
a picnic size cole slaw from KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken, lazy remember?)
A can of Amour Chili without beans
Mustard (the yellow cheap kind)
chopped onions (grocery stores do this for you, don't be cheap)
Butter (yes real butter, it's not called the greasy pounder for nothing)
Preperation:
Melt butter in skillet, put in hot dogs cook until hot (you'll have to keep turnin' 'em they'll blister)
While hot dogs are cooking, toast hot dog buns and butter them
put bun on plate
put hot dog on bun
add mustard, chili, coleslaw and onions (order of ingredients is a personal matter I like it this way)
Sometimes I leave off the slaw and add cheese instead, if you do this add chese to the "need" list.
if you aren't going to eat it right then (I don't know why you wouldn't, but whatever) wrap the finished dog in foil or waxed paper. close tightly to keep in steam. Not sure where you are taking it but don't wait until it's cold to eat it. Anything with Greasy in the name should be eaten hot.
There you go, a nice new recipe and a lesson in USA Geography aren't you glad you came?
When Alex agreed to the interview he suggested we meet at the bowling alley, but it’s always so noisy and busy there I suggested Greasy Dog instead. Needless to say he jumped on it.
So that’s where I am and I have to admit I’m a little nervous about doing this. I don’t think the questions I was given to ask are out of line or anything but Alex is and you never know where a sixteen year old’s mind is going to go. I bought myself a coke and settled into a corner booth. I have a notepad and pen, my tape recorder, and my list of questions.
A few minutes later a young man comes in, his dark curls frame an engaging face and his smile, when he greets the girl at the counter, is radiant. It’s Alex and unexpectedly at his side is Jared. He is quite a bit taller than Alex and not smiling. My nerves kick up a notch. I wasn’t expecting protective Jared to attend the interview, but on retrospect it seems silly that I didn’t. Now I’m only surprised that they didn’t bring Clark along as well. Once they’ve got their food they join me at the booth, settling across from each with a bright red tray loaded with food in front of him. Alex grins at me, a smile that’s bright enough to fry the brain cells of anyone. It’s rather incredible how it transforms his appearance.
“Hope you don’t mind that Jared came.” Alex flashes a look of fond tolerance at the tall young man beside him. Jared’s expression is gentle when he meets Alex’s eyes, but when he looks at me it’s clear he’s staying.
“I thought it’d be a good idea.” Offering his point of view Jared smiles and settles back into the corner of the booth opening his hot dog. “Just pretend I’m not here.” I’m afraid my smile is a little tight; pretending Jared isn’t there is like pretending there’s not an elephant in the room.
“It’s fine.” I lie, and then add “I understand” which is not a lie. Alex is munching on his fries.
“Are we going to start now?” He asks looking at my paraphernalia with obvious curiosity.
“Sure. So, is this OK?” I motion at the recorder.
“Okay by me.” Alex takes a drink of his soda and settles back his eyes are fixed on me, but he’s turned slightly towards Jared and I’m sure their knees are touching under the table. At their most casual they are always aware of each other. I switch on the recorder, glance down at my list of questions, and begin.
Dee: This first question is from Lori, she asks if you are going to date other people when you go to college. Have you and Jared talked about this? (Jared looks amused and takes a sip of his Coke his attention on Alex)
Alex: (shifts in his seat) Oh, we talk about it. We talk about me being away at high school too, but I’m not going to see other people.” (He tosses a defiant look in Jared’s direction. Jared cocks a brow at him but refrains from comment. )
Dee: I sense a disagreement? (I’m looking at Jared. His lips thin. He’s not happy.)
Jared: It’s his interview. (He gestures at Alex making it clear he’s not open to questions today. That’s okay, he’s next. I make a note)
Dee: Alex?
Alex: (shrug)
Dee: I see this is a touchy subject, let’s move on. (Alex relaxes a little. If he could see the rest of my list, he’d run.) Several people are curious about your family’s reaction to you being gay. Lori and Karen both ask about your father. Were you surprised by his acceptance of your sexual orientation? (If the question bothers Alex I can’t tell. He takes another bite of his hot dog looking thoughtful)
Alex: I was surprised he figured it out. I really didn’t think he was paying attention but Dad’s pretty calm about stuff. So I guess his reaction wasn’t surprising, he’s always coming through when other Dads get all bent out of shape.
Dee: OK, then what about his interaction with Jared. Did that surprise you? How do you feel about how well they get along, that is actually one of RD’s multitude of questions.
Alex: (laughs and glances at Jared again) Dad making friends with Jared really surprised me, I guess it’s a good thing, but I feel double teamed sometimes, you know? Like there’s Team Adults and Team Me, but it’s better than some guys get. I’m not complaining. (There’s a rude snort from the corner, Alex and I look toward Jared but he’s innocently looking out the window into the parking lot.)
Dee: It’s awesome how cool things are with your Dad. That’s a support a lot of people never get, but what about your mom? Have you told her yet? Do you think it’ll be okay when you do?” (Alex’s entire demeanor changes. He’s more serious, sitting straighter. He pushes his tray away. Jared turns from the window to look at Alex. His concern is evident but he doesn’t interfere.)
Alex: No I didn’t tell Mom yet. She’s not going to like it much, but I guess it’ll be okay. She’ll just have to get used to it and there’s Jared, who doesn’t love him right? (He chuckles but his heart isn’t in it.)
Dee: I’m sorry to hear that Alex, but I’m sure with your Dad and Jared on your side it’ll work out. Let’s move on this next one is interesting, Adam wants to know who is the last person you disappointed? (Alex shifts in his seat and glances down at the table. I expect a flash of his smile and a glib answer, but perhaps he hasn’t regrouped from the last question. He looks up his expression earnest)
Alex: Me.
Dee: You disappointed yourself?
Alex: (shrugs)It happens a lot. I want to be like Jared or my dad, but you know I got a long way to go. (He rubs the back of his neck, reminding me of the tattoo there.)
Dee: Can I see it? (His smile flashes)
Alex: Sure. (He turns, and the tattoo is easily visible since he’s wearing a T-shirt. Stark black lines on his pale skin.)
Dee: So how’d you manage that, at 15? (I’m off track of my questions but I can’t pass up the chance to find this out)
Alex: (laughs) You’re kidding right? This is a college town anyone can get a tattoo if they want it bad enough.
Dee: (cringes) Oh that sound…hygienic.
Alex: you asked (he leans his shoulder briefly against Jared) It was worth it.
Dee: It was an unusual way to let your parents know how you felt, and made a big impression on your dad. RD wonders if that made your first conversation with your dad about being gay any easier.
Alex: (blushes) Who wants to talk to their parents about sex?? Dad looked up safe sex for homosexuals on the internet. I had to talk to my Dad about condoms and lube and oh my God it was awful. (Alex is fire engine red at the memory and buries his face in his arms) I never want to do that again. (His voice is muffled. Jared laughs and roughs a hand through Alex’s hair.)
Jared: You’re lucky.
Alex: (sitting up Alex shrugs and ducks his head away from Jared’s petting) Yeah I know. Just geez, you know? (Jared chuckles and returns to his texting)
Dee: So aside from being the most embarrassing moment in your life, it went well?
Alex: Yeah, Dad’s cool. He wants me to be safe. Happy. But safe.
Dee: So I have a few questions that are a little more personal, are you ready for those?
Alex: Sure I like to talk about Jared. (He beams)
Dee: (laughs) Okay we’ll start with an easy one. RD wants to know what you like most about Jared, aside from his character.
Alex: His ass. (He deadpans)
Dee: (Chokes)
Jared: (chokes and tries to pretend he’s not listening)
Alex: (still dead serious) His hands. Holy fu…cow you seen his hands? (Alex shifts in his seat, his face flushed and his thoughts obviously not on the interview)
Dee: (laughs a little embarrassed) Well, that leads naturally into RD’s next question. She wonders if your vision for where you want to be in ten years progressing at all.
Alex: (sighs there’s a hint of a pout) Since I’m only about a year into it, and Jared’s stubborn as heck, not so much. I’m sure you can imagine.
Dee: Well, apparently RD can, she asked if you’re suffering blue balls yet.
Alex: You mean that’s not what color they’re supposed to be? (I burst out laughing. Jared chokes off a laugh and pulls Alex into a kiss.)
His hand on Alex’s face. No wonder just the thought of those hands distracted Alex, strong callused fingers splayed on his jaw, thumb on the other side. The kiss is brief and Alex leans in eager for more when Jared pulls back. Gentle hands grip Alex by the arms and set him away, but I glimpse Jared’s eyes and the fact he’s in control of the raw lust burning there amazes me. Stubborn doesn’t begin to describe it; he must have a will of iron. Jared’s hands linger on Alex. The hunger in his expression eases, transitioning into something else without losing intensity. He loves Alex with fervor equal to his desire. I shouldn’t be jealous but I am. Everyone dreams of being loved like that.
Dee: (clears throat) Alex?
Alex: (looks dazed) huh? (Clearly not into the interview at this moment. I shift the focus of the interview a little in an effort to distract him.)
Dee: We know you’d like to be an architect, RJ asked if you really see yourself working with Jared in the future. (Alex looks at me his expression one of wistful determination)
Alex: Work with him? He’s the only thing I see in my future. (Jared shifts but refrains from interrupting) Jared doesn’t like me to say that, but it’s true. I want to be an architect, but he’s my future. I’m going to work with him and one day I’m going to marry him. (His mischievous look tells me he’s aware of how uncomfortable he’s making Jared, but at the same time he’s dead serious)
Dee: Wow, that’s an interesting answer brings us a full circle to the beginning of our interview and another school question. RD mentions how much time you guys spend apart. Does the impact of all that time apart worry you? (Alex looks surprised by the question)
Alex: Worry? Well no, should it? I mean there’s nothing we can do and there’s still college. If we can’t survive that there’s not much point. (He frowns) Am I supposed to worry?
Dee: (I feel kind of bad. It’s obvious the idea of doubting Jared never entered his mind. I hope I haven’t inadvertently planted the idea.) No of course not, it’s just most people do, that’s all. (his hand touches the tattoo again and I see it’s become something of a talisman for him)
Alex: Most people don’t have Jared.
Dee: That’s certainly true. I have one more question for you. Don wonders how you knew you were in love with Jared given your age and lack of experience. (He and Jared go perfectly still. I suddenly doubt the wisdom of throwing the L word out there between them)
Alex: Love. Well, you know we don’t…um I mean it’s not. (Jared reaches over and takes his hand.)
Jared: He knew because he’s a genius. (Alex beams)
Dee: (laughs) So I’ve heard, I think that does it. Thank you for your time, Alex. And Jared. I’ll see you in a couple weeks?
“Sure, I’ll be here, well maybe we can do the Skyline or something?” his reluctance to return to the hotdog stand makes me laugh.
“Sounds good, I’ll call somewhere for reservations.” I get to my feet as the boys slide out of the booth..
“I’m staying home.” Alex laughs. “This is embarrassing.” I can’t argue with that there were some uncomfortable moments, but only because he was so honest with me.
“It was a good interview, thanks Alex.” He grins and even at his age it makes my knees week. I don’t know how Jared does it. He grabs Jared by the hand.
“No problem, see you later!” and with a wave over the shoulder they’re gone. The place is emptier without Alex’s energy and Jared’s steady presence. They’re good guys. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Jared.
It seems a lot of people are sharing some short free reads out there and I have a few things in my folder. The thing is they aren't necessarily m/m or even romance at all. My brain goes odd places sometimes, take this very short werewolf story I wrote. (Please do not read if you want something serious, thanks)
It's Like, OMG, SO Totally Cool!
by: Diane Adams
It’s the craziest thing. My best friend, Sam, is a werewolf. Swear to God, I’m not kidding! I saw him change!
“Sam, you should totally bite me so I can be wolfy with you.” I tried to convince him to let me join his fun, but he bulked.
“No,” Hmmm, that was abrupt, but he doesn’t like for me to look unhappy so I tried my best pout, he didn't relent. “Even if I would change you, I can’t. It doesn’t work that way.”
“Oh, poop! Then how does it work? How did you get to be one? Do you only change when the moon’s full? I read Charlaine Harris, I know about supes.” Supes are supernatural beings, just in case someone is wondering. Not everyone knows stuff like I do. I think Sookie is freaking awesome, she knows all those vamps and were’s, and now I can be just like her. A friend of the pack and crap!
“Can I meet your leader?” I asked trying to be calm, and not mind too much that so far Sam hadn’t answered any of my questions. “I can help. I can go out when you can’t and…” Sam looked at me weird.
“That’s vamps, stupid.” He cut me off, “vamps can’t do business in the day. Geez, would you give it a rest already? I’m not taking you to the leader. You aren’t going to be a werewolf or a ‘friend of the pack', where in the hell do you get ideas like that?” He didn’t give me time to answer, to explain about Sookie. Well ok she can read minds, and I can’t, but why sweat the small stuff? I wasn’t exactly a stacked-house either, at just past 14 I hadn’t quite fulfilled the promise of womanhood, but I would, soon, I just needed a bit more time. I tried to pay attention to Sam, really. He’s so negative all the time. I don’t understand why he’s so disgruntled with being a werewolf, I mean it’s not as cool as being a vamp, but it’s the next coolest thing ever.
Tonight there’s another full moon. I could stay and watch him change, it’s so hot. Sam is not all that great to look at, he’s got a big nose and his hair is way too shaggy...
“OMG! Sam, you have wolf hair, that’s why it’s so shaggy and out of control! And do you know how big a wolf you are when you change? I mean, well, ok, you aren’t all that big, sorta medium sized, but you’re young and so you’ll get bigger. That’s what you told me about, well you know (his equipment is not very impressive, he says it’ll grow. I wonder if that’s true…) Oh, but you have some really big pointy teeth! Are you sure you can’t make me a wolf? Do you ever have sex, you know like that?”
This narrative has been interrupted by Sam.
Good news, I ate her.
The End
Win a .pdf copy of Our December. Just leave a comment and New Year's Eve I'll draw toss you all in a hat and draw out some lucky person! I'll post the announce the winner New Year's Day. Don't forget to let me know how to contact you :)
The day is finally here! It's Christmas and Our December is available at Silver Publishing! It's the first time I've had a book published, short stories just aren't the same. I'm nervous and excited. I think this is the best Christmas ever! And now, I'm pleased to introduce Jared and Alex in Our December.
Sometimes two people fit together so well it seems their love was preordained, as if every step taken led inevitably to a happy ending. Deeply in love, Jared and Alex are such a couple, but the path to true and lasting love is rarely smooth. At 15 being gay isn't the best thing that ever happened to a guy. In fact, Alex Ross thinks it's down right scary. Then he meets 20 year old construction worker Jared Douglas, and Alex starts to think the gay thing might not be so bad after all.
The attraction between them is intense, but mindful of Alex's age Jared is determined to keep the sparks from igniting. The stress of controlling his feelings makes it almost a relief when Alex's father ships him off to prep school. Jared expects Alex to forget him and find a boy friend his own age; he doesn't anticipate how much it will hurt. When Alex comes home for Christmas, just turned 16 with his heart on his sleeve, Jared knows he can't continue to keep everything he feels a secret.
As if Christmas isn't exciting enough, this year it's also the release date of my first book! I can't wait for everyone to meet Jared and Alex. This is the most fun I've had looking forward to Christmas since I was a kid!
Sometimes two people fit together so well it seems their love was preordained, as if every step taken led inevitably to a happy ending. Deeply in love, Jared and Alex are such a couple, but the path to true and lasting love is rarely smooth. At 15 being gay isn't the best thing that ever happened to a guy. In fact, Alex Ross thinks it's down right scary. Then he meets 20 year old construction worker Jared Douglas, and Alex starts to think the gay thing might not be so bad after all.
The attraction between them is intense, but mindful of Alex's age Jared is determined to keep the sparks from igniting. The stress of controlling his feelings makes it almost a relief when Alex's father ships him off to prep school. Jared expects Alex to forget him and find a boy friend his own age; he doesn't anticipate how much it will hurt. When Alex comes home for Christmas, just turned 16 with his heart on his sleeve, Jared knows he can't continue to keep everything he feels a secret.
Pre-order now from Silver Publishing: Our December
