At first, it was daunting to move away from memoir. I had a clear vision of how to tell my story, but as I wrote, I realized the real story required different voices and lives. Billy, Pierce, and Thad took on their own perspectives and conflicts, expanding the narrative beyond what my account could hold. Through Billy’s piano playing and complex relationships, I could explore more profound questions about love, trust, and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment.
This evolution didn’t happen in isolation. The novel took shape through collaboration, with valuable feedback from beta readers, the Gotham Writers Workshop, and my editor, Ben Obler. The workshop, though intense, pushed me to delve deeper into the characters, refine the pacing, and clarify the emotional stakes, particularly the tension between Billy’s love for music and his relationships with Pierce and Thad. Ben’s editorial insights brought a fresh perspective, helping bridge the gap between Billy’s desires and professional ambitions, ultimately elevating the story’s emotional core.
The plot follows Billy Pine, a pianist in the small coastal town of Beachside, New Jersey, where he finds solace in music at a local haunt, La Péniche. The unexpected return of Pierce Talon, an enigmatic chef from Billy’s past, disrupts his routine, forcing him to confront long-buried emotions. Pierce’s invitation to collaborate in the kitchen rekindles their connection but complicates their shared history. Meanwhile, Thad Lambert, a renowned music director, recognizes Billy’s potential and offers a path to artistic success beyond Beachside. Thad’s presence introduces a new dynamic, pushing Billy to question his future and choices.
The novel blends romance, suspense, and ambition. As Billy navigates his relationships with Pierce and Thad, a suspicious accident in the hotel kitchen becomes a turning point, forcing him to decide whom he can trust and where his heart truly lies.
Writing The Object of His Affection has been an emotionally rewarding process. What began as a journey to explore personal truths grew into a novel where fictional characters could express universal themes of life, love, and ambition while remaining true to their unique experiences. The story delves into the power of music, the courage to follow one’s passion, and the complexity of relationships—especially when the past threatens to cloud the present.
This novel wouldn’t have reached its potential without the support of my creative community—my beta readers, Gotham Writers Workshop, and Ben Obler. Their insights shaped The Object of His Affection into the layered, heartfelt story it is today. Although it evolved from memoir, the novel retains many personal themes and emotions, allowing me to explore them with greater depth and breadth through fiction. After all, fiction often reveals truths that real life cannot.
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