Coupe

[D'Artagnon]

Interesting question.  The entire story (and there's a lot more of it) has two underlying themes.  First is to empower younger persons by making the characters people that, while extraordinary, are easy for readers to identify with.  Too many young gay kids these days don't have positive role models, or they get swept up in hiding who they are.  And while there's lots of gay fiction out there, I think we need to give the kids stories that let them know they CAN do things outside of stereotypes.  Life is an adventure, and it's often a stranger ride than most could ever predict.  I like to give kids both a sense of wonder, a wild adventure and show them that it does get better.

 

The other part of this is that I wanted the characters to grow.  Sure, I could have started them as late teens, young adults even post grad students.  But that would limit the character's ability to experience new things.  When a character is young, they still have a sense of wonder about the world, even if they like to act jaded and worldly.  The story benefits from the characters learning, bringing the reader along as well.  So, giving them room to learn, adapt and grow, giving them lesser experience than older persons and allowing them to gain benefits from their mentor's experience, the hard way, gives the story not only a direction, but a reasonable evolution.

 

I should also point out, a lot of writing is personal.  That is, as a writer you draw on your own personal experiences as inspiration and information.  When I was a kid, I had anger management issues, mostly arising from being a lonely closeted geek kid.  Took me a while to get out of that shell.  One of the things that helped me get out of that funk was that my father enrolled me in a fencing class one of the Marine instructors ran.  As a 13 year old fending off full grown Marine and Navy aviator candidates, you learn early to curb both your sharp tongue and your impulse to strike blindly.  The bruises were worth it. 

 

Another question that sometimes comes to me is about the sexual content of the stories I write.  Without making a big deal about it, I'll say this: anyone who thinks that younger persons in reality aren't taking part in sexual activity obviously has not been looking at reality for the last century or so.  Yes, kids have sex.  I know I did.  I know a lot of other people did too.  To deny these parts of our existence is to deny what it means to be human.  I don't put sex into every chapter, every thought or every character's backstory.  I try to keep anything sexual in my writing to be only what's really needed for the story.  The point is, it's a part of life, a part of the motivations we all deal with.  I don't pull punches there, but I don't go out of my way to put a sex scene in.  IF it's necessary, it's there.

 

Saying that, I don't condone kids just going out to have sex.  In fact, in an upcoming story, one of the main characters (from Coupe, no less) flat out tells another character that sex can "usually wait."  Life is harsh at times.  There are tragedies as well as triumphs  There are sad times as well as celebrations.  There are times when you want to be alone and times you need a human touch, even if only a hand on a shoulder or a hug.  And yes, there are times when we need to not only experience sex, but to know that give and take of emotions. 

 

I hope that answers your question.  The world is already an ancient place.  I like taking new looks at it.  History is a playground for me, and the universe is still a vast place with wonders we barely understand yet should take time to appreciate.  I want to bring that sense of wonder, fun, adventure and empowerment to everyone who reads my humble stories, especially those just starting out, who may be scared, uncertain, worried about the future.  If reading about someone their age going through wild and crazy events can help them put a less crazy spin on the things in their own lives, then I'll consider my job properly done.

[Mark C.]

It certainly did D'Artagnon! Where were you when I was growing up, grin.... Very thoughtful answer sir and I applaud you.

[ken barber]

 

 

Another question that sometimes comes to me is about the sexual content of the stories I write.  Without making a big deal about it, I'll say this: anyone who thinks that younger persons in reality aren't taking part in sexual activity obviously has not been looking at reality for the last century or so.  Yes, kids have sex.  I know I did.  I know a lot of other people did too.  To deny these parts of our existence is to deny what it means to be human.  I don't put sex into every chapter, every thought or every character's backstory.  I try to keep anything sexual in my writing to be only what's really needed for the story.  The point is, it's a part of life, a part of the motivations we all deal with.  I don't pull punches there, but I don't go out of my way to put a sex scene in.  IF it's necessary, it's there.

 

Saying that, I don't condone kids just going out to have sex.  In fact, in an upcoming story, one of the main characters (from Coupe, no less) flat out tells another character that sex can "usually wait."  Life is harsh at times.  There are tragedies as well as triumphs  There are sad times as well as celebrations.  There are times when you want to be alone and times you need a human touch, even if only a hand on a shoulder or a hug.  And yes, there are times when we need to not only experience sex, but to know that give and take of emotions. 

Very well thought out answer. I want to comment about the above. I have always made it a point to avoid stories that involve kids having sex. The reasoning is most of the stories out there with that content do not handle it it well and are well to put it bluntly no more than kiddie porn. However I feel like you handle it very well its not about the sex in your story its about the character growing and learning together. 

[Mark C.]

One reason (among others such as experience and physical prowess needed in such a challenging new environment) I inquired about the ages was because as I read about them getting amorous, I was a bit out of my comfort zone. Yes, I know people that age have sex. That is not the issue. For me it was a cultural thing in that I was raised being taught adults do not have sex with children. And D'Artagnon did such a good job with those scenes that I actually felt uncomfortable, as if I was a voyeur watching 2 randy boys go at it. I have never wanted a young teen sexually, preferring a grown man as my sex partner and here I was "perving" on the two teens. Yikes, I was turning into the proverbial "dirty old man". But kudos to D'Artagnon for taking me out of my comfort zone with his writing. Doing so makes the reader question their long held assumptions and either accept them as valid or change them, making them grow in the process. And Ken is right also in that some of the stories out there involving kids are just porn with not much else to redeem them and I do not bother with them. But D'Artagnon used his sexual content to move the story along and help us understand the story better and provide another facet to watch as the characters develop.

[D'Artagnon]

Don't be too fooled.  In the story, Robby is a bit of a voyeur and has no troubles at all telling anyone what he's done, and then turning the tables and making you feel like you are perving on him.  He kinda likes the control that such dichotomy gives him, since it's his story.  And it's okay to feel like you are that "dirty old man" because we all have moments when we wonder what other people are like when they're doing it.  Do they do things differently than I do?  Am I weird for liking this act or that look or those motions?  These questions go through our heads, even if we don't seek such thoughts.  And you are right, we are trained to control those thoughts, repress them, reflect on them later when the subject of those thoughts is not present.

 

I remember, as a boy, wondering what certain actors, athletes and musicians looked like naked.  In, shall we say, delicate alone time moments, I even wondered what they'd be like to have in intimate contact.  I had big crushes on Kirk Cameron, Wil Wheaton, Michael J. Fox, Bodie Miller (yes, the skiier, don't ask!), and about half the guys in Def Leopard.  Oh and Corey Haim (I have a thing for eyes). And several pro wrestlers, for obvious reasons.  But it just goes to show, we are visual, imaginative and curious creatures as humans.  We cannot help to think in such terms.  How we deal with those thoughts does define us as cultural, moral and emotive beings as well.

 

So, in a way, I'm glad that the boys' intimacies shook you up a bit.  We should question where our own boundaries are.  And we should experience those uncomfortable moments not just because they push boundaries, but give those boundaries meaning.  Besides, sexual issues are definitely things that kids deal with, and learn how to be adults through dealing with those issues.  It becomes part of our identity, and a constantly evolving identity at that.

 

Thank you for your thoughts and insights.

[Jeikor]

Another thing about D'Artagnon's stories (at least the two I've been reading on here) is that it isn't just about the sex but about the love the two boys share and sometimes the intimate scene is just the two being together without intercourse of any kind. I like that aspect of it.

[Mark C.]

Why that scamp Robby! Teasing me like that, grin... Ok, next time Robby, will just enjoy it, so there. That will teach you!

I remember when I was a young teen, that I wanted Robert Conrad of "The Wild Wild West" TV show to visit me, take off his shirt and then carry me away. I also wished that Ron Ely, who played Tarzan back then, would swing through the jungle and capture me. Man, am dating myself here, grin...

D'Artagnon, thank you for the great post above! I enjoy your posts tremendously, sir. And Jeikor, you are right... Intimacy and love does not have to be about sex and at times I prefer that to page after page of sex. If I wanted a sex manual, would have bought one.

[Jeikor]

I know about how old you are because I remember those also but I was more interested in Billy Mumy of Lost IN Space and the guy that played Israel Boone on the Daniel Boone Show. Also Raquel Welch. I am bi in case you wondered about the last one.

[Zach Caldwell]

I know about how old you are because I remember those also but I was more interested in Billy Mumy of Lost IN Space and the guy that played Israel Boone on the Daniel Boone Show. Also Raquel Welch. I am bi in case you wondered about the last one.

The actor's name, if I recall correctly is Darby Hinton.

[Castle Herald]

Chapter 13 presented at http://www.castleroland.net/library/author/dartagnon

[Guest]

 I'm so hooked!! I'm a huge fantasy nut. to the point I believe both worlds exist ok i'm 30 but my brain is stuck at 13 but i just gotta say this I love a good fantasy especially when it matches what I know of other realms and what I believe in. go ahead call me crazy but i feel that somehow somewhere these beings still exist maybe hidden by most people as they get older and beleive less in the whimsical world. but I fully believe that everything ever written is based on some form of truth.  dragons yes they do exist just in human form because people dont beleive or wanna believe. so they remain hidden until one opens their eyes to the world of whimsical creatures.  Love it and i'm only like on chapter 4          you've made a decent day into a great one for me  thanks 

[Guest]

Just don't give satyr's a tv cause it does weird things to them LOL You might get the reference but if not I'll point you to the source and stories di you also know they are great at tennis? 

[D'Artagnon]

To my fellow adult teenager, Jamie.

 

You know, my younger sister calls me brat?  She claims I'm the worlds oldest living 12 year old?

 

I'm glad you are enjoying Coupe.  The changeling's enchanted world will be expanded and explained and let to fend for itself as the story goes and it's add-on stories start showing.  It's not always an easy place to be, but for those of us who get to peek in, it's pretty wild.

 

Not sure about the other references, but it wouldn't surprise me.  They have a wild reputation, but they also feel things very greatly and deeply.  Their tragedy stories (tragos, literally "Goat Song" from the Greek) are epic.  The legend of Syrinx has tragic implications of love (legend brings up how Pan developed the reed pipes he's famous for).  And from the followers of Pan going on mad drunken revelries through the countryside we get the concept of "Panic"

 

Still, glad you're loving it.  And even happier that you're smiling some.

[Guest]

To my fellow adult teenager, Jamie.

 

You know, my younger sister calls me brat?  She claims I'm the worlds oldest living 12 year old?

 

I'm glad you are enjoying Coupe.  The changeling's enchanted world will be expanded and explained and let to fend for itself as the story goes and it's add-on stories start showing.  It's not always an easy place to be, but for those of us who get to peek in, it's pretty wild.

 

Not sure about the other references, but it wouldn't surprise me.  They have a wild reputation, but they also feel things very greatly and deeply.  Their tragedy stories (tragos, literally "Goat Song" from the Greek) are epic.  The legend of Syrinx has tragic implications of love (legend brings up how Pan developed the reed pipes he's famous for).  And from the followers of Pan going on mad drunken revelries through the countryside we get the concept of "Panic"

 

Still, glad you're loving it.  And even happier that you're smiling some.

Well you'd love this series of books  then with the way you write  it's called FableHaven, written by Brandon mull It's more a young teens book but what can I say I am 13 LOL  I think he wrote better then harry potter since she couldn't even get a basalisk right.(for those who don't know a basalisk is not a snake it has legs 6 to be exact)  It's a 5 book series  and they are well done the main characters are a girl and boy and I would say every possible whimsical creature ever thought of. 

here's a link the the set course i got them in hard cover and n my nook I love reading them especially when I am way down. Oh spoiler no sex LOL 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fablehaven-Complete-Set-Boxed-Sanctuary/dp/1442429771/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1P3Q1CNN528MS5CWGWRH

[Jeikor]

Just finished the latest chapter and oh WOW!! It just gets better and better (literally and also sarcastically said). The excitement and action keeps building but oh Robyn, Kay Neth and gang just get in deeper and deeper. Dancing back and forth on my tippy toes waiting for more!!        

 

D'Artagnon, we'll have to check on ages to see which of us is the oldest 12 year old. Hey Jamie, glad to see you are doing better.  I see nothing wrong with reading supposed young teens books if they are well written. I am not familiar with those books either; will have to look them up. I have been reading the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan; currently on the second set (hope I am getting the last one for Christmas). They have satyrs also with one of them being Percy's best friend. I think I like D'Artagnon's satyrs better.  

[Guest]

Just finished the latest chapter and oh WOW!! It just gets better and better (literally and also sarcastically said). The excitement and action keeps building but oh Robyn, Kay Neth and gang just get in deeper and deeper. Dancing back and forth on my tippy toes waiting for more!!        

 

D'Artagnon, we'll have to check on ages to see which of us is the oldest 12 year old. Hey Jamie, glad to see you are doing better.  I see nothing wrong with reading supposed young teens books if they are well written. I am not familiar with those books either; will have to look them up. I have been reading the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan; currently on the second set (hope I am getting the last one for Christmas). They have satyrs also with one of them being Percy's best friend. I think I like D'Artagnon's satyrs better.  

It's a great series even for adults, and you'll love the satyr's in this series as well. total frivalty.   am feeling better but still having rough nights oh well tis the season 

[Guest]

DAMN dude!! you even got dragon fear right! not many people know that quality of dragons! yu really will enjoy fable haven I you sure your not brandon mull?  caues i swear not many people know ether that or you into D&D big time I'm actually a DM for our little group. i love it even wrote some of our adventures one lasted us a tear an a half and I still gotta work on it cause it's not done LOL I need to d=sleep but man I gtta finish this chapter fisrt  YOU RULE!!! 

 

[Guest]

I'll say it again and again I hate cliff hangers  LOL what can i say but patients young jedi chapter 14 will be out soon  so i'm stuck waitin  man can week skip till thurdsya ? just this week? LOL

[Mark C.]

D'Artagnon, just finished Chapter 9 and HAD to tell you I thought the chapter was just about perfect. Dialog, action, new subject matter, emotions, caring, love, you name it. When you win the Nobel prize for literature, I can say " I read him before he won the prize!" On to 10 and beyond.

[Mark C.]

Ok, I have finished all the available chapters and am sitting here, drumming my fingers on the table, waiting, not so patiently, on the next chapter. Wait, I know.. You are developing your version of the Chinese water torture! You have the story written and completed and are just enjoying teasing the heck out of us by releasing one chapter at a time, slowly. Criminally masterful!! The Marquis de Sade was a piker compared to you!

[D'Artagnon]

Oh, you know Marcus, too?

[Mark C.]

Groan... No wonder they don't let you out on your own, grin.... Hey, question: do you try to stick to a set schedule to get out a chapter or just publish as the muse within you flows and ebbs? Was thinking of hibernating on days in between chapters, grin... Ok, joking but I feel like reaching through the computer and chaining you to desk until story finished, sigh.... Ok, a break to make us a pie included! Take care, sir!

[Guest]

Groan... No wonder they don't let you out on your own, grin.... Hey, question: do you try to stick to a set schedule to get out a chapter or just publish as the muse within you flows and ebbs? Was thinking of hibernating on days in between chapters, grin... Ok, joking but I feel like reaching through the computer and chaining you to desk until story finished, sigh.... Ok, a break to make us a pie included! Take care, sir!

I sometmes feel the same way   I wish theyy would release a few more like one a day, or maybe the whole story!    at least where  am it's cold enough to hibernate 

[D'Artagnon]

Juan's Last Supper?!  The Countess Holding Court!!  And no getting ice cream at Barnie's?!  Coupe Chapter 14 - Under a Sliver'd Moon is next.

[Castle Herald]

Chapter 14 presented for your pleasure at http://www.castleroland.net/library/author/dartagnon