In chapter twenty-three of Devil’s Bargain, the MCs Seth and Kevin have to attend a masquerade party dressed in costumes. They are escorted to a room filled with hundreds to choose from.
I knew I could have them dress as anything. That’s a bit of pressure to choose something in character for them that would be appropriate to the plot of the novel without being too spot on. I wanted to have them dress as two characters that go together. In the narrative, I have them talk about Kirk and Spock from Star Trek as a possible costume. This would have been a nice choice given the number of slash fanfictions that have existed since long before the internet about these two.
I decided I wanted to give a shout out to a TV show I do enjoy, but that doesn’t yet have the longevity and reputation of Star Trek. I chose Supernatural. It’s a popular show so I knew people would have heard of it. It’s a paranormal show which fit in well with this book being a paranormal fantasy. The two main characters are brothers that have had quite a bit of slash fanfiction written about them, although that wasn’t my particular fandom.
The hardest part about writing this scene was giving the nods to Supernatural without re-explaining Supernatural and without losing folks who had never seen Supernatural. I needed to show the flavor of the “ice cream” so that people who loved it would feel recognize it and people who had never had it would be able to imagine it.
This was just one of the numerous places where my critique partners helped me greatly. I tended to err on the side of not overexplaining and my partners let me know where I had not put in enough detail for the Supernatural novice. That allowed me to craft the scene that appeared in the book.
“Sam, Dean.” A husky voice spoke from above them.
Seth looked up, amazed that someone else came dressed in a Supernatural costume. “Castiel?” A man he hadn’t met before stood behind them, dressed in the angel Castiel’s signature trench coat.
“Of course, were you expecting the Easter Bunny? Although why anyone would think my father would want to be celebrated by a rabbit that laid eggs are somewhat confusing.”
Seth was impressed. This guy took his character seriously with dialog reminiscent of his character in the show.
Kevin spoke, “Would you like to join us? It gives our costumes more mojo.”
*****
Summary
Seth Griffin is forced to live out his wildest dreams at the expense of his best friend, the man he loves.
Seth Griffin’s life was basically on track. Attend Cornell, double major in Mechanical Engineering and Astronomy, play basketball, and room with his best friend, Kevin. So what if he had a hopeless crush on his gorgeous, straight friend.
When Maynard Frederick Winthrop IV buys all of Seth’s family’s debt and threatens to foreclose, everything Seth has worked for is in jeopardy. Winthrop offers Seth a deal: spend a week at his mansion, a place that seems to defy logic and violate the laws of physics, performing challenges of Winthrop’s choosing. If Seth succeeds, all will be forgiven.
But can Seth do as Winthrop asks, especially when Kevin is the one who will pay the price?
Purchase Links: MLR Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords
*****
Excerpt
“There’s one thing I don’t understand about you. You’re gay. You’re out. You live in a liberal state, but you rarely hook up, no boyfriends, nothing. What gives?”
What? Why did Winthrop know he was gay or care?
“Excuse me. I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
Winthrop’s brows climbed. “Believe me. It’s my business. Everyone has needs, but you live like a monk.”
“I’m a double major across two colleges and a varsity athlete. I don’t have time for a boyfriend, and I’m done with hookups.”
Winthrop shook his head, a frown marring his face. “That’s crazy. There are even a couple guys on your team who have offered to blow you, bottom, top, whatever, but you keep refusing. Even on those away games, alone, in a hotel.”
“Look. Enough of this.” Seth slammed his hand down on the table. “I came here. I sat through this meal. It’s done. You clearly have my family and me over a barrel. Isn’t it time to tell me what this is all about?”
“As you wish.”
*****
Meet the Author
Kathryn Sparrow has had stories spinning around in her head her whole life and finally decided it was time to write them down. For twenty years, she worked in the Software Industry as a Software Quality Engineer, so she gets a particular thrill including geeks in her stories. Now, she is a stay-home mom although she thinks that’s a terrible name for the job since she spends so much time driving her kids to their various activities. She lives in Massachusetts with her geek husband and adorable, infuriating daughters, who are too smart for their Mommy’s own good. If she had spare time she would spend it knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and doing any other handicrafts that caught her fancy.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Tumblr | Pinterest
*****
GIVEAWAY!
