It’s December 1st, and the countdown to preparing and celebrating Winter Equinox/Solstice. I’m pleased and thankful to return to creative work on several novels and game development projects while I always, of course, remain open and interested in collaboration in a good way. Most in Germany only know me after being compartmentalized for combatting racism, colonialism, stereotyping and so forth, but my first and continuing love is storytelling with themes of struggle, emotion, and healing.
I’m sharing my contemporary novel, “The Agony of Joy”, winner of Global Ebook Awards 2013 Best LGBT Fiction. It will be free 2-6 December 2022.
Description: “Former model turned actor Adrian Lee can barely list age range ’23-29′ on his resumé anymore nor stand his life of empty social events and appearances, meaningless roles and casual partners. When he meets Alexander Skizetsky by clever arrangement of his agent, the enigmatic yet infinitely attractive Russian kindles a little light of hope in his aching heart. Yet even the beginnings of a friendship and love beyond his wildest dreams cannot assuage a life spiraling out of control.
The long estrangement from his devout Irish Catholic parents and family and the dark secrets they all share combine to drive him to the brink of despair, though Alexander is determined to stay by his side. After locking away his own memories of betrayal and loss, the Russian had decided never to love again but something in Adrian spurs the noblest intentions in his formerly jaded heart. Returning in pilgrimage to his homeland, he brings Adrian along on a journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption.”
**Some Reviews**
I’m sharing my contemporary novel, “The Agony of Joy”, winner of Global Ebook Awards 2013 Best LGBT Fiction. It will be free 2-6 December 2022.
Description: “Former model turned actor Adrian Lee can barely list age range ’23-29′ on his resumé anymore nor stand his life of empty social events and appearances, meaningless roles and casual partners. When he meets Alexander Skizetsky by clever arrangement of his agent, the enigmatic yet infinitely attractive Russian kindles a little light of hope in his aching heart. Yet even the beginnings of a friendship and love beyond his wildest dreams cannot assuage a life spiraling out of control.
The long estrangement from his devout Irish Catholic parents and family and the dark secrets they all share combine to drive him to the brink of despair, though Alexander is determined to stay by his side. After locking away his own memories of betrayal and loss, the Russian had decided never to love again but something in Adrian spurs the noblest intentions in his formerly jaded heart. Returning in pilgrimage to his homeland, he brings Adrian along on a journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption.”
**Some Reviews**
“Your story does what good fiction should do. It makes me think, makes me feel, allows me to visit different places, and connect deeply with the characters. It explores real issues that people face….”
“I love descriptive stories that enable me to travel to different places without leaving the comfort of my easy chair. I love using all my senses while reading and getting so totally immersed in a story that the sound of the phone ringing makes me jump. And I love characters so deep that I think about them during the day and dream about them at night.”
“A love story, but not a romance, definitely a gothic feel and one of the most positive portrayals of bisexuality I’ve ever come across in fiction.” –Nancy Ferrer, Outlaw Reviews
“It is an incredible work! You have been able to channel your memories and experiences, create vivid real characters and make something so beautiful out of pain and struggle is the highest meaning of what I believe art is: transforming hurt and becoming healers.
I’ve never read anything like Agony of Joy. There has never been a story that deals with some of the personal issues you are presenting in such an open way. It is inspiring and liberating and needed.” –Ana Christina Caelen, Sound therapist, Musician and Composer
You can read about the award, the background of the story and the writing process, and see some of the places & scenes in Berlin where it was written at this link. A video description of “The Agony of Joy” on YouTube.
“This is such a beautiful Trailer, Red! I truly wish you much success with this book. I truly hope many people read it, especially those who need a glimmer of hope. Looking forward to reading it myself.”
“I am reading the book just now and I can’t stop. Lexx and Adrian are still in Berlin…so curious how the story will proceed, and how they both deal with their past, their different cultural background and their relationship….”
Red Haircrow 
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