If you've read the blurb about my new book, STEALING WISHES, you know that Blaine, the central character of is a fan of Isherwood. A few people have asked, "Why Isherwood?" Some have also noticed that Blaine's coworker is named Auden. Yes, that's an obvious reference to Isherwood's real life confidant, W.H. And Blaine's boss and best friend is named Sallie (Sally Bowles? Perhaps.). Isherwood's life long friend was Edward Upward who he met at Repton, and whose first name I chose for Blaine's blind date in the book. There's also a park in the book named for Don Barchardy, who was Isherwood's lover late in life.

I've been a longtime fan of Isherwood and his writings. His books and bios crowd my book case more than any other gay author. In 1939, he wrote a book called Goodbye to Berlin, in which he says, "I am a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording, not thinking." And so begins the first chapter of my book.

That quote was the central heart beat I molded Blaine's character around. It seemed only fitting that he would quote Isherwood throughout the book himself, and compare his own life to that of Isherwood's. In my writing, I've always enjoyed using anagrams and puzzles to make connections between characters and plotlines, giving the reader suttle hints into who these people on the page really are. Those who read my first book will hopefully recognize that the coffee shop, where Matthew and Jacob met one morning, is the main setting in STEALING WISHES. So with that one single Isherwood quote, my central character was born inside my head and began telling me his story in May of 2007. And now I'm anxious to share his story with you, the reader, as well.

There are no anagrams in this story for you to solve. I've given you all of the Isherwood references outright, above, for you to look for. Cabaret and Berlin, and some of Isherwood's other books, are also mentioned in this work. What can I say? Christopher was a huge inspiration, even though my story is quite different. Sure, it's of love and discovering one's self, themes Isherwood explored but mine is still quite different.

It is a great quote though, and I used it to shape Blaine into a photography enthusiast. This was a fun part of him to explore because I, too, love photography. In the book, Blaine talks about how he is always the one behind the camera...quite passive, recording, not thinking. His desire is to take a breathtaking photo to enter into a local contest, but his photo taking obsession soon becomes a metaphor for his love life as well.

So, that's why I chose Isherwood to become a main part of the book, STEALING WISHES. And I wish you would give me your thoughts on it once you read it. STEALING WISHES is due out later this month.

Best Wishes,
Shannon
www.shannonyarbrough.com