4 GUYS Oct 2016 issue October 2016 issue #2 for 4 Guys Magazine | Page 27

MWS: How did the BOYSTOWN book series get started?
JS: I have always been a fan of continuing,
serialized dramas, whether they be
classics such as the novels of Charles
Dickens (which were released in magazines
in instalments, each of which ended with a
cliffhanger to keep readers coming back for
more) or more contemporary such as
Dallas, Dynasty and Revenge. I thought it
was finally time for a well written, intriguing
drama that had gay characters at its core.
And after living in Chicago’s Boystown
neighbourhood for 20 years, I thought to
myself, “What better place to inspire a
continuing drama?” Thus, BOYSTOWN
story was born.

MWS: Why do you think the serial format has worked for
BOYSTOWN?
JB: BOYSTOWN has a very interesting history. I began writing the series as an online story and intended to release one
“episode” online per month, each ending in a cliffhanger. The
story become so popular - and the online reading audience
grew so quickly - that people from all over the country began to email me demanding to know what happened to their
favourite characters and wanting the episodes to be released faster.
They also had suggestions for future story lines!
MWS: Why do you think readers relate to the stories/characters in BOYSTOWN?
JB: Every good saga has a family at its core. BOYS TOWN
has two - the Mancinis and the Ciancios. Everyone in the
book is somehow connected to them - and fans seem to
have an immediate connection to these characters.

MWS: How are the BOYSTOWN cover book
models selected and who are they?
JB: BOYSTOWN photographer and
designer James Franklin and I choose
the models that make up the team of
“BOYSTOWN Boys.” We have worked hard
to create a team of models that reflect the
diversity of the characters in the series. The
five main cover models are JR Bronson,
Eddie Eduardo, Pablo Hernandez, Seth
Fornea and Corey Zwierzynski; however,
we are constantly adding others to the team.
MWS: Describe your BOYSTOWN book
series in three words.
JB: Compelling, sexy, edgy.
MWS: What drew you to the serial format
as opposed to a more traditional literary or
storytelling format?
JS: As I mentioned earlier, I have always
been a huge fan of continuing dramas and
thought the format would work well for a
series and also keeps fans on the edge of
their seats. The format also translates easily
to television.

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