The Making of a Man discussion

This is where you readers get to ask me stuff, pretty near anything,and I'll answer.

In Our December Jared picks up the dark stone that Alex was playing with when he and Clark were talking on the park bench. Then in A Place to run Alex lists the contents of the things that Jared keeps in his pockets. Does Alex know where the stone came from? I think it's really sweet that Jared carries something tangible that reminds him of Alex.

That was an incredibly poignant moment for Jared for more than one reason. He saw first hand that he wasn't giving Alex the wrong idea about their relationship, and for the first time Jared saw himself through someone else's eyes. True there was never a time Alex's opinion could be considered unbiased ;) but it made a huge impression on Jared that Alex saw him as a person of integrity.

For Alex, it was just another moment of talking to Clark. I'm sure they had a lot of conversations about Jared (I bet Clark would be happy to enlighten us lol) If Jared were to ever tell Alex why he carries the rock maybe Alex would remember but even being reminded he might not.

When I wrote this scene I was thinking about how there are moments in our lives that we never forget and that affect us in ways the other person involved (knowingly or not) never even knows about. It can be nothing more than a snapshot of time, a word kind or unkind,a thoughtless throw away comment, but the impact is far reaching.

I think Alex would be shocked and amazed to realize the impact his casual conversation with Clark had on Jared. Jared might be a little embarrassed to admit it. I feel that was a pivotal moment in their relationship. Jared realized that he was good for Alex and it was okay to be his friend.

Being Jared he kept the rock. (there must not have been any paper around to write a note on lol) and being Jared it's unlikely he'll ever tell Alex why that rock is still in his pocket.

That's one of my favorite scenes Lydia, thank you for asking about it.

Ooh I wish Clark would enlighten us. :D I love your interview with Clark. He's a funny guy. And I love that he's protective of his friends.

Thank you for answering! It's made me see deeper into Jared soul.

Thank you for asking Lydia. I enjoyed thinking about it, and I always love talking about Alex and Jared. Clark too of course. I've adored him from the beginning.

After Jared took me on such an emotional ride during his interview it was a pleasure to have Clark lighten things up. The interviews were fun. I may have to do another set as the guys grow up.

Hmm I think you are trying to figure out how to turn Clark to the darkside Vladimir! I should totally do a "Clark's Secrets Revealed" interview with Alex. Lets see how time permits. I know Nov seems so far away but from a writer standpoint it's right around the corner lol. I also have an idea for a fun contest.

For now I'll answer up to 5 questions about Clark. (if I can) One question per post...what do you have for me?

You are not forgotten Vladimir. I am considering how much to say without spoiling too much LMAO. How do I get myself into these things??

BUT I did say you could ask. Clark did not play an instrument as a child. He has a very good singing voice and he and Alex tried to form a band once, lack of any real talent other than Clark's voice doomed them failure. That being said, Clark did fill his time over the summer when he wasn't working doing something besides turning down blow jobs from his gay roomie. ;)

What?!?! LOL! You are a wicked woman. I love the tease. I really really can't wait to read Clark's story.

Good questions Vladimir! I'll have to rely on you to ask the questions because I'm blocked...can't think.

Phobias...well just one really. He's a pretty brave guy...just well spiders you understand. They have so MANY legs...

We know the series centers around a holiday. Can you reveal the next holiday?

Clark's Story is Thanksgiving and MM5 is New Years :). I also have some news about the format of the last three books that I'll be sharing sometime soon!

Thanks for sharing and I can not wait to hear about the new format!

I've been meaning to ask is Kelly Clarkson one of your favorite singers?

LMAO! Seems like right? the truth is that's probably the only Kelly Clarkson song I know. someone suggested it during my contest where I asked for suggestions for songs that reminded readers of Alex and Jared.

I really needed a song that could be waltzed to, I had another one picked out (I forget what) then on the way home from work that one played. It also has a great title. We cannot use lyrics from songs in our books due to copyright stuff. Titles are fair game. So Kelly's "A Moment Like This" won hands down. For best musical score to waltz to, best title to let Jared be his corny self, best lyrics for a memory"

Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this

The perfect lyrics for Jared's sentimental nature.

My two personal can't live without them performing artists?

Thriving Ivory (I adore above all things)
Darren Hayes (and thereby Savage Garden)

And that is probably more than you wanted to know ;)

OMG, you are a Darren Hayes-fan? Me too! Savage Garden and Darren are just awesome!!! I love his song "So Beautiful", it's great.

Ah so many Darren Hayes fans among us. Did anyone catch his ustream appearance the other day? it was so good. I only saw half as I had to go to work, but it's recorded so i can see the rest as soon as I have time. He's simply awesome and so much fun!

Are you guys familiar with this song:

http://youtu.be/9u7hGkL57N8

One of many favorites :)