New Release and Contest! - Other Side of the Line - And a Sale!

Caleb Hudson and Hal Zimmer became best friends the day they stood up against the schoolyard bully together. Life’s complicated enough with their friendship crossing racial lines in 1960s Charleston, South Carolina, but as time passes, they realize it’s more than their friendship that sets them apart from other kids. At first, Caleb denies his feelings for Hal could be more than companionship. He supports his friend when Hal admits he’s gay, but Caleb isn’t ready to face his own truth.

Hal becomes a staunch antiwar protester, and the divide between them widens after Caleb is drafted. But when Caleb returns from Vietnam, the time for denial is over. His homecoming sets off a series of events that force Caleb and Hal to confront their desires and what lines they’re willing to cross to get what they truly want out of life.

"Other Side of the Line" is out at Dreamspinner Press today! Leave a comment about what you liked about the story, or a favorite character, or a memorable moment that made you laugh, cry, or get mad and be entered in a contest to win a beautiful sweetgrass basket from the Charleston Market! The contest will run for the next 30 days. You can leave the comment here on the blog, or on my Facebook or Twitter. All comments count as an entry.

And from the 18th-20 "All Bets are Off" (including French & Italian translations), "Ghosts in the Wind" and "Make Me Whole" are only $0.99 at Dreamspinner. Enjoy!

Excerpt and Contest for "Other Side of the Line" 4 Days Until Release Day!

Hello everybody. Four Days and Counting Down! I can’t believe it before “Other Side of the Line” will be released from Dreamspinner Press. 

Caleb and Hal meet when they are eight years old and throughout their lives they faced many rough moments that they weathered through the strength of their friendship. But what happens when distance threatens that closeness? Hal’s dad has been transferred back to New York and Hal and Caleb are forced to say goodbye just as they’re discovering more about themselves and how they feel about each other. I hope you enjoy.

Excerpt from "Other Side of the Line" Countdown to Release - 14 Days!

Charleston, SC—November 6, 1963

Caleb’s teacher paced across the front of the classroom, leaning on his cane, his white hair gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. “Now can anyone name a hero from the War of Northern Aggression?” He paused and focused on Hal in the front row. Hal had just started in their class on Monday, coming all the way down from New York. “That would be the Civil War for those of us who might not understand… given their unfortunate origins.”

“Oooohh!” Hal’s hand shot up. He talked funny, fast and with a strange high accent. He liked to try to answer all the questions, and sometimes he stared at Caleb too much, but he never seemed mean about it, only curious. At least his eyes didn’t slide away as if Caleb’s skin was covered in rancid oil, and that made for a welcome change.