Carlos Hazday

@Jaro_423 One of the reasons I never ran for office, and I was encouraged to do so several times, is my inability not to speak my mind. I still have that problem. The most controversial issue has been gun ownership, but having CJ support Clinton did not please some of my more conservative readers. I like the fact I have followers at both ends of the spectrum. Maybe, just maybe, something I write will make those readers realize neither side has all the answers. I stand by the words CJ used when recounting his experience with then House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan: “I refuse to be categorized as either a liberal or a conservative. I’m an idealist. I’m not an ideologue. It’s idiotic to assume either end of the spectrum has all the answers. And those who constantly tout their credentials as being in either camp are to be pitied. Particularly elected officials.”

Thank you! I always try to leave readers with a striking image at the end of a book. I think this one was crystal clear.

I dislike stories where the characters are declaring their love for each other in the first handful of paragraphs. I tried to take a more realistic approach here. As for the politics, they're one of the main reasons I set the story in Washington. I've toyed with political matters from the beginning but they take center stage in the next book. The dislike of and apathy towards politics in the general American public is present in GA readers too, the next book cost me a few followers and some questioned why I went there. It was part of the plan and I never hid it.

@Jaro_423 Reading over some of these older chapters these days, I marvel at how much I crammed into each one. Something that in this book was exacerbated by my desire to have a chapter cover one month. Some months were slow for CJ and others were full of events. I hark back to previous comments I've made about how the life of a good-looking, wealthy, gay man in a large urban environment is very different from how most of us live.

@Jaro_423 This is fiction and I'm creating my ideal politician. LOL. I've encountered resistance from both the left and right in what CJ does and says so I think I'm on the right track.

CJ came out as soon as he admitted to himself he was gay and after a little initial pain, he was fine. I wanted to show a different point and had Patrick struggle with his own decision for a while. The groundwork started back in Autumn when he first met CJ in New York.

@Jaro_423 A lot of this was inspired by how my brothers and I interact. We went to three different high schools and colleges so we each have our group of friends. You should see some of the gatherings when all 3 groups mingled. Chaos and lots of laughter.

@Jaro_423 Repeating myself, life has fast and slow periods and I've tried to reflect that in the story. Even if I avoid a lot of the daily routines after I establish they exist. I'd rather write/read about a slow trip than details about classes though.

@Jaro_423 I do enjoy writing chapters with all the guys in them. Tough to keep the dialogue believable, but it keeps me on my toes. Wait until you get to CJ's 21st birthday parties.

Here's a link for you. https://www.aidsquilt.org/ Everything about the Quilt is based on fact and personal experience. I was lucky to volunteer for a large display in 1992 and co-chaired the Miami Beach Millenial one in 2000. On opening night, I was a blubbering fool. A very moving experience.

Some readers like my sprawling chapters and some get lost. I'm trying to reign in that approach in the book I'm currently writing.

@Jaro_423 Think of it as an opportunity. A chance to do a little side reading and learn new stuff. The entire series has deep roots in 21st century American culture so at times certain things will be alien to non-US readers.

@Jaro_423 No idea what you're talking about. I don't do cliffies.

I think if every chapter had the same emotional impact it would be too much. It's okay for some chapters to be nothing but a stepping stone for the journey.

Don't worry about the on/off thing. As long as you're enjoying yourself, it's all good. I hope a smile or two has joined the tears now and then.

Ooops... You left this one off. https://gayauthors.org/story/carlos-hazday/georgetown-goodnight-my-angel/17 But don't worry, Steve. NOT your fault. I screwed up, the story published early, and I had to undo it. Let's hope my fingers don't slip and hit the wrong key again.

You missed it because there was no notification. Knowing that, I posted a status update letting people know the chapter was up and giving a link. You should follow me so you get those notices. Harley may be maturing, but he'll always be Harley. Insight into how THIS author works: I initially had them watching an action movie. Over Christmas, my nephew proudly showed everyone his new armpit hair and bragged about his pubes. His mother rolled her eyes and his father laughed. When I told my brother it was time for the talk, He assured me Big Mouth, had taken care of the issue. My sister-in-law was not thrilled her 12 and 10-year old sons were allowed to watch the show. I binged it and decided it was better than an action flick.

I'll reply in reverse order. The problem with Diaz was solved, and CJ's learning he doesn't always have to go in with guns blazing. Something Owen will continue to reinforce and that will serve the hothead well in the future. CJ's continues to grow and learn. Thank you so much for validating my approach to Brad. Means the world to me someone who lived through war service concurs. Most of it is based on what I've heard, seen, or read. The phantom pain bit we might all have heard about, but its inclusion was due to a conversation with someone I know who lost both legs. I initially question Brad's use of derogatory language towards Muslims and Arabs but was told by a real veteran it was accurate. Same with the gory descriptions. Thank you, and we have a much lighter chapter coming in a week.

The more I read this chapter, the better I like it. A soft, funny beginning, a small controversy with a quick resolution all building up to Brad. And of course a little 'pillow talk' to wrap it up and hint at things to come. Only by now those bedtime chats are between CJ and Owen instead of Cesar and Brett. Thank you, Parker!

Thanks, bud.

You got it. Those two are establishing the pattern for how their lives will be. CJ's all action while Owen forces him to think and look at alternatives. The 4/5/19 date is due to the chapter accidentally going live last week, unpublishing it, and then posting it again this weekend. The system recognizes only the initial one.

There have been a couple of instances where CJ was referred to as the Squad's Godfather. If we carry that further, Owen and Ethan would be the consiglieri. A reader previously mentioned Owen knew how to handle CJ; this is one more instance we see it happen.

Fabricio definitely changes the dynamics. Thiago became a shut-in after the kid was born but is now willing to join the others at times. And in some instances, the kid gets to hang out with all his uncles!

LOL - Sorry about that. Brad returns next chapter and I don't think you'll cry over him. CJ has a temper? I hadn't noticed, but I'm keeping all rusty knives away from him. Our teens are growing up; most of the Squad's now in their 20s!

Thank you. C&B return next chapter. You'll also see Brad's support system spring into action. I enjoyed writing these chapters. I had the chance to feature the Squad putting into action some of what they learned from the Elite. The transfer of power is in process. The elders will always be around, though.