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Characters Dealing With A Disability
Good Looking follows blind twin brothers as they navigate both college and the complex relationship they have with a classmate who is attracted to people with disabilities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but the idea came to me in a dream. I had a very vivid dream that was basically the opening scene of Nick and Nate trying to buy beer. I knew right then that these were amazing characters who deserved their own novel. I wrote the first five pages or so right away, but then it took another eleven years before I went back and turned it into a full-length novel because I was writing some other books first.
Do you have a favorite character in this novel? What makes him/her enjoyable to write for?
I love all my characters equally, haha. I try to include character quirks, interests, and other details based on real people I know, to add depth, believability, and relatability. My favorite scenes to write are the funny ones. I have to admit, I did enjoy Abby’s sarcastic, judgy asides. I tried to add as much understated satire as I could because while college life is great fun, it’s also so ridiculous, and everyone does some stupid things they would never do when they’re older.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It’s really important to me to represent disability and sexuality positively. I wanted to tell a story about characters dealing with a disability in a matter-of-fact way, that’s not melodrama, a tear-jerker, or what some people call “inspiration porn.” I also wanted to show how most people with disabilities exist in a community of other disabled people, not as one single character, which is often how they are portrayed in novels. The other major theme is coming out, learning to accept yourself and others, and how difficult that can be for people with different types of sexual attraction.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I mainly write historical fiction, so I am returning to that for my next book. I write very slowly, so no promises!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | LucyMayLennox | Amazon
Abby: That guy in Abby’s lit class is just her type, not only because he’s sweet and gorgeous, but because he’s blind. Abby is a devotee—she’s attracted to people with disabilities. But after her ex rejected her when she came out to him, she’s scared to reveal the truth of her attraction. How can she tell Nick he’s not her first blind boyfriend?
At a big Midwestern state university in the 1990s, Nick and Abby stumble towards adulthood, through awkward parties, regrettable flirtations, frantic cramming, and poorly planned road trips. It’s college life in all its exciting, raunchy, disgusting, hilarious glory, set to a 90s alt-rock soundtrack.
Good Looking
Lucy May Lennox’s Good Looking presents a captivating narrative that blends the elements of a coming-of-age romance with a unique twist. Set against the backdrop of a Midwestern university in the 1990s, the story follows identical twins, Nick and Nate, along with Nick’s love interest Abby, as they navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. What sets this tale apart is the compelling dynamic between the characters, particularly as the twins, both blind, navigate their lives alongside Abby, who is a devotee—a person sexually attracted to disability.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character’s journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox’s masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0C99PRDBF
LITERARY TITAN 