This year I’ve had the pleasure and challenge of preparing my debut novel for publication, Sunset in the Valley of Now and Then. This piece is book one of the Chronicles of Dylan Eaglegod, following the tales of Dylan’s self liberation and story of embracing the powers of his immortality after living closeted with homophobic and toxic roommates he had been friends with for all of his life. Boxed in by unsupportive parents, Dylan moves to a New Jersey shore town to experience life without the toxicity of his past shadowing the romance building on his horizon.
It quickly becomes clear that Joshua, Dylan’s lifelong frenemy, is not giving up easy. Joshua is on the hunt to find Dylan around the island, texting, calling, and becoming more dangerous the longer Dylan evades him.
The Immortal Philosophers look to be Dylan’s only hope for survival, as they teach him how to use his power. But it is in Dylan’s power alone where lies the sole answer Joshua’s defeat.
Marcus Aurelius, Ikkyu Sojun, Zenda, Kana, and Antonio Antoninus do what they can to prepare Dylan for their final confrontation, but the immortals have their own history with Joshua that causes Dylan hesitation to fully trust anybody.
Dylan’s story speaks to the power deep down in all of us, and how sometimes we’re so strong that we keep that power suppressed. Always for too long. Dylan’s story is about embracing the changes you want to see in your life and chasing after them until your dreams become your realities despite the chaos of the world around us. Dylan’s story is written with magic and the flourish of fantasy, but his struggles and triumphs are not beyond our capabilities when we embrace the bravest act of all and embrace who we are without fear of hate or disapproval from others’ oppressive belief systems. Dylan’s story reminds us that many of the mysteries of our lives can be explained by reflecting on the memories of the past, and how sometimes doing that is the only way for us to move forward.
Look to logic, truth, and to the philosophers, thinkers, and lovers of humanity throughout history. Arm your mind with the tools to maintain the morals, values, and ethics that are so innate in those who love fearlessly. We make the world go round despite the winds of hatred whipping against our faces as we step toward the promise of a world where we all have the power to make our mark. Book One of the Chronicles of Dylan Eaglegod is Dylan’s story of self discovery and the exploration of himself in a new life. It’s my hope that his story will help propel you to your promised land.
Enjoy, and until next time,
Alexander Anthony Casillas
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ALEXANDER CASILLAS, a gay Puerto Rican author, editor, and writing coach near the beach between Philadelphia and Manhattan, explores the experiences of gay characters in literary fiction and young adult fantasy through his short stories and novels. He holds degrees in literature, creative writing, and philosophy and religion from Stockton University.
Alexander Casillas 