Free to Be

Freedom is not free.

Implementation of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) was on September 20, 2011. The legalization of same-sex marriage across the U.S. was due to a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 26, 2015. In some countries, it’s not safe to any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and even in the U.S., things like job security are not a guarantee. And with the ultra-conservative movement in the U.S. and around the world, no freedom can be taken for granted.

You’d think that global warming, starvation, healthcare, and economic security (not just for the wealthy) would rank higher than suppressing the rights of women, LGBTQ, immigrants, or children. Unfortunately, the ultra-conservative movement in sheep’s clothing is spending an enormous amount of money to fill people’s heads with fear and propaganda. This is costing all of us time, money, and worry to combat their effort and to stop them from setting the world back in time. Enjoying the arts – movies, concerts, plays, and books – is one of the ways to get away from all of that negativity.

The setting for Falling for Love: A West Virginia Romance is late 2014 through June 2015. Beyond the Checkpoint starts off when DADT is still the law and ends after its demise. While I put my characters through some ups and downs that mirror the sad drama of events in life, I do inject sunshine. I have supportive secondary characters and others which appear rough around the edges but turn out to be marshmallows and loving. Let’s not forget the ending. I do believe in a happy ending because I want the reader to walk away with a feeling that they too have the chance to overcome their personal obstacles. I want them to cheer at the end.

I get it if you only want to read a novel where the characters are always happy because you’re so tired of the bullshit in this world. But if you like to read about fictional characters handling life’s roller coasters and coming out on top, then my novels are for you. Sometimes, fictional characters solving their problems can generate ideas and empower the reader.

And if you have no military experience but find a woman in uniform hot or simply want to know more about what it’s like to deploy then I invite you to check out Beyond the Checkpoint.