Back in 2003 I was bored. Not saying I wasn’t bored prior to that date or after it. But in 2003 I decided to tackle my boredom by writing a story and sending it to a free online site. I got plenty of feedback, most of it positive. Looking back on that story later, it was pretty amateurish, but it was a beginning. I wrote several more stories for that website and got varying amounts of feedback, but I was beginning to get a bit disillusioned. It took a lot of effort to write these stories and I wasn’t receiving any financial recompense.

Then, ten years ago this month, my friend JM decided to start JMS Books and asked if I wanted to take my stories down from the net, polish them up, and publish them with her. I agreed. Gosh, what a lot of polishing some of them needed. One thing I’ve learned from writing these past 17 years is that you never stop learning. I’m always picking up new ideas, new ways to hone my craft.

An example of a new (to me) idea is my current work in progress. Although superheroes are certainly not new, I’d never tackled the subject personally. I’m also adding in MPREG, which is a more modern trope. I got the idea from talking with my friend Tami. I would joke with her that her brother, Troy, is something of a hero.

It took me a few months to think up a suitable opening, but when I began writing, I started sharing the story each week with Tami.

Tami has become a valued beta reader. That’s another thing I’ve learned as a writer, you need honest beta readers who aren’t afraid to tell you if something doesn’t work.

Some of the antics I’ve had my Troy do has made Tami laugh, and probably blush, too. I’ve found adding humour to a story helps make it more readable. My Troy is gay, Tami’s brother is not. And my Troy can fly, I’m assuming hers cannot. But it’s amazing how many real life events one can alter slightly and work into a story. Again, adding in real events makes a story more believable. If you can suspend disbelief enough to accept a man being able to fly and shoot bursts of energy from his fingertips. I did worry that anyone who read the story and who knows the real Troy might be able to make the connection. Tami told me not to worry. The real Troy does know I’m writing a story very loosely based on him. However, it’s highly doubtful he’ll read it. Which is probably for the best. You, dear blog reader, can see a sneak peek below.

EXCERPT FROM The Adventures of Super Troy

Troy didn’t know what made him turn left instead of right at the next intersection. The only thing of interest up there was the lake. Troy smiled at the thought of a refreshing swim. Coach had been tough on them and Troy’s ass was dragging. So much so, he’d left the locker room without showering. He hadn’t realized until he’d gotten into the car how much he stank. Hopefully a splash around would cool him down and maybe soothe his burning arms.

He frowned when he realized he didn’t have his suit with him. His briefs would have to do.

“Shit!” He was wearing Superman underwear, part of the batch Lizzie had gotten him. Oh well, they’d just have to do. And hopefully no one would see him.

This hope was dashed when the beach came into view — the very crowded beach.

Stepping out of the car, he was dazzled by the sun reflecting off the water. Troy ducked back into the vehicle for his shades. Hearing a sudden burst of shouting and screaming, Troy straightened and focused on a group of people right at the water’s edge. One guy either tripped or was pushed. His arms flailed as he fell, almost in slow motion, towards the lake. Those around him found it amusing but judging by the man’s swearing and continued flailing, he clearly didn’t. And neither did Troy.

Blood pumping in his ears and feeling a sudden burst of energy, Troy shot up into the air, let out a yell of surprise, and flew over the parking lot towards the lake. Troy swooped down and plucked the struggling man out of the water before depositing him safely back on the beach, several yards from the edge.
The whooshing in Troy’s ears remained, but he was pretty sure the crowd of onlookers had fallen silent. His arms had stopped burning.

Oh my God!” the man said loudly.

“You okay?” Troy asked the sopping wet man. “Did you hurt yourself when you fell?” Troy patted the man’s arms and spine, but couldn’t detect anything wrong.

“Thank you,” the man said, teeth chattering.

“You’re welcome.” Troy didn’t understand why the man appeared cold.

Seeming to get a hold of himself, the guy asked, “You’re a sotan? But where’s you’re cape?”

“Uh, no,” Troy said. It was beginning to sink in. He’d flown, lifted into the air.

The man stood on tiptoe and laid a soft kiss on Troy’s slightly parted lips. “My hero.”

Troy’s lips tingled. Not the unbearable burning of his skin earlier, just a pleasant cool … tingle. Troy let go the man’s shoulders and wiped his mouth with the back of a hand. “Dude! I’m glad you’re okay and all, but I’m not gay.”

The man looked confused, shook his head then smiled. “My gaydar’s never wrong.”

“Well, it is this time.” Troy took a few steps backward. Everyone was looking at him … them. A few had their cell phones out, filming them.

“Sorry if I upset you,” the man said, reaching out to touch Troy.

Troy took another step back. “Uh, that’s okay. If you’re okay then I’ll go. Just be more careful near the water, okay?” He knew he was babbling. His unease wasn’t helped by the number of people watching and recording. He hoped this wouldn’t get on the local news.

Although a few people asked him questions, nobody stood in his way and he was able to return to the car. He discovered he’d left in such a hurry he’d left the driver’s door wide open. Thankfully nothing appeared to be missing.

As he drove home, Troy glanced down at his arms. Sure enough, the bulging biceps were back. “Fucking weird.” He also felt tired. Clearly flying had exhausted him. That was a good thing. Maybe he’d sleep better that night.

* * * *

The story, currently called The Adventures of Super Troy will be published in the autumn by JMS Books. In the meantime, save 40% off all my ebooks today only, including my latest release, Rory’s Rock.

We’re giving away a free ebook every day this month! Starting tomorrow, one winner will be drawn daily. So enter to win today!

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