This is one of those chapters that I distinctly remember enjoying writing. The fun I had doing all the research on the clothes I wanted George and Evylin to wear was fulfilling. But my research did not stop there. I had to find a store, a street, and a café. All of them had to be real at the time. As for choosing Philadelphia as the location, I’m not sure how this happened, which is weird, as it fits like a tailored suit. The only way to describe this would be to claim it was inspired.
As for the music, that was easy. The moment I had written ‘shipwrecked appearance’, I knew it had to be the beach boys. What song says it better than ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ to capture the 60s vibe and the innocence of George’s flirt with Sharon?
The next section of the book is a bit like a history lesson – I think this was because I wanted to strengthen the NPC role of Sharon and show how she was transforming into a VLF. To do this, I had to describe the creation of ‘digital online sex and digital partners’.
Reading it now is strange. I don’t remember writing most of it. I think what happens is I latch onto an idea and diligently make my way through it, going round and round and round (this is no exaggeration – my thoughts come out like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and I have to put them in the right order, and sometimes a piece is missing, or one is the wrong color. Etc.
I can, however, honestly say that I do think that some of the things I wrote about AleX and DiPa may one day come true. The human need for love and affection is as twisted as it is beautiful. I cannot judge. I do not want to. The answer to what is right and what is wrong lies within the phrase – ‘two consenting adults’.
Another thing I found interesting in the chapter was how I managed to explain why George and Evylin could find each other so quickly, and in a way that I consider to be acceptable and believable. You have to understand – none of the story is true, so there is a certain leeway concerning the possibility of this actually happening, and at times, I might push the border.
All in all, I have enjoyed re-reading this chapter. There is a gentle and romantic atmosphere to it somehow. (Contrasted by the DiPa and AleX section.) And again at the end of the story, where they walk out of the store, stealing the clothes they are wearing.
There are no childhood memories attached to this chapter – just a lot of research and personal ideas for the future. I hope you enjoy it!
