An Interview with Jim Therrian - Author of Dance of the Heart

Dance of the Heart

 Jim Therrian:  “Dance of the Heart” is a story about attractions and how they can make us do things that they normally wouldn't do.

 Lauren Smith:   Why did you write it?

 Jim Therrian:  Originally I wrote “Dance of the Heart” as a writing exercise and enjoyed the concept and story enough that I rewrote it into a novel.

 Lauren Smith:   Your book features a gay man who falls for a woman. What inspired you to take this unique turn in your story?

Jim Therrian:  A more common story in life is for women to fall in love with gay men.  I basically put a twist on a familiar story.  I wanted to show that no matter who we are, attractions can take us by surprise and sometimes make us question who we are and what we want.

 Lauren Smith:   What are your plans for the future? Do you have any other books planned?

 Jim Therrian:  In addition to the work involved in promoting your own book, I am currently enrolled in a Playwriting Workshop with a local theatre, which includes writing a 10 minute play and will be professionally directed and acted on stage.  I have plans for a new book about self publishing and how to succeed or at least survive the process.

Chapter 8

 - Dance of the Heart 

A Break in the Force

            That weekend Michael spent the day packing while David went into the office.   Sitting at a large table with several piles of paper stacked on each side, David sat back in his chair and sighed while rubbing his face. Peter Dugan, a handsome twenty-eight year old associate sat across from him.  David looked over and saw Peter staring at him. 

            “What?”

            “Nothing,” said Peter.  “I just needed a break, my eyes are tired,” said the dark haired young man with a smile. 

            “Well if we don’t get through this, we will be here all night, again.  I could use a break though, now that you mention it.  Want to go grab some dinner at the Metro?” asked David.   “Hey, if we can take a break, I’ll buy dinner,” said Peter. 

            “Deal, but right afterwards, we have to come back and finish.  I’m out of here Wednesday, come hell or high water.” 

            The two men left the room and walked down the hall to the elevator.  As the two men ate their late night dinner at the Metro, an all night diner, Michael was at home in bed tossing and turning.  He was dreaming about dancing with Elizabeth again.  He picked her up and held her in the air.  When he put her down, they were eye to eye.  They kissed passionately.  When they finished kissing, he looked across the stage and saw David standing there.  Michael woke up with a start.  Max barked at him at the side of the bed.  Michael picked him up and hugged him.  “I know Max, I know, it was just a bad dream.  What am I going to do?” 

             Two days later Michael and David were in the kitchen of the new house unpacking boxes. 

            “What do you think about having the housewarming party on the 22^nd?” asked David.    “Sure,” responded Michael. 

            “I talked to my mother this morning and she will be here around noon tomorrow.  That should give us enough time to get things arranged where we want them before she arrives.”

            “Great,” said Michael.

            “Great?  Are you sure you’re okay?  Usually news of my mother coming gets more of a rise out of you,” said David. 

            “You told me she was coming weeks ago.” 

            “I know, and all you said then was ‘fine’,” replied David. 

            “I’ll be fine.  I asked Reed for some valium,” Michael said with a smile.

            “You did?  For you or for her?” David said, smiling back at Michael. 

            “Well that depends.  Besides, she was one of the reasons we decided on four bedrooms with the guest rooms on the opposite side of the house from ours. We could all be in the house for days and not see each other,” Michael said with an even bigger smile. 

            “We are talking about the same person aren’t we?  Pushy, in your face, mother of all Jewish mothers, Stella Silverman?  Are you sure you’re all right?” 

            There was a knock on the door.  Max ran to the door barking.  It was Jack with a plant in hand and an overnight bag over his shoulder.  Michael and David met him at the door and let him in. 

            ”Hello happy homeowners! I’m from the neighborhood Welcome Wagon!” he said, handing David the plant.  “Or should I say happy homo-owners?”

            David and Michael looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

            “So, where’s my room?” Jack said, not missing a beat. 

            “Well, you will have to flip a coin with Stella,” said Michael. 

            “Stella!  I knew I felt a break in the force!” said Jack, looking up at the ceiling. 

            “Jack, remember I told you, no Stella bashing in front of David.” 

            “Sorry David,” Jack said in a little boy voice. 

            “That’s okay Jack,” said David, “you should hear what she says about you.” 

            “Is she here now?” whispered Jack. 

            “Relax, Jack, she won’t be here until tomorrow morning,” said Michael with a laugh. 

            “So when were you going to tell me Mrs. Vader was going to be here?  And what does she say about me anyway?” said Jack. 

            “We weren’t going to mention it because Michael thought you wouldn’t come over if you knew.  Stella thinks the world of you, Jack.   I was just kidding,” said David. 

            “Right, her and the Christian coalition,” quipped Jack. 

            “Let’s just say she would never say anything bad about anyone,” said David. 

            “Not to their face anyway,” responded Jack. 

            “Exactly,” Michael and David said together. 

            Michael grabbed Jack’s bag and arm and started walking toward the hall. 

            “Come on Jack, you can have first pick of the guest rooms.  You even get to make your own bed!” 

            “Work?  You want me to work after driving all day to get here?” said Jack. 

            “You need to get out of the city more, it only takes 30 minutes.  Did you get lost?” said Michael. 

            “No, I just thought whining might get me out of having to do any work.” 

            “You just need some motivation. You make the bed and I’ll make us drinks,” said Michael. 

            “Now you’re talking!” said Jack as he skipped down the hall towards the bedrooms.