The Way We Love

IN-DEPTH & DEEPER

This is truly my favorite part of my stories because I get to have an open discussion with my readers, convey what I hope comes across as more than a tear-jerking novella, and I truly get to integrate ideas that need be furthered discussed.

The concept of The Way We Love was solely to present different representations of love and how to navigate through feelings, especially when they aren't your own.

I intentionally made Feather/ Alexis the doe-like archetype with a little spunk. She has an air of innocence, that can at times come off childish. She's the hopeless romantic, the dreamers, or what some people would say the naive one. The story kind of sets her off to be a strong catalyst for all the behavior afterward. From the first impression, shes trying change Paul. She doesn't have to say it but she falls in love quickly and uses her kindness as a tool to get people to feel something that perhaps isn't there. Simple, terms homegirl comes off strong, and as romantic as that it, it's also not fair.

She's got what I termed as "The Chugging Syndrome."

Have you ever been to a keg party where people chug down beer without taking a moment to swallow, or have you ever just had a friend dare to drink something nasty so you just chug it down, one gulp, whoop it gone! That kind of represents her love language, it's forceful and at time overwhelming.

In real life, she would be the creepy love interest who follows you all around the school, work and even pops up at your home to declare you love her, but for sake of writing, she much milder than that.

Paul is the cliche guy with the chip on his shoulder, distorted views of reality, and wears pessimism in a hot, sexy Calvin Klein sort of way. My intention for his character was always to make it clear that he's a little fucked up. He's never had love, his dad destroyed that for him, and sex became like a job for him literally. Truthfully he's not supposed to know better. Several people were upset that I made him hook up with Figs, but taking his situation of out the context of fiction, and into the world of psychology, his behavior aligns with someone who was dealing with such traumas. Figs gave him a hint of attention, and he only did what he knew to do, which was return it with sex. Similar to a drug addict, or someone who has been beaten or molested, they tend to return at one point or another to the life/actions they know even it's not good for them.

Figs is just a whore. Lmao! The story didn't really get to explore his character as deeply as I should have but he is someone who suffers from lack of confidence, abandonment issues, and he's the type of person that just like attention. We all have that one friend who would screw a lightbulb if they felt it was shining just for them (kidding!) but seriously. Figs just need what he thinks is "love" to fill the void, he just wants someone to like him and he doesn't give a flying fuck where it comes from. In my opinion, Figs has the unhealthiest perspective of love out of all three of them, and a common theme between him and his sister is that they both go to extremes to get it or feel it. In part two, you will definitely get to know a little bit more about Figs and his issues.

Ed, my darling sweetheart! He was supposed to be the example of love for everyone. From the numerous times, he took care of Paul, allowed him to make his own decision, and wholeheartedly cared for him. A Lot of people don't know this but love has boundaries so that we don't become obsessed or tip over. Some readers wanted to know why Ed never took Paul into his home and raised him as his own son, and first off Paul would never let his pride be coddled like that, and second, we don't know... In part one, we see glimmers and slithers of Ed's character, but part two will really be an in-depth look at the dynamic of how much he was there for Paul.

The Mayor, just another scumbag with power, but ironically that hardest character to write. He has no love, no remorse, and believed in business over the quality of human life. I'll admit his motives weren't strong in this story, but I wanted to use him to portray the dangers of prostitution. Most clients aren't nice, their sick and abusive, and absolutely psycho. Paul was playing a dangerous game for a long time, it was supposed to catch up to him, and force change.

I could blab all day, and by all means, my story isn't perfect! I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and constructive criticism on what you really needed from part one or anything that wasn't clear. Don't be afraid to speak up, your words encourage me <3

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