Epilogue
Here we are again. No matter how much we enjoy a story, or anything for that matter, it must end. Here we are at the end again. There isn’t much to say about Montana Sky because the story speaks for itself. It’s probably the purest mystery story I’ve ever written, purer even than Wasted Life. This is very much a story about a crime with just enough family and a friendship to keep it from being a police procedural.
There were no deep troubles or emotional baggage. I mean, there was a little. We listened to David thank Law for everything he had. We saw Law judge himself harshly for his past. We didn’t explore any of that very deeply though. For the most part, those issues are resolved. Law is growing in his own esteem, Walt is learning to be a husband instead of a business owner, and both men are learning to enjoy their retirement.
Geoff in the comments hoped that the couple would do all the things that they spoke of when they shared a cigar on the porch of the Ploughman farmhouse. I think they will. I think they’ll grow even deeper in love as they find each other again after a lifetime of hard work and struggle.
As to what happens next, I think we need to go with Charlie when he visits Philadelphia in the winter of 1970. In fact, I already have the first chapter mapped out in my head. That said, I would like to ask for your help. HELP!
The last few of these stories that I’ve started, I get six or eight or ten chapters in and I lose my way. I would like to ask for your ideas. Here’s what I propose. I’ll write the first chapter and send it to you, if you’re willing to help, that is. You read it and tell me where you think the story might go. I don’t need you to write with me or consult for the entire duration of the plot. I just want to get some ideas. What do you say? If you’re interested, email me at [email protected]. Once I have the chapter written, I’ll send it to you and you can react with how you see the story taking shape.
I ask you because you are a consumer of fiction. You read and absorb and enjoy. You know what makes a good story, even if you don’t realize you do. Read the chapter, give me a gut reaction, and I’ll take it from there. When I publish, I can give you credit for your idea or not just as you like. Thank you in advance for your help.
To those of you who commented regularly; Jim and Lee and Geoff and Dano; THANK YOU! Your comments make me feel valid. You remind me there is an audience out there reading and enjoying. I’d be embarrassed to tell you how many times a day I check my phone to see if any of you have left a note. For better or worse, I am a people pleaser and your daily comments scratch my people pleaser itch. Thanks for not leaving me itchy.
I originally thought these stories would be the end of Law Edwards, but I think he has more mysteries to solve and more tales to tell, so we shall go on with him, at least for one more story.
I’m also working on another story for the Crown Vic universe. Hopefully, very soon we’ll reunite with our old friends Church and Shawn for a new adventure. This one will be a little different, but I refuse to say how. You’ll have to wait and see. I suspect that one will be out sometime in the next few months.
I’m also working on a few stories with no gay themes. Do any of you know where I might publish them? Gay Demon and Nifty are wonderful outlets, but they are not suitable for all stories. I’ve heard of Medium, but have yet to explore it. Once upon a time, Writers Café was a viable literary outlet, but that time seems to have passed. I’d appreciate any ideas you might have.
Thank you again. When I started writing several years ago, I never thought I could make a real hobby out of this, nor did I expect to find an audience. To my surprise and pleasure, this is my hobby and you are my audience! To misquote Sally Field’s Academy Award acceptance speech from 1985, “you like me! You really like me!”
More coming soon. Stay tuned!
Yours with love and appreciation,
Sam Stefanik
To get in touch with the author, send them an email.
