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THE LOUD MACLEOD

That's the rather busy version of the tartan. In the book I use the more subdued one which can be seen as the background to the avatar on this blog. But this is the Macleod tartan, or The Loud Macleod as it is commonly known, for obvious reasons when you look at it.

Tartan is something closely identifiable with Scotland, and as such it is a delicate issue in Naked Hero. Lewis's relationship with his homeland is strained to say the least - blaming it for taking his father and never having returned there since he left shortly after the man's death in a car accident. It is something that becomes a major theme in The Journey Home, but is introduced in The Journey Away. And there is no more poignant a moment for this sensitive subject than when Lewis is confronted with The Loud Macleod. Here's a snippet from that scene... “...There is one more shirt, though,” Lee nervously added. “It might be a bit over the top… you can decide if you want it or not.” “Let’s have a look,” Lewis brightly encouraged. Lee brought out the last of the shirts, still in its wrapping, and handed it to Lewis for him to open. He placed it on the table and sat down, fascinated to see what Lee had kept up his sleeve for the grand finale. He expected another Aboriginal design, but surely not based on ‘Man’s Love Story’,  that would be too much to put on a shirt. It was too complex to be reduced in that way. As he prised open the wrapping, he froze when he saw what lay underneath. The others did as well. Lewis just stared at it, a minute passed before he even drew breath - his fingers slowly moving over the fabric, teasing and caressing it. He seemed transfixed. “Do you recognise it, Lewis?” asked Fiona, the only one brave enough to dare break the spell. He tried to look up to her, but his head only rose a fraction before it was pulled back down, the spell still binding, fixing his eyes to the material that he held. Finally he put it down, pushing it away slightly, but his eyes never wavered.  “It’s my dad’s tartan... He wore it to his wedding... when he married my mum. She’s still got the kilt. I think so anyway.” “Of course she has, Lewis,” said Fiona. Lee was desperate to speak, to ask him if it was okay, but Fiona touched him on the arm and held him back. “It’s not just your dad’s tartan, Lewis. It’s yours as well: the Macleod tartan. The ‘Macleod of Lewis’ to give it its proper name, because that’s where the clan hails from – your ancestral home – your dad’s original home before he moved to Ayr. This tartan is something that links you to him, passed down from father to son. It’s part of your heritage, just like these other shirts are part of a heritage. And don’t you think for one second that you’re not worthy of wearing it. Your dad would have been so proud to see you walking onto that court tomorrow, but nothing would have made him more proud  than to see you in this.” She walked over and crouched beside him, putting her arm around his shoulders and wiped away the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks. “Perhaps it’s something you can keep special and put it on when you’re ready.” “Aye, when I’m ready.”

  Extract from: Naked hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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THE SHINING SUN IN SPLENDOUR

I Burn Quhil I Se - I burn but am not consumed. That is the motto of the clan Macleod of Lewis, and it becomes the motto of Lewis Macleod in Naked Hero as The Journey Away draws to a close. It is inscribed on the clan badge - The Shining Sun in Splendour, which I thought was an appropriate way to describe the young hero at this stage in his life - trade 'sun' for 'son' and you pretty much have him. This is the last blog I will make concerning The Journey Away. To make any more would give the ending away. But it is safe enough to say that near the end Lewis is presented with this badge - a reminder of his roots, the home that somehow he must find his way back to, which becomes the thrust of the second book.  Here is the scene...  He produced a small box from his jacket pocket – part of another  suit which he’d bought earlier for the occasion. Lewis opened it to find a piece of lucky heather held on a silver badge, in the centre of which was a burning sun with a face on it, around which in a circle was some Latin wording. “I recognise this as well – it’s the same as on my dad’s kilt pin,” said Lewis on examining it. “The Macleod crest badge,” Lee explained. “It’s amazing what you can find in the shops in this town. A golden sun in splendour is what I was told – it seems appropriate.” Lewis sheepishly smiled “Thank you... And what about this: I BIRN QUHIL I SE? I suppose that’s the clan motto. Jim knows Latin...” “It means ‘I burn but am not consumed’,” interrupted Lee. “I looked it up. So off you go and burn up the final – shine like the golden son in splendour.”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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MANIPULATION

 There is a fair amount of manipulation going on throughout Naked Hero - The Journey Away. Some do it openly, others work behind the scenes, each with an agenda that is different but sometimes with goals that are shared... Lee Porter and Marie Clement being the prime example there. It sounds pretty shocking, but in reality people are manipulated throughout their lives. It's just that we normally see it happen, or are at least aware of it. Children are manipulated by parents and teachers, but that is fine - they need to be. Teenagers have different sorts of pressures, and more cunning manipulation is required to control them. Adults face the same thing in relationships and are openly manipulated at work. And behind the scenes all sorts of games are being played by people, advertisers for example, trying to manipulate how we think and what we buy. It's a fact of life - from cradle to grave we are manipulated to varying degrees. There is one scene in the first book that shamelessly embraces the concept of manipulation. It is when Marie Clement meets with Scott Taylor, supposedly to discuss Chantal Duboir's inner doubts, but in reality Marie is trying to open Scott's eyes. It was a delicate scene to write, because it had to be obvious to the reader what she was doing, but not to Scott - he has to arrive at the conclusion himself - a conclusion that Marie is seemingly trying to steer him away from when in actual fact she is leading him there. She's a crafty one is the lovely Marie, and I really liked her as a character. Here's a snippet from her best manipulation scene... Marie paused for a moment before responding. Appearing to choose her words carefully, she eventually replied, “I’m not disappointed... Please don’t take that the wrong way. I think that in most respects you would be an ideal coach for Lewis, there’s no one he would respond better to, but...”  “But what?” Marie brushed it away with a wave of her hand. “No, it doesn’t matter. If you have decided to leave then the issue will never arise.” “What issue?” asked Scott. “Come on, Marie, tell me... There’s a part of me that would like to take the job on. It would be good to know for sure that refusing would be the right thing to do. Lee Porter is a thorn in the side at present, but I suspect he’ll disappear after the tournament, and press speculation would die down eventually. If there’s another reason for not getting involved, then I would like to know it.” Marie gave him agitation – a woman in a quandary – a performance that would grace any Parisian stage. “It’s probably wrong of me to say anything,” she finally offered. “It’s only because I care for Lewis that I do so. I know I tease him, but I’m very fond of him. I don’t want to see him getting hurt... chasing a dream.” “What do you mean by that - me backing off again?” asked Scott,  looking equally agitated, although he was for real. “I would have to be sure of myself there. I couldn’t give any guarantees. Who could?” A hand reached out and gently touched Scott’s arm – a little intimacy that sold the next confidence. “There could be a problem even if you didn’t walk away,” said Marie, almost in a whisper. “Come on, Scott, you know about Lewis. Have you not considered how he might feel if he were to spend a lot of time with you? It’s a common occurrence: player and coach. Only in this scenario, it would be one-sided.” Scott froze momentarily, trying to control his reaction, before laughing out his reply. “I think that’s very unlikely!” He covered it well, but Marie was too skilled an observer not to notice the interest she had excited, and took it as confirmation of her suspicions. She smiled sympathetically as if it was a lost cause. “Do you? That’s not how I see it... He already idolises you – and I mean that sincerely. And once Lee Porter is out of the picture, which may be very soon following the latest exposé on him today, then I think it would be very likely if you were still around.” “Has Lewis said anything?” asked Scott overenthusiastically. “Only with his eyes!” answered Marie with a shake of her head. “Poor Lewis! He would jump at the chance to have you coach him, or work part-time along with Jim, but he wouldn’t think through what might happen.  ...Sorry, this hasn’t been easy for me, and I’m still not sure if I’ve done the right thing. I’ve been debating it ever since that meal. He seemed so desperate to find a reason to see you again after Melbourne.” “Yes, it was a bit embarrassing. I hope I didn’t offend him by not saying anything.” “No, he wouldn’t have been annoyed with you over that – Lewis would have been annoyed with himself for creating awkwardness. I fear he’s already smitten.” Scott looked shocked. Marie gave a polite laugh and patted his arm. “Don’t be angry with him – he’s young, and can’t help his nature. And anyway - you should be flattered. He might be an idiot at times, but in many  people’s eyes he’s quite a catch. Now please, say nothing of this. Lewis would be furious with me if he were to find out I had interfered in this way. I could be wrong, but I wouldn’t have said anything if I believed that was the case. So please... be very, very, careful.” “I will. Thank you for telling me.”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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THIS MAN'S LOVE STORY

One the great pleasures I had in writing Naked Hero was some of the research that needed to be done. As one scene near the end of The Journey Away takes place in an art gallery featuring Aboriginal works, I had to look into this ancient art form. It was fascinating, and I really liked the styles, of which there are several. And what a surprise - another serendipity - to find that one of the most iconic pieces was titled 'This Man's Love Story' as that is what Naked Hero is about - Lewis Macleod's love story... His love for his father which runs through both books, and his search for another 'Perfect Man' who can measure up to the ghost. There are actually several versions of the painting, but this is the one I opted for to be seen by Lewis at the gallery.  I just describe it as I saw it, which is probably a lot of nonsense, but then Lewis is no art critic either, so it seemed appropriate to do this. Here's how I describe the painting...  Lewis wandered around the rooms as in his own dream world. It wasn’t just the visual impact of the paintings, the skill that was there, the colours used - they excited the imagination. They were speaking to him, but he couldn’t understand the language, he only felt the words that had their roots in creation itself. At the end of the tour, one picture remained. Alinka was silent as Lewis gazed on it. She wanted to hear his thoughts.  “This is a class apart. It’s stunning,” he said without prompt. “What do you see?” asked Alinka. “It’s like I’m looking at some fantastic terrain from an aeroplane: bits of cloud in the way, but adding to the view, becoming part of it. Like how you see fields in Europe from above, but not regular, man made... this is untamed - a vast landscape.” He pointed to a part of the painting. “This symbol coming down from the top - three concentric circles linked by lines - so that’s a pathway travelled by ancestors, you said. It’s so vast, so they’ve travelled everywhere. Then there are these other tracks, footprints, coming and going to the central circle. Perhaps that’s man, the artist maybe, making his  own journey, retracing the steps of the ancestors. This central circle seems important though, one of the journeys doesn’t lead out of it, but instead the journey ends there, and transforms itself into this most incredible creature, almost exploding out of the centre, or beamed out of it like a laser. If you ask me, it’s like... The Journey Away... and then... well it has to be... The Journey Home. It’s absolutely amazing... What should I have seen?” “Only what you see. Each person should decide,” replied Alinka. “Who painted it?” asked Lewis. “It’s by one of our most famous artists: Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.” “Well, he’s had quite a journey. And he found something very special at the end of it,” said Lewis. “Thank you... It’s called, ‘Man’s Love Story’. I think you saw that. I’ll leave you now to look at the paintings on your own.”

Extract from: Naked hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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ADVERTISING

A book about a top tennis player has to have something in there about advertising. The reality is that the top players earn much more from sponsorship deals than they do from prize money, and some will go to extremes to capitalise on their fame. Maria Sharapova apparently was considering changing her name to advertise her Sugarpova confectionary range. Miss Sugarpova to serve - now come on!

My character Lewis Macleod is not big on advertising. He sees it as a distraction. But in The Journey Away he is forced to deal with a situation whereby his clothing sponsorship is cancelled at short notice due to adverse publicity. For Lewis this is no big deal, but for his new friend Lee Porter it's a golden opportunity to show what he can do. Here's how it starts off... “These will do fine. Thanks, Fiona.” “You should cover the logo, though,” said Lee as he emerged from Lewis’s bedroom, fully dressed once again. “No point in giving them free advertising - let them pay you to market their brand. It would weaken your position as well when you come to negotiate a new deal.” “Aye, that’s true enough,” said Jim, appreciating his wisdom and the fact Lee was now clothed. “You need to start thinking about things like that, Lewis.” Lewis looked at them both incredulously. “It seems a lot of fuss over a bit of kit. Surely it won’t make much odds having a wee logo on display.” “It will,” replied Lee. “Cover the logo, then you’re making a point. The marketing men will notice, work out what’s happened, and then start bidding, probably very quickly. If you’re going to have a new sponsor, then they’ll want their logo on display in the final. They’ll want to capitalise on it. Win tomorrow, and then start a bidding war. You did say that none of the other manufacturers have a top player, so they’ll all want to sign you, as it sounds to me that they can’t afford to be choosy like your old sponsor. Who’s controlling this anyway?” What Lee said was making sense. Lewis screwed up his face. “A bunch of amateurs by the sound of things!” he answered. “Why didn’t the management agency suggest this, Jim?” “You’ve never given them any encouragement to be creative, Lewis. I could speak to them again if you want,” replied the coach. Lewis considered this for a moment then shook his head. “No, leave it. I don’t want the distraction, and I don’t want you distracted either, Jim. There’s too much at stake to be fraffing around with a sponsorship deal at present.” “I’ll handle it for you, Lewis,” said Lee brightly. “I know how to broker a deal... We still need to involve the management agency, but I can do that instead of Jim. Let me do this as a friend. I lost you one deal - let me replace it with a better one.”

Extract from: Naked hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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ANOTHER UNLIKELY ALLIANCE

The English and the French!

Well they are allies now, the best of friends - although whether they actually like each other is another thing. There's a lot of history between the two and a lot of it has involved trying to obliterate each other, so not natural allies by any means. And in Naked Hero there is another alliance between the two nations that is not an obvious or natural one. The Body Perfect Englishman, Lee Porter, teams up with French author, Marie Clement, with the objective of bringing a Scotsman and an American together. I know! You'd think this was about global politics rather than a gay romance. But they do! Each for their own reason. And they will set in motion a chain of events that will steamroll through till the end of the first book and linger well into the second. Here's a snippet from their first conversation that came by serendipity... They had danced around it long enough now, and Lee Porter was not someone to shy away from his cue. “Oh, I think I know about Scott. Call it a sixth sense, I can usually spot them. But how does Lewis feel? He has no idea, has he?” Marie took that in her stride. “I would say not.” “How did you know?” asked Lee, impressed by the Frenchwoman, “Chantal...  something from his past perhaps?” “No. Chantal does not suspect. She is far too busy with her own dramas to concern herself with anyone else’s. My own sixth sense, I suppose, when we had dinner together. Such an awkward meal! I would have had much more fun if you had been there instead.” The compliment came with a sarcastic smile, but Marie was genuine in what she said. Lee looked at his ally in the making: a formidable woman indeed, and one that he would not cross swords with lightly. Sure in his mind that he and his like were not what Lewis Macleod needed in his life - and sure that he could no longer play his game without concern for the impact on Lewis himself, Lee decided to go for broke and try to make everyone involved a winner. Let them all end up with a prize. “Does Lewis want him?” he asked. “And does Scott want Lewis... I suspect he does?” “Deep down, Lewis wants love,” replied Marie. “If Scott Taylor can give that to him... Well, it’s difficult to say - so much is speculation at present. It would be interesting to know how Lewis would react if he also was to develop a sixth sense... Very favourably, I suspect: he totally idolises the man and clearly wants to keep Scott in his life. As for Scott, yes I think he wants Lewis. Whether he wants him enough to actually declare himself to him is another matter, however. And as for making it public! Well, that might just be a bridge too far, although who can say what would happen in time... But what is it that you want? What is it that brings you here, eating humble pie for breakfast and asking favours of Scott Taylor?” “There’s not much that gets past you, is there?” laughed Lee in response, before taking a moment to consider his answer. Strangely enough, something close to the truth was the chosen path. “I want Lewis to be happy. I want him to succeed and win the title. If a little notoriety rubs off in the  process, then that’s a bonus. Scott could make him happy, if he had the balls to be honest about what he is.” “You’re sure that’s all you want, notoriety?” “I’m sure,” said Lee confidently.

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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PISTOLS AT DAWN

Such a shame we have lost so many of our traditions - like gentlemen settling a dispute with pistols at dawn. It's so romantic! Personally I wouldn't fancy it - all a bit risky with lead flying around, too much of it in your direction if the opponent was a half decent shot. But it is a lovely image. I used it briefly in Naked Hero - the image, not the actual deed. It is what Marie Clement likes to think is happening when she spots Lee Porter and Scott Taylor having a chat in a hotel lobby. She knows they are rivals for Lewis's favour, and it tickles her that this is how they are going to settle the matter. Here's the snippet... As Lee was pondering this whilst finishing his coffee, he was observed by two people. The Herald reporter was the less astute of the two, having missed the subtle changes in Lee’s expression, but they were not lost on Marie Clement. She had been halted in her tracks as she returned from breakfast alone, Chantal having departed earlier for a training session. Marie was intrigued to spot the ‘two men’ in Lewis’s life sitting together, and wondered what was transpiring between them. ‘Pistols at dawn perhaps. How romantic,’ she’d mused. Curious, Marie had taken a chair at a discrete distance and pretended to busy herself with her notebook. But her attention had never wavered from the potential duellists. She’d waited with baited breath on a glove being produced and struck across a cheek. But honour was not to be violently satisfied - the matter appeared to get resolved amicably. It was only when Scott Taylor had left the arena that a thirst for blood was finally displayed. Marie had lapped it up, and she wanted more. So once the coast was clear, she brazenly walked over to where Lee Porter was seated and renewed their brief acquaintance. “Good morning! It’s Mr. Porter, isn’t it? I don’t know if you remember me, we met in Sydney a few weeks ago. I’m Marie Clement.”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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THE BEST MAN

Naked Hero - The Journey Away is told in three parts... First there is The Body Perfect Englishman, where Lee Porter is the main man in Lewis Macleod's life. Then comes The American Idol where Scott Taylor features, and has the inside track, before he shoots himself in the foot and opens the door again for Lee.

The final part is The Best Man, and I use Lewis himself as the illustration rather than give the ending away. But who will prove to be the best man? When I was writing the book I had no definite ending in mind. There was actually the temptation to do a John Fowles and write two different ending a la The French Lieutenant's Woman. But I elected not to - it's been done and it would be tacky, and life isn't like that. At the end of the day, just like in the tennis match the story will end with, there has to be a winner - the best man. So when I wrote the story I let plot evolve and made my decision for Lewis, based on who I thought was the best man for him. But that comes at the end. The beginning of part three has the protagonists meeting up for the first time - squaring up to each other some might say. Here's a snippet from that first awkward encounter...  Lee watched and waited. There was no outward response – Scott sat immobile, gazing intently, giving little away. He’d hoped that his little speech would have been enough to tip the balance, but this former champion was still a ruthless player and clearly wanted something more – like Lee opening up a vein and bleeding before him. Resigned to the necessity of a massive risk laced with a good dose of humility, he took another sip of coffee then swallowed his pride along with the beverage. “Let’s not kid ourselves,” he continued. “You know I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t honestly believe how important you are - the one that can make the difference for him, just by being there. I could leave now, go back to Sydney, and I will do if you ask me to. I would imagine that Lewis is already pissed off with me, so it wouldn’t change the outcome tomorrow. Only you can do that by being there for him, supporting him... accepting him. I’ve done all I can, and I’ve got my reward - my five minutes of fame. I wish I could have more, but as I said – I have a conscience, and feel guilty that my presence might have pushed you away. And it’s you that he needs now. Please, don’t punish him because of me. I’ll go if that makes it easier, or I’ll stay and deflect the attention if that’s what you’d prefer. Whatever works best - whatever it takes for you to do the one thing that will make the difference - the one thing that will allow him to beat Gonzales. Openly accept him!” Scott gazed at him, his heart racing even faster now having heard what Lee had to say. Curiosity had been satisfied and hope now surged – this did put a different perspective on things. It was still fraught with danger, but perhaps there was a reward that might make it all worthwhile. Porter was certainly making that easier by offering to fall on his sword and disappear from their lives. But that would hardly be gentlemanly, and might raise suspicion as to the ulterior motive if he insisted the man left town. “What time is the practice?” Scott asked, offering a life-line as he bought some more thinking time. Lee tempered his excitement and went in for the close. “Twelve o’clock... And if you’re worried about his reaction, then don’t be. He’ll welcome you with open arms, believe me. And please, if you do decide to go, let’s keep this conversation to ourselves.” Masking his own excitement, Scott appeared nonplussed. “I’ll think about it.” “Don’t take too long,” insisted Lee; then prepared as always he added, “I’ll give you my card. If you could let me know what you decide, then either I’ll arrange to turn up myself and try to lift him somehow, or alternatively I can go and pack.” Scott shook his head and declined the offered card, but the gentleman in him still came through. “No need for that. Why don’t we both go?” Lee gave him a brief laugh as he returned the card to his pocket. “No. That’s not for Lewis. One or the other… and the best man is you.”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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WRITING TENNIS

 One of the big challenges I faced in writing Naked Hero - The Journey Away was dealing with the actual tennis. The book is based around the Australian Open, and that means seven matches in total for anyone lucky enough and talented enough to go all the way. Now tennis is fun to both play and watch, but in the modern men's game it can drag on a tad. The 2012 final in Melbourne between Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic lasted just short of six hours! How do you write something like that and keep the reader interested, and repeat it seven times over? Of course I didn't even try. Edited highlights are what's served up, and only the very best bits. But even then, to make it more palatable, I found it best to use a different angle for each match. The first round is all about crowd trouble, so I write it inside Lewis's head - what he is thinking and experiencing. I just give the result of the second round and for the third I see it through Lee Porter's eyes, remotely on television from Sydney. It's not the actual match we see but Lee's consternation about the commentator - a certain Scott Taylor. The fourth round match is a big one, in the Rod Laver Arena on the eve of Australia Day against a home favourite. But it is also Burns Night and I play on this, quoting the Bard before and after the match, which itself is kept to a paragraph. It is what is happening around the tennis that is more interesting - Lee Porter is in the supporters box, Scott Taylor is commentating, the crowd are on a high because tomorrow is there big day and fireworks will start at midnight. And in the press room hacks are getting busy, sussing out a story that has nothing to do with tennis. But the match still has to be covered. Sorry about the spoiler by giving away the result, but here's how it went, with a little bit of Burns paraphrased in there as well...  Another Scot had a plan, which Mr. Taylor had helped to formulate. When the players emerged to the roars from the crowd, Lewis executed as agreed: one look to his supporters box, give them a smile and then they were gone; take in the crowd and the glorious arena that housed them, accept where he was, and the loyalties dictated by it, then that also was gone. But it was not part of the plan that there was a final look around, until he identified the area where the media was boxed. It was not part of the plan that he lingered his look in that direction before turning away from something else that was gone. Oh yes – the best laid schemes of mice and men often go astray, and leave us nothing but grief and pain for promised joy! Steeling himself, postponing the grief, Lewis followed the plan and started with focus. But Edwin Roberts, inspired by the home crowd, started with uncharacteristic fire and broke him in the crucial seventh game then held on to take the opening set. But it was the Aussie’s plan that ultimately went walkabout. As the match progressed, the Australian fire eventually diminished, and Lewis took control of the match. The second set was close, but few thereafter doubted the outcome. The home crowd had little to cheer in the third and forth sets, but plenty to applaud in the play that was exhibited. Lewis reached the quarter-finals with effort to spare at the end, and the grudging admiration of the host nation.

Extract from:Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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SEXUAL TENSION

I'm not a prude by any means, but I decided from the outset that there would be no sex in Naked Hero. The characters have sex - Lewis and Lee are both caught with their trousers down by the tabloids (not together I might add), but I don't write these scenes, they are merely referred to. But any story involving a healthy, attractive, young gay man who is searching for his perfect man, has to have an element of sex as an under current - a very big element. And that was the challenge I set myself - to write a book that oozes sexuality, deals with sexuality, has very sexy characters who are hot for each other, but convey all this without any sex whatsoever. With Lewis and Scott I used the locker room as an early platform to create this under current of sexual attraction. With Lewis and Lee it is photographs to begin with... At the party where they meet there is a huge photograph of Lewis on display which Lee takes time to consider, and of course Lewis has a wealth of pictures of Lee from his raunchy website. Photographs are fine to begin  with, but once they meet, they need more than this - the tool is too weak to convey the attraction they feel for each other. There are numerous scenes where I let the sexual tension sizzle, but my favourite is the one where they lark around in the pool having agreed that it is best they stay friends and no more. Having set this demarcation it is then easy to let the sexual heat rise because they cannot take it further. Here's a snippet from that scene... With things now supposedly resolved between them, Lewis and Lee spent the next half hour chatting away, tennis and sex left well out of the conversation. Then it was decided that perhaps a swim was in order to cool down in the building heat. Lewis was already in a pair of Bermudas that would do just fine – Lee however was in need of a costume. He was shown to Lewis’s room where  a whole selection was there for the choosing, the determined young Scot beating a retreat before Lee made his pick and stripped to change into them. But temptation could never be totally avoided. When Lee appeared a few minutes later, Lewis appreciated just how much he was turning away by keeping the friendship platonic. The glamour shots on Lee’s website of him posing in swimwear were all very well, but they were nothing compared to the impact of seeing him like that in the flesh. He truly had the perfect body – if  Michelangelo was still alive then he would surely chose Lee as his muse for David. And he carried it so naturally - not strutting around and posing for effect. Lewis wildly grinned when he saw him emerge through the patio doors and walk over to the outdoor shower, the lad thankful that he was already in the pool so that his reaction was fluidly disguised. Lee had selected a pair of light blue trunks which fitted him reasonably well – too well perhaps as if anything they were slightly on the small side, which was more than could be said  for what they were struggling to contain. Lewis was sure the mischievous sod had a semi-erection – but then he was in no position to accuse! “You old tart, you!” shouted Lewis as Lee walked towards him. “Couldn’t you find anything a bit less  revealing?” “They’re your trunks, not mine, so don’t call me a tart,” replied Lee as he walked past where Lewis was treading water, keeping his reaction to this sight well out of view. Then once he had passed and had his back to Lewis, knowing full well the lad was still watching him, Lee pulled the trunks down to give a quick flash of his ass then pulled them up as he reached the shower. “Now that is what you call tarty!” he laughed facing Lewis, turning on the water which cascaded over his body, wetting the Lycra that covered his modesty making the outline all the clearer to see. Unable to resist, Lewis watched, keeping his own modesty well submerged. Temptation raged as blood did its trick, and Lee didn’t help as he rubbed himself down, mischievous hands nudging at the trunks to offer a glimpse of his neatly trimmed pubes. It was as if he was mocking in the friendliest way – sex needn’t change things, and look what you’re missing! But in reality it would. Lewis knew that for sure, and he smiled at his friend as he caught his eye. “Come on! You can’t stand there all day playing with yourself - either go inside and toss one off, or get in the pool and behave yourself.”  And  with that he swam off and started doing a few lengths, dragging water from start to finish.

Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton 

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UNLIKELY ALLIES

There are numerous alliances formed in Naked Hero. Lewis Macleod and Chantal Duboir is an obvious one, and understandably so. But in The Journey Away, some unlikely alliances are formed, and the first is between Fiona Murdoch and Lee Porter. Fiona's objectives are simple - her aim is to safeguard the well being of Lewis, her surrogate son. Lee is a clear threat to that, and she is rightly wary of him. But she recognises the positives in him, and having been invited to Melbourne to attend a match, his presence offers an opportunity to address a huge problem that has cropped up. Lee's objectives are less clear - they have become muddied due to emotions that are alien to him. But he appears to want to help, for whatever reason, so Fiona decided to confide in him. It is a cagey game these two unlikely allies play, but they engage nonetheless. Here's a snippet from their first conversation....   “Does he mean that much to him?” Lee asked, trying to force down the emotion - the one he couldn’t put a name to. Fiona heard it in his voice anyway – jealousy, and a degree of concern that couldn’t be faked. Her protective nature and intuition would have heard the falsehood had it lay there - so she decided to try and help him, despite the wariness she felt. “Let’s not confuse what we’re talking about here. Scott Taylor was the player that Lewis admired the most, he still is. It was a huge thing for him when Scott agreed to help. He had so much to offer, and Lewis listened to him. I don’t think he was really listening to Jim any more. Scott was able to help a lot, mainly because of who he was: the most important person in tennis, as far as Lewis was concerned - and the person who could hurt him the most with his rejection.” “When is he needed?” “Now!” snapped Fiona, betraying a little anger. “But as I say - perhaps not that much tonight. Tomorrow, at the practice, that’s when Lewis will really miss him... It would be nice if you were to be there in his place.” “Is that all I’d be? A poor substitute for Scott Taylor,” said Lee, betraying more of his unnamed emotion that he cared for. Fiona heard it again, loud and clear this time, and it earned Lee Porter some more of her wisdom. “At tomorrow’s practice – yes, that’s all you’d be. But thereafter - who knows. That would be for you to work on. But I’ll tell you this. No one, as far as tennis is concerned, could compete with Scott Taylor. But tennis is not the most important thing for Lewis - it never was. There’s a void that was left in his life years ago. Filling that void would mean more to him than any trophy - including the one that’s already got his name on  it... Now, if you’ll excuse me - I need to go and do something with this old face if I’m to appear on television tonight.”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

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BURNS NIGHT

 I suppose it was an example of serendipity - those happy accidents I blogged about a week or so ago. It was only when I researched for the book that I realised that Burns Night falls on the day before Australia Day and that they would both happen when the Australian Open was taking place. Naturally I had to have Lewis playing a match - his first time In the Rod Laver Arena - and his opponent had to be an Australian. But I deal with Burns before the match. It had to be a more serene environment to make use of him properly. And he deserves to be dealt with properly, by a character who would appreciate him - the Scottish Housewife and surrogate mother, Fiona Murdoch. Fiona is one of the two influencing women (Marie Clement being the other one). And it is a critical role she plays before that match when left alone with Lee Porter whilst the others go ahead to Melbourne Park. Like me, Fiona comes from Ayr, which is where Burns hails from, so she would know his poems like I do, and would have celebrated Burns Night as a girl. I'll say more later about the conversation which is a turning point in the book. But for now let's stick with Rabbie - Scotland's national poet... Part of Lewis’s ritual involved going to Melbourne Park long before the match would start. As per usual, Jim and Mike went with him, leaving Lee and Fiona behind. It would be another hour before they made their move to join coach and trainer in the supporters’ box at courtside. This had been explained in advance, so Lee was prepared, and to be honest he welcomed the situation. He sat down in the living area with Mrs. Murdoch and awaited the inevitable questions whilst harbouring a few of his own. They came slowly, with charm and innocence over a cup of tea – a beverage that Lee was actually quite fond of – taken at the table with a plate of biscuits on offer that Mr. Porter politely declined at first. “Oh on you go – just the one,” Fiona insisted, nudging the plate in his direction having taken a biscuit herself. “It’s shortbread! I’ve been hoarding it specifically for today... Not that anybody’s bothered.” “Bothered? Bothered with what?” asked Lee, eyeing the biscuits suspiciously – the perfect body required the perfect diet and biscuits rarely featured. “With the date!” Fiona cried, pretending exasperation. “There’s more to today than a tennis match, you know... The twenty-fifth of January! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” “It’s Australia Day tomorrow,” Lee optimistically offered. “Australia Day!” Fiona exclaimed. “And what would Scottish shortbread have to do with that?” Lee splayed his hands in apology of his ignorance. “Robert Burns!” it was explained to him. “I’m Ayrshire born, as is Lewis, and Rabbie’s our local hero. I used to love reading his poems when I was a girl – ‘To a Mouse’ that was my favourite... ‘Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie. O, what a panic in thy breastie!’...” Having delivered her lines in a broad Ayrshire brogue, Fiona smiled at Lee’s incomprehension and reverted back to her more Anglicised accent. “...I won a prize at school for reciting that. Use to know the whole thing off by heart, although I doubt if I could manage it now. Anyway, tonight is Burns Night, and all over the world there’ll be celebrations to commemorate the birth of Scotland’s national poet - traditional Burns supper with haggis, neaps and tatties, and a fair amount of whisky as well. Not that we make much of a fuss in this household nowadays... The shortbread’s my token gesture - so don’t offend – eat a piece!”

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

FREE download available from link

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TWO PLAYERS OF CONSEQUENCE

Playing games is a big theme in Naked Hero - The Journey Away. There is tennis of course, and then there are the other games which happen around Lewis Macleod. The main player of games is Lee Porter. He comes from a different world, and his arrival in Melbourne is a step outside his comfort zone, but Lee's the sort of man who can rise to most occasions. I enjoyed writing the scene when he and Lewis meet again. So much has happened, and so many other games are now afoot. But for a short time they can rise above all this and just be themselves. The games get put aside - an amnesty is in place for these two players of consequence from different worlds...  Happy to oblige, not thinking it his duty in the slightest, Lee gave him a potted history of his background and his life, sensibly editing out the more shady elements like the riot of men and parties that had featured so prominently. Lewis made it easy for him with his questioning - innocent questions which had no obvious motive other than interest in him. Lee found it refreshing, and tried to reciprocate with innocent questions of his own. It was a rare experience for him, to chat aimlessly, but with a purpose - to get to know someone. For an hour they put aside their own purposes for the evening, and relaxed in each other’s company: two players of consequence from different worlds finding neutral ground where neither was king, nor particularly wished to be. They gloried in each other’s company, relishing the words that were spoken and the faces from which they emanated. They spoke of this and that, always avoiding two subjects: tennis, and what would happen after the tennis. But between the lines it was made perfectly clear - that whatever the result of the match to be played there would be no refusals tonight. By the end of the hour they were looking forward to that long-overdue event, but in no rush to move the verbal foreplay on. It came as a disappointment to them both when Jim appeared and drew their time to an end. “Duty calls,” said Lewis. “There’s a routine to be followed now.” “Is it best I stay here and keep out of the way?” asked Lee. “Only if you want to,” replied Lewis as he stood up. “But you’re not in the way, far from it. I’m glad you’re here. I really am.” Lee rose as well, and seeing that Jim had gone back into the house, he touched the young man on the shoulder, resting his hand there as he gazed into his eyes. The kiss came naturally. It was tender and all confirming: two players of consequence relishing the shared ground. It ended, leaving pleased but sheepish smiles - and for Lee Porter the surprise of an honest simple statement. “Me too,” he replied, knowing fine well that it had nothing to do with the plan he had come with - a plan that he seriously needed to reconsider.

  Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

FREE download available from link above 

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CHANTAL DUBOIR & THAT RETROSPECTIVE ON CLOTHES

Thankfully I decided to do a retrospective on clothing, because the first character I had to think about dressing in Naked Hero and how she looked was Chantal Duboir, and so far I have barely mentioned the Ladies champion in this blog. Chantal is the voice of sanity in Lewis's tennis world - a lady full of self doubts who has battled to overcome them, but will be forever plagued by her inner demons. She is a fragile rock who is able to give support but needs the same in return. As an open lesbian who travels with her partner, Marie Clement, her connection with Lewis Macleod is easy to understand. Their relationship is a strong one, but in many ways quite superficial. It is Marie who is the key person in the book. But what does Chantal look like and what sort of clothes does she wear? Well, for most of the time she is in tennis gear, but I never describe this. Away from the court I don't think she would be decked in over-lavish outfits - simplicity is her style. But when need be she has the ability to make an impression. Here's how I first describe her at that opening scene party in Sydney: an Amazonian Lady in Red...  He took in the full splendour of the two women as he approached them. Not classical beauties, but each had a presence which drew the eye and demanded its admiration. Chantal Duboir was the taller of the two by at least five inches, Amazonian in appearance, dusky skinned and athletically built. Her broad shoulders were proudly displayed by a strapless red dress she was wearing – a daring little number which clung to her body as far as her knees, showing off her figure to devastating effect. She wore no jewels and very little make up. The only adornment was her thick mane of auburn hair which fell luxuriously halfway down her bare back. 

Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

FREE download available from links above. 

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 What to wear? What to wear? Men worry about it as well as women, although apparently not so much. I'm not much of a fashion buff, but in Naked Hero I had to think about clothing. I might not have been too bothered about what I was wearing for most of the day whilst sitting at my laptop typing away, but I needed to think about my characters. I needed to dress them and dress then correctly - it's not easy being a writer you know. Clothing features in a major way in The Journey Away, and it's Lewis who will make the big fashion statement at the end. Needless to say, it's not Lewis that is behind it - Lee Porter is the model and the one who knows about clothes. And of course it was Lee I had to think about most when dressing my characters, although everyone gets to strut down the cat walk at some point. I'll do a retrospective in the next few blogs to illustrate this, but for now, here is Mr. Porter... thinking about fashion...  Monday morning in Australia, and everyone in the Darlinghurst apartment was still in bed, except for Lee Porter who was making some last minute changes to his selection of clothes for his trip to Melbourne. He had given the subject of what to take a lot of thought since the ticket arrived the  previous day. An open return! Exactly how long did Lewis expect him to stay? Lee decided to plan for a week whilst giving the impression he’d assumed only one night. He had gone through a variety of scenarios for the trip. Envisaging himself in different situations, and wondering what best to be wearing at the time. He needed to strike a balance, and get the image right – right for Lewis, his team, and the public at large. As he examined the clothes he had lain out on his bed, Lee realised that it was Lewis he was dressing for, but it was the public that he needed to impress the most. Once again he was getting distracted - losing focus on the prize. Items were discarded that he thought too ‘gay’ or too ‘tarty’. It was better to tone things down: subtlety rather than in your face ‘Look at me! Ain’t I gorgeous!’ was Lee’s revised view so that the world could see a different side of him. There would be enough of the obvious after the event, for the millions that he hoped would be logging into his website. New items were searched for. Not happy with what he found in his wardrobe, Lee was considering a shopping trip in Melbourne when his mobile rang.

Extract from: Naked hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton

FREE download available from the links above

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A CLASS ACT

There can be no question that on the tennis court Lewis Macleod is a class act, but can the same be said of him off the court? Class is a tricky subject and can mean different things nowadays. It used to refer to social status, refinement and breeding, but that has got muddied in the modern age. For me - the ultimate class act is James Bond - he looks the part, certainly acts the part, and can fit into any social situation with ease. That's not Lewis. His social background is different coming from the East End of Glasgow, and having dedicated much of his life to tennis, he lacks refinement elsewhere. He has not been exposed to so much of life, held in a bubble that is his sport. He yearns to have the sort of class of James Bond, but knows he falls way short of the mark. And this is all the more difficult for him as he now lives in a world where the 'beautiful people' shine. He has the wealth and fame, but lacks the foundation, and this can prove awkward in certain situations. I experienced similar strains in my life, coming from a working class background, a mining community where 'class' was frowned upon. Moving from that to the big cities, first Edinburgh then London where I worked in The City - the finance sector, dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, some very sophisticated, was a strain at times. I had to learn and adapt quickly. Lewis is doing the same, but has other things to worry about. It can't be easy being a class act when all the world is watching and many are hoping you fall flat on your face. Here's a snippet that illustrates his difficulty... “Any other plans?” asked Marie. Scott shrugged his shoulders. “Play some more golf. Write a book maybe: the life story... everyone does it. Perhaps you know a good ghost writer - it’s not my thing really.” Marie smiled and shook her head. “I’m afraid not, but you should do it... very therapeutic. It would give you a chance to evaluate your life, and work out what you want to do with it now.” “Well I’ve got an idea!” Lewis chipped in. “I could seriously do with some help at the French Open. As you speak the language - if nothing else, you could help me prepare my first round loser’s speech. Paris has got fabulous restaurants, and the best wine in the world, or so I’m assured. There are plenty of galleries to go and see as well. The girls could show us around. It might be fun. Chantal and I are going to enter the doubles - now that would be worth coming to see, do you not think?” Lewis regretted it immediately, realising how silly he sounded. He was acting like a child in the company of sophisticated adults, and Scott’s silence for an answer did nothing to relieve his anguish. Thankfully Marie came to the rescue. “Don’t worry, Lewis – if Scott’s not available, I’ll help you with your speech. And perhaps it would be better if I played in the doubles with you. Chantal will be too busy winning the singles. It will be fun, and when we get knocked out, I will show you Paris... my Paris. We will go to the galleries and you can learn about art. We will dine at the best restaurants which are not the most expensive. And I will teach you the difference between Burgundy and Claret. Then when we come to England, you can show me London, and buy me fish and chips.” “You need to eat them out of a paper bag. It’s not very stylish, but they don’t taste the same otherwise. It does sound like fun... Thank you.” And he meant that from the bottom of his heart.

Extract from: Naked hero - The Journey Away

FREE download of book available from the links above. 

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THE GREEN EYED MONSTER

It's not very attractive - the green eyed monster that is jealousy. But attractive or not, it is a theme in Naked Hero - one that floats around and pops up from time to time. For the Body Perfect Englishman it is something that takes him by surprise because he has never had cause to feel the emotion before. That's why I found it interesting to tackle jealousy though the eyes of Lee Porter. It gave him a type of innocence, a sort of emotional virginity, that counterbalanced his promiscuity in his sex life. Here's how I introduce the topic with regards to Lee... Whilst Lewis was making these mental aspersions, the not so innocent perpetrator was in his room lying on his bed, considering the  conversation he’d just had. Lee had retreated here to take the call as a few of the lads had returned from the beach, and the last thing he wanted was for any of those blabbermouths to catch wind of his plans and spoil the big surprise that was now lined up for Monday. Lee knew he should feel happy. Lewis had won. The arrangements were being made – the lad wasn’t backing down. Lee had achieved his initial objective - the place in the box was secure. Of course he should feel happy - but he was oddly ill at ease. Why? The answer was simple and his name was Scott Taylor. The American was a complication, but perhaps a necessary one if Lewis were to make the final. Having the help of an ex-champion, and the moral boost he would give, was a big advantage. Scott might well make the difference between success and failure for Lewis, and in turn for himself. Yet Lee still felt uncomfortable about his involvement. Why? Lee analysed their chat in an attempt to find out... It was obvious to him that there was more to the relationship than simply helping Lewis prepare for his matches. A dinner date, for example! There had been evasion around that which spoke volumes in Lee’s ears – Lewis had felt guilty, of that  Lee was sure. And as for the idea of them meeting on Monday, sitting side by side in his supporters’ box – Lewis certainly didn’t like that awkward possibility. Was there more going on than a perfectly innocent dinner date - a naughty little secret that was festering away and could scupper Lee’s plans? Lee shook his head and tried to be rational. Scott was a champion and former number one. The chances were that Lewis had looked up to him as a lad, and might have had a silly teenage crush on the American, as not everybody had an aversion to ginger hair and freckles! That was probably where the guilt lay – in the same way he’d acted guilty about seeing Lee on the website. He was so transparent at times – which Lee found refreshingly sweet. And there was nothing going on – of that Lee was sure. Otherwise the trip to Melbourne would definitely have been canned. Lewis wasn’t the type to mess a man around like that – another refreshing trait that made him stand out from the  masses. So reason stated there was nothing to worry about. On balance Scott Taylor was probably a good thing. But Lee still felt uncomfortable, and he couldn’t reason... Why? Most other people would have found it easy to put a name to his disquiet, but Lee Porter was sadly lacking here. He knew the definition, it was a common enough word, but he had never experienced the actual emotion when it came to men. He had been in a few brief relationships over the years, but fidelity was alien to him. It was never promised, nor expected in others, so the emotion had always stayed clear of his path. Selfish promiscuity was the hallmark of Lee’s life. It was a modus operandi that had suited him just fine. But now at a critical juncture, when a huge opportunity was there for the taking, when cold calculation was the order of the day, Lee Porter had become vulnerable due to an alien state... He had encountered the green-eyed monster that is jealousy and the novelty of actually caring for someone other than himself!

Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away

FREE download available from link

It's not very attractive - the green eyed monster that is jealousy. But attractive or not, it is a theme in Naked Hero - one that floats around and pops up from time to time. For the Body Perfect Englishman it is something that takes him by surprise because he has never had cause to feel the emotion before. That's why I found it interesting to tackle jealousy though the eyes of Lee Porter. It gave him a type of innocence, a sort of emotional virginity, that counterbalanced his promiscuity in his sex life. Here's how I introduce the topic with regards to Lee... Whilst Lewis was making these mental aspersions, the not so innocent perpetrator was in his room lying on his bed, considering the  conversation he’d just had. Lee had retreated here to take the call as a few of the lads had returned from the beach, and the last thing he wanted was for any of those blabbermouths to catch wind of his plans and spoil the big surprise that was now lined up for Monday. Lee knew he should feel happy. Lewis had won. The arrangements were being made – the lad wasn’t backing down. Lee had achieved his initial objective - the place in the box was secure. Of course he should feel happy - but he was oddly ill at ease. Why? The answer was simple and his name was Scott Taylor. The American was a complication, but perhaps a necessary one if Lewis were to make the final. Having the help of an ex-champion, and the moral boost he would give, was a big advantage. Scott might well make the difference between success and failure for Lewis, and in turn for himself. Yet Lee still felt uncomfortable about his involvement. Why? Lee analysed their chat in an attempt to find out... It was obvious to him that there was more to the relationship than simply helping Lewis prepare for his matches. A dinner date, for example! There had been evasion around that which spoke volumes in Lee’s ears – Lewis had felt guilty, of that  Lee was sure. And as for the idea of them meeting on Monday, sitting side by side in his supporters’ box – Lewis certainly didn’t like that awkward possibility. Was there more going on than a perfectly innocent dinner date - a naughty little secret that was festering away and could scupper Lee’s plans? Lee shook his head and tried to be rational. Scott was a champion and former number one. The chances were that Lewis had looked up to him as a lad, and might have had a silly teenage crush on the American, as not everybody had an aversion to ginger hair and freckles! That was probably where the guilt lay – in the same way he’d acted guilty about seeing Lee on the website. He was so transparent at times – which Lee found refreshingly sweet. And there was nothing going on – of that Lee was sure. Otherwise the trip to Melbourne would definitely have been canned. Lewis wasn’t the type to mess a man around like that – another refreshing trait that made him stand out from the  masses. So reason stated there was nothing to worry about. On balance Scott Taylor was probably a good thing. But Lee still felt uncomfortable, and he couldn’t reason... Why? Most other people would have found it easy to put a name to his disquiet, but Lee Porter was sadly lacking here. He knew the definition, it was a common enough word, but he had never experienced the actual emotion when it came to men. He had been in a few brief relationships over the years, but fidelity was alien to him. It was never promised, nor expected in others, so the emotion had always stayed clear of his path. Selfish promiscuity was the hallmark of Lee’s life. It was a modus operandi that had suited him just fine. But now at a critical juncture, when a huge opportunity was there for the taking, when cold calculation was the order of the day, Lee Porter had become vulnerable due to an alien state... He had encountered the green-eyed monster that is jealousy and the novelty of actually caring for someone other than himself!

Extract from: Naked Hero - The Journey Away

FREE download available from tabs above.

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