When the idea for the CJ series began to take form in my mind, it was never meant to be a coming of age story about CJ. César was meant to be the main character. I wanted to explore how a father and son, both gay, would relate to each other, and to a circle of mostly gay friends.

Although the little bastard stole the limelight, and my heart along with it, the original intent is still very much at the center of the stories. A group of gay friends, unapologetic for their sexuality, interacting in a way not often seen in gay literature. Instead of placing the story in a small town, Washington, DC serves as the primary location for the events being related.

My guys will not hide behind the old ‘my sexuality is private’ line, so often employed by closeted men. They’re willing to show their affection for each other, in private and in public, without shame. Although people tend to align themselves with others with similar traits, the men of CJ are varied. And not only based on ethnicity, religion, or economic status. Monogamy, cheating, drugs, bisexuality and group sex are all part of the story, as they are a part of real life.

This is also not a purely romantic story, romance is part of it but melodrama is not. Or an adventure story, even though a couple of cliffhangers along the way may leave you panting, and ready to kill the bloody author. In the end, it’s still what I initially set out to write. The life and times of a bunch of guys who happen to be gay. And their sexuality most definitely affects how they live their lives.

Winter, the third installment, will begin posting on 1 January 2016. Everyone should by now know part of the story will take place in Australia, with JP, Tom, César, Brett, and CJ spending Christmas and welcoming 2014 there. Their trip will be seen almost entirely from CJ’s point of view; his reactions to the places they visit, and the people they, meet will predominate. There’ll be a few new characters, and a couple of them will stick around long term.

I look forward to hearing what readers like and don’t like. I do pay attention, and more than once, your comments have influenced future events. So please, don’t be shy about telling me what you think. The good, the bad, and the ugly―I want to hear it all!