Hello fellow readers, writers, and casual web surfers! This week, and after months of eager waiting, BookTrib released the first major review ever written about Arrian's Lion. Needless to say, I held my breath before unleashing the biggest smile my lips could muster. I highly encourage you to check out the review here. See what others are saying about AL, and let me know what you think as well!
I know my posts on this blog have been infrequent... something I admittedly need to work on. My platform of choice regarding all things books is currently TikTok, so please, follow my account @ajcullenpens to keep up with my day-to-day antics as a reader, writer, and indie author.
Today's brief dive into Arrian's Lion revolves around the typical use of "coming out" stories by authors who wish to identify with LGBTQ+ readers, as well as their allies, colleagues, etc. One of my main objectives in writing AL was to share a story that deals with characters after their big "coming out" moment. Jay is already comfortable with his sexual identity, at least in the privacy of his closest relationships. For the time period in which AL takes place, the knowledge of Jay's identity between friends is often as far as "coming out" would go, and even then, many suffered extreme consequences. However, Jay's sexuality is not the driving force behind Arrian's Lion. Rather, it is a beautiful addition to his story, and that is exactly what sexuality should be... a beautiful addition to a story. No, Jay's story is not about his sexual identity, nor is it about his epic first gay love. It is about his learning to live his life as he commands, without shame or disgrace. Jay is gay, but that is not the end to his story.
Keep reading,
A.J.
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