10. What are some facts readers may not know about Black As Is The Raven, Heâll Get A Partner ?
Hmm... letâs see.
That Iâd had the story idea for about a year or more, but wasnât sure if anyone would read a story that dark (at least the first part of it)? Then I figured âwhy not, I keep thinking about this so just get it out of my headâ and wrote it.
That I sometimes have alternate endings for stories, and there is a version where Neil doesnât get away from Ichirou (a couple, actually). One where Andrew dies after he goes pro from a stupid accident and Ichirou is basically there to put Neil back together (he seizes his second chance and does right that time). Or that Ichirou used Bren to make Neil promise to never have anything to do with Andrew again and refused to give up Neil. But those are just âwhat ifsâ and of course the endgame was always Andreil (that and I think there would really be people with pitchforks after me if I wrote the fic like that). I just like spinning out potential plot points when Iâm bored. Bored and feeling in a dark mood.
I was really, really anxious about how Marley and Meg would be received, considering that they were original characters. I went back and forth on them, but they were key to the plot (Meg tying Neil to the Foxes in some manner, Marley being there for Neil after Jean left) and hoped that they wouldnât annoy the readers too much.
I debated having Jeremy/Jean/Kevin, but there was too much of Jean resolving his feelings of being left behind at the Nest (and throw in Neilâs on top), and I wanted to explore Kevin making amends on a few fronts, one of them being Thea. That and I think Jean was dealing with enough, growing into his relationship with Jeremy. I also like the idea of Kevin and Jean repairing their relationship as friends/equals.
I donât think it gives too much away (and Iâd like to write it some day), but Neil and Andrew get married not too long into Neilâs rookie pro season. :) After all, theyâre out, theyâve been together as a couple for a while now, and have spent the last few years building a strong relationship (as friends and then more). They know there isnât anyone else out there for them.
