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I won’t take much front-page space talking about myself, but here are THREE words that might help you know me better:
Observer. I’m fascinated by what’s happening around me. And I often have an opinion! It’s this aspect that motivates what I often share on my Facebook page—personal insights, life lessons, current events, writing techniques, answers to questions from folks, silly stuff, random ramblings, and serious matters.
Writer. My writing flows out of what I’ve experienced, and who I am. (Plus extensive research!) I’m the author of five novels.
Survivor! I feel fortunate to have survived my harsh background in Fundamental Christianity. Because of the rigid teaching of my faith, I spent years seeking to change my sexual orientation. I’m grateful to have survived that experience. I have dear friends who did not; they took their own life as an escape.
Also, I’m a cancer survivor who is once again confronted with the disease.
These days, I’m retired, living outside Dallas with my husband and our skittish rescue mutt, Brody.
That’s me…in a nutshell.
(Those who know me will affirm that the operative word is...nut!)
By the way, if you’re interested, there’s an expanded version of my bio.
Check out my Facebook page.
Check out my new novel!
Carter Caldwell is the CFO of a large nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ community in Birmingham, Alabama. He’s gregarious, expressive, a bit snarky, involved in many social activities, and an outspoken leader and activist for the queer community. He knows the work that he and the agency does is important, but it doesn’t make dating easy. He’s learned that not everyone wants to be with someone so visible.
Since turning forty, concerned folks in his life are intent on playing matchmaker, insisting he’s too picky about the kind of men he finds attractive. He doesn’t participate in the bar scene like he once did, but it’s still a good place to find companionship, even if it’s only for casual hookups. It’s not that he’s opposed to finding love and settling down like his best friend did; it just hasn’t happened.
Benjamin Douglas works at Birmingham’s largest medical center, making sure patients have the best care possible. Because of his sensitive, compassionate nature, he’s good at his job. To improve his caregiving skills, he’s finishing up his master’s degree.
The work can be emotional and stressful, so he likes a quiet personal life of reading, watching TV, and long-distance running. He and his girlfriend have been together for nearly four years. It’s casual and familiar, which fits well with his introverted personality and appreciation of structure. His life is comfortable, even if he’s aware of those unanswered questions that have been ignored for years.
Neither man was expecting to be drawn together by a weekend phone call, pulling them into the dire circumstances of a homeless teen found nearly dead in a parking lot. It’s not their job, but they’ll have to find a way to put aside their differences, step outside their comfort zones, and work together to help this kid.
The bond that develops between Carter and Benjamin is unexpected, and unique.
And it just might change both of their lives.
Click HERE to read the first four chapters.
Author’s Note: We first met Carter Caldwell in my previous novel. I adored him and wanted to explore more of his life.
However, Mirrors Forged in Metal is a standalone story and not a sequel, so it’s not necessary to read Wandering Star, but it’s a cute, romantic story, and I think you’ll like it!