Dignity - a novel by AC Benus

[Lisa]

I got Lyle!!!! Check out Leon Thomas, also from Victorious! He is hot, hot, hot!!!! And he plays such a great guy on the show; it wouldn't be any stretch for him to play Lyle.

 

Sterling Knight (yes, I read about his sibs, lol), used to be on Sonny with a Chance with Demi Lovato. He sang and acted. He also sang and acted in some Disney movie a few years back. I always thought he was a little hottie. lol

 

And did you see Avan shirtless?? lol One episode of Victorious had him shirtless. Yum. lol

 

And I SWEAR I am NOT a perv!!!!! 

[Former Member]

Wiki says Leon Thomas is 20 now, but he looks a lot younger. We need someone who seems mature when paired against Jack.

[Former Member]

Ok, for Lyle - how about Corbin Bleu..?

 

http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/tv/files/2013/03/corbin-bleu.jpg

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia1.onsugar.com%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F11%2F18%2F817%2Fn%2F1922398%2F273009356ae72591_thumb_temp10906271384799092%2Fi%2FCorbin-Bleu-Interview-Dancing-Stars-Video.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2FCorbin-Bleu-Interview-Dancing-Stars-Video-32520535&h=550&w=550&tbnid=CrQanJEVtmI2XM%3A&zoom=1&docid=Gmz-QuOWeDh-gM&ei=eXu0U-iyDojK8wHdyIDwDg&tbm=isch&ved=0CFgQMygcMBw&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=292&page=2&start=19&ndsp=35

[Former Member]

OR for Lyle - the gorgeous Eka Darville

 

 

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/eka_darville/pictures/

 

http://theoriginalscw.com/eka-darville-cast-as-diego-on-the-originals/

 

http://s13.photobucket.com/user/DCform2/media/After%20the%20Power%202/Spartacus/Ep%205/spartacusBAS-1x5-ed6.jpg.html

[Former Member]

Thanks to everyone who has read the book and offered support in the form of 'likes' or reviews. I appreciate all of your input.  

[Lisa]

I have Simon up on Word as we speak, err, write.

 

Boy, Corbin Bleu really got old! lol I remember him as a fresh-faced teen in the High School Musical movies.

 

He would be good. That Eku guy would be good too. I never heard of him or saw him before.

[Former Member]

Eka was the one of the stars of Spartacus, season 1.  He was so touching and believable as one of the gladiator's partners.

[Former Author]

I wanted to point out something that I find interesting and I totally guilty of it myself.

I have been reading a lot of the posts on this forum, especially the 'who does this character' look like.

I find it interesting that when we are crafting characters who typically are very average-looking individuals, we usually base them on extremely good-looking people. I am not saying this is a good or bad thing. Just something to think about.

[Former Member]

I never got around to posting who I think is a great actor for Jack's role. When I first showed Lisa (and LISA feel free to chip in now, lol), she replied that he was not very interesting looking, and i said "I know!" Jack is somewhat ordinary, and an average teen. Plus the guy i have in mind can act, and act brilliantly. That's the main thing on choosing any actor for a role. 

 

I will have to dig up some links...stay tuned, plz   

Edited July 30, 2014 by AC Benus

[Lisa]

I never got around to posting who I think is a great actor for Jack's role. When I first showed Lisa (and LISA feel free to chip in now, lol), she replied that he was not very interesting looking, and i said "I know!" Jack is somewhat ordinary, and an average teen. Plus the guy i have in mind can act, and act brilliantly. That's the main thing on choosing any actor for a role. 

 

I will have to dig up some links...stay tuned, plz   

 

It is true that for an average-looking teenage character, the actor portraying him/her should be the same. I just picture Jack as pretty adorable - after all, doesn't Linc call him beautiful? And when I picture actors, I only think of the hot ones.

 

 

 

 

I wanted to point out something that I find interesting and I totally guilty of it myself.

 

I have been reading a lot of the posts on this forum, especially the 'who does this character' look like.

 

I find it interesting that when we are crafting characters who typically are very average-looking individuals, we usually base them on extremely good-looking people. I am not saying this is a good or bad thing. Just something to think about.

 

Bryce, I saw your listing in your forum started by AC (), and I have to look up every single actor/actress! lol In fact, besides Glee and Sky HIgh, I don't think I've heard of any of the other movies/TV shows.

[Former Member]

If I were casting the role of Jack Shaw/Sean Holms today, I would already be biased to hand the job over to this young man: Nick Robinson.

 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-De4OKJVTKSg%2FUzQOPnZcZOI%2FAAAAAAABcic%2FS5dSiXr5fkg%2Fs666%2FSlimane-Homotography-08NickRobinson.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tattoodonkey.com%2F-homotography-blogspot-com-2010-02-model-spotlight-parker-hurley-html%2Fimg203.imageshack.us*img203*48*hurley2.png%2F&h=666&w=500&tbnid=pWfGJXalkWCFhM%3A&zoom=1&docid=DxjwaI08yuG5rM&ei=d8vaU4OVMsKxyAS13YLICw&tbm=isch&ved=0CGcQMygrMCs&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1279&page=2&start=20&ndsp=30

 

He is a fine actor and I can see him pulling off this tough role with aplomb. My introduction to him came by watching an episode of Boardwalk Empire. He stole the show, even though he was pitted against Steve Buscemi, who is arguably one of America's finest actors for his subtly of portrayal. I feel confident that if the writers had somehow known the amazing talent this young man could bring to the part, they would have made his character a permanent one on the series. Check out this clip of an interview with him promoting his first movie, Kings of Summer:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxzXxvgcV98

 

As I have said before, to me Jack looks like this too. He is an average kid, and it is his spirit that makes people fall in love with him. But, I also think Nick is adorable! I will not lie…

 

So let me know what you think!

 

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Nick+Robinson/MSN+Wonderwall+ChefDance+Day+3+2013+Park+City/0bPDCCT_BJz      

 

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3617958912/nm3538718?ref_=nm_ov_ph

 

http://voice-of-film.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-of-film-kings-of-summer-q-with.html

 

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Nick+Robinson/Toy+House+Portraits+2013+Sundance+Film+Festival/gu_bAD8CFOX

[Headstall]

Made it to Chapter 11 so far...very well written and filled with emotion for the characters and for me...Think i will take a break...good job AC....cheers...Gary

[Former Member]

Made it to Chapter 11 so far...very well written and filled with emotion for the characters and for me...Think i will take a break...good job AC....cheers...Gary

Thank you, Gary! Two members have already told me they read the book in one sitting, THIS WEEK alone - and I sort of felt bad for them. But then again, I did write it to pull the reader along, so that anyone feels strongly enough about it to do that, touches my heart. I think I would need to take my time with it though if I were reading it for the first time; it is a pretty strong brew.   

[Headstall]

Thank you, Gary! Two members have already told me they read the book in one sitting, THIS WEEK alone - and I sort of felt bad for them. But then again, I did write it to pull the reader along, so that anyone feels strongly enough about it to do that, touches my heart. I think I would need to take my time with it though if I were reading it for the first time; it is a pretty strong brew.   

I was tempted to keep going but I had already read other stories today and my eyes are burning...it really does pull you in and hangs on to you...I will finish it tomorrow...thanks for adding me as a friend...cheers...Gary

[Headstall]

Sent Today, 05:55 PM

I am getting down to the wire on Dignity...ran out of likes again...and I am getting nervous. It is the easiest thing for me to provide you support...your writing is superb. Just a note...your depiction of Jack's dreams is beyond good...you somehow attain another level in these. As far as being honored, I feel honored as well to be able to read such quality for free. Thanks for that, and thanks for the recommendation of " Hot Wheels". Romance is my thing so I will definitely check it out.Cheers Al...Gary

 

My response to a message from AC Benus

[Former Member]

 

I am getting down to the wire on Dignity...ran out of likes again...and I am getting nervous. It is the easiest thing for me to provide you support...your writing is superb. Just a note...your depiction of Jack's dreams is beyond good...you somehow attain another level in these.

 

Thanks Gary for posting your comments here.

 

I know this may sound strange, but I wrote the 5 dreams sequences separately, after everything else. (Although I must have written chapter 19 after i wrote the dream where Jack is back home again.)

 

I thought about how 'the higher Jack' would tell us about his dream experiences - thus they do not have the same deflecting personality traits that the rest of the text has when he is speaking to us in his waking voice. 

 

Your feedback above makes me feel i have achieved my goal with them.

[Headstall]

I have finished the excellent novel, Dignity and I highly recommend it to everyone. It is an incredibly well written journey that everyone should go on. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed...I know I wasn't. I can't wait for the sequel. Get writing AC...cheers...Gary

[Former Member]

I have finished the excellent novel, Dignity and I highly recommend it to everyone. It is an incredibly well written journey that everyone should go on. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed...I know I wasn't. I can't wait for the sequel. Get writing AC...cheers...Gary

Thank you, and I have to say the suggestion you left in your review for Chapter 20 is very, very intriguing to me   Thanks for that too!

[Former Member]

As of today, there have been 1,000 views of chapter one. Thanks to all of you who have read, or intend to read. Your support of this project means the world to me. 

[Headstall]

As of today, there have been 1,000 views of chapter one. Thanks to all of you who have read, or intend to read. Your support of this project means the world to me. 

Congratulations AC...well deserved and not at all surprising...I feel very comfortable directing friends in Dignity's direction...not to nag...but I will...have you started or are close to starting the sequel? Cheers...Gary

[Former Member]

Congratulations AC...well deserved and not at all surprising...I feel very comfortable directing friends in Dignity's direction...not to nag...but I will...have you started or are close to starting the sequel? Cheers...Gary

Gary, the answer is: yes, no, completely and not really. I have lots of ideas and know the direction to take, but the heady mix is still brewing. 

 

Please keep pestering me about it, periodically, that is    

[Headstall]

Gary, the answer is: yes, no, completely and not really. I have lots of ideas and know the direction to take, but the heady mix is still brewing. 

 

Please keep pestering me about it, periodically, that is    

count on it

[Former Member]

Here are some incidentals about Dignity and how I came to write it.

 

 

Composition:

 

I wrote and completed the manuscript in twenty days, from March the first to the twentieth 2014. The difference between the completed manuscript and the final typescript is approximately one percent or less. I began the project in an experimental vein for me by not having any notes or outlines. As I went along I started a list of character names with details as to how I had descried them. The scope of the work was up in the air, but as I approached chapter 10, I realized completing this would mark the end of Sean's running away, and conceived of a second half of equal size to complete the story. At this point, having written half the book and knowing I had only about 25,000 words to wrap it up, I took five days and created detailed notes and outlines. I had very specific targets to hit and I wanted to make sure I got there with all of them. The dream sequences were written last, in order, and at about the pace of two a day.    

 

 

Inspiration:

 

I was inspired to write this book in December of 1990. I was lying in bed with my first boyfriend at his apartment watching the news late at night. There was report of a teen boy who had run away from home rather than face treatment for his cancer (in reality, I have no idea what happened to this boy). As I lay there, chatting with my love, the following ideas occurred to me: it could be a moving story, I would set it in San Francisco (where my bf had lived for awhile), the boy would have to survive the best way he could, and he would meet and fall in love with a fellow hustler. It would be this boy and his love that makes him stop running from his problems and face them. At this same time, I envisioned a roof-top love making scene for the boys, and that the final chapter would happen in a hospital. And that is all. I set the concept aside. When I was writing the piece I told Whitetiger about the genesis of the story and he said you must have been thinking of it a lot, and have everything worked out. No, I told him. I haven’t ever thought about it more than that initial moment of inspiration showed me. Incidentally, I also told Whitetiger what my runaway's alias was, and he totally shocked me. "Sean Holmes, the porn star?" he asked. I thought, damn. Now I will have to change it, but he suggested that the teenager may know and like the name because of the man it is associated with, so I kept it!         

Edited August 26, 2014 by AC Benus

[Former Member]

Here are some incidentals about Dignity and how I came to write it.

 

 

Composition:

 

I wrote and completed the manuscript in twenty days, from March the first to the twentieth 2014. The difference between the completed manuscript and the final typescript is approximately one percent or less. I began the project in an experimental vein for me by not having any notes or outlines. As I went along I started a list of character names with details as to how I had descried them. The scope of the work was up in the air, but as I approached chapter 10, I realized completing this would mark the end of Sean's running away, and conceived of a second half of equal size to complete the story. At this point, having written half the book and knowing I had only about 25,000 words to wrap it up, I took five days and created detailed notes and outlines. I had very specific targets to hit and I wanted to make sure I got there with all of them. The dream sequences were written last, in order, and at about the pace of two a day.    

 

 

Inspiration:

 

I was inspired to write this book in December of 1990. I was lying in bed with my first boyfriend at his apartment watching the news late at night. There was report of a teen boy who had run away from home rather than face treatment for his cancer (in reality, I have no idea what happened to this boy). As I lay there, chatting with my love, the following ideas occurred to me: it could be a moving story, I would set it in San Francisco (where my bf had lived for awhile), the boy would have to survive the best way he could, and he would meet and fall in love with a fellow hustler. It would be this boy and his love that makes him stop running from his problems and face them. At this same time, I envisioned a roof-top love making scene for the boys, and that the final chapter would happen in a hospital. And that is all. I set the concept aside. When I was writing the piece I told Whitetiger about the genesis of the story and he said you must have been thinking of it a lot, and have everything worked out. No, I told him. I haven’t ever thought about it more than that initial moment of inspiration showed me. Incidentally, I also told Whitetiger what my runaway's alias was, and he totally shocked me. "Sean Holms, the porn star?" he asked. I thought, damn. Now I will have to change it, but he suggested that the teenager may know and like the name because of the man it is associated with, so I kept it!         

But rest assured it will not take me another 20 years to write the sequel

[Former Member]

Dear readers,

 

Lincoln, Jack, Dawn - and some new folks as well - are back in our lives. When last we left them, Jack Shaw was in a hospital room in L.A. after Linc and Dawn found him under the Santa Monica Pier. 

 

The young man just vowed to his mom, to his partner, and to himself that he will fight for his life. He realized at the end of Dignity that he has something worth fighting for.

 

The new book picks up a day or two after we left them, and I can promise some unexpected surprises along the way. 

 

Chapter One of Destiny will be posted this week. Please let me know if you are excited.