One of my earlier works was a story about a fallen stage and film star that I titled, "Shine A Light." I don't remember when I settled on that title, or what precipitated it, but once I thought of it, it took hold and wouldn't be shaken off.
In the story, Van, our hero, was outed when his ex-lover posted nude photos of him on a blog and spilled the beans about their relationship. I should have gone into more detail about that, but the story's focus was on Van meeting Shane and moving on with his life. Van's past could not be changed so the future was the important thing.
Van takes a gig doing summer stock at a small-town theatre and it's there he meets Shane. It turns out the script is more than Van anticipated, and it quickly becomes apparent that this could actually be the role of his life. The owner of The Globe also wrote the script and has big plans to produce the play on DVD and eventually on the silver screen. Van knows he's the first to play Andy and no one else can ever be Andy the way he will be.
Like many writers, the fictional story within the story has teased me for many, many years. I've long wondered about writing Andy's story and now with more time to write, it's the very first thing that came to mind to begin after I finish Riding Against the Wind. I don't think it will be an easy or fast project and that's okay. I want to delve deep into Andy and do right by Van and Shane. Yes, the characters matter.
Looking back, I don't think I could have attempted this story years ago when Shine A Light was written. Now I think I must. I hope it will be a return to the writing style of earlier days, at least that's what I'm aiming for. I want to forget everything I've "learned" and just tell the story - for me, Andy, Van, and Shane.
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