I wrote this story quicker than any before—even though time-travel messed with my head as much as it did Estrada’s. I loved seeing his flat through Conall’s eyes, and listened to some lovely old blues while choosing his vinyl. Check out “Estrada’s Flat on The Drive” on Spotify1 if you’d like to hear it too. You can also find “Club Pegasus“ there and listen to some old goth.
When I realized how enamored Estrada was of Chilean poet and Nobel Prize Winning Writer, Pablo Neruda, I read his book, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair (1924). I was as moved by his wildly romantic/erotic words and images and Estrada was, so used phrases as chapter titles. All but one are from his book. I had to keep “Like Fucking Treacle” to honor Michael Stryker. Choosing the right phrase that spoke to the mood or motif of each chapter became a meditation for me and allowed me to see the story in a unique way. As you read the table of contents and chapter headings bear in mind, you’re reading the love poetry of a brilliant and highly political man who published these passionate poems as an impoverished twenty-year-old.
I’m grateful once again to Yasaman Mohandesi for magically turning my words into this beautiful tattoo cover. I didn’t know until the very end who would get the tattoo and how it would look, and I absolutely love this one. Many thanks to the following people: Donna Tunney for her developmental edit—her raven eye and storytelling skills helped me fill in holes, smooth, and sculpt this tale. My good friend, author JP McLean for her wonderful endorsement, and for her “beta read on steroids” that looked to me like a copy edit. And to author Sionnach Wintergreen for his beta read, endorsement, and unending support.
Finally, a shout-out to my publicist, Mickey Mikkelson of Creative Edge Publicity, and to all the wonderful reviewers who read and write about my books. And, as always, thank you dear readers for continuing to support me and my passion.