Third installment of 'Boystown' book series released May 1
Fri. April 24, 2015 7:33 AM by Anthony Morgano
"boystown" season two book cover
Chicago, IL -
Boystown is heating up this May -- and not just because the weather is getting warmer and summer's on its way. Chicago author Jake Biondi is excited to announce the release of the much-anticipated next installment in his "Boystown" book series. "Season Three" of the TV-soap-style-series set in Chicago's own gayborhood promises answers to all of fans' burning questions about Season Two's cliffhanger ending, the continuing of plot lines already in play and the introduction of new drama, twists and turns as well as, of course, hot new characters.
"The wait is almost over," Biondi told fans last week. "Due to the success of the first two books in the series, fans from all over the country have been emailing me to know when the third book would be released. They want to know what's coming next for their favorite characters and couples... 'Season Three' picks up with the aftermath of the New Year's Eve explosion. While I won't reveal who lives and who dies, I will say this: lives will be forever changed."
"'Boystown' fans are the best," he added. "I am so humbled by and grateful for my readers and their positive response to the books. I regularly receive notes from fans who are connecting with the characters and want to know what the future holds for them."
Biondi's fans have played a unique role in shaping "Boystown," which began as an internet serial (think Dickens meets Dynasty) he released chapter by chapter, allowing the author to alter the story based on reader feedback. Much like the way a soap opera may drop unpopular characters down an elevator shaft, Biondi used popular opinion to change story arcs and even to break up one of his initially solid couples who readers found too boring.
Since publishing Season One of "Boystown," a collection of the first 10 chapters, Biondi's writing process has changed. The chapters making up "Season Two" and "Season Three" were not shared online, but Biondi continues to hear from fans who share their ideas about characters and plots. Fans have played a huge part in promoting and spreading the word about "Boystown," from featuring the novel on their blog or inviting Biondi to pen a guest piece to hosting online tours and group reads.
"I keep writing BOYSTOWN because the fans keep asking for more. I draw my energy from them," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com. "I get emails and Facebook messages from people all over the country -- some who are just discovering BOYSTOWN and some who have been fans all along. They want more and more -- so I keep writing."
"Boystown" has gained Biondi attention on a national level as well as here in Chicago where he lives and where the plot is set. The series continues to pay homage to Boystown and Chicago's gay scene with Biondi paying tribute to some of his favorite local performers.
This began with "Whiskey & Cherries," a local trio consisting of singers Meredith Freyre and Danielle Kastner and pianist Brian Felder. Biondi first encountered the trio at the Twisted Vine and fell in love with the group and their music. After learning they were fans of the first "Boystown" book, Biondi asked to write them into the ending as his "small way of thanking them for their support and celebrating their talent," he says. "Whiskey & Cherries" is featured as the musical entertainment for a fundraiser at the end of book two.
"It's always exciting to read about yourself interacting with the primary characters and being a part of the never-ending twists and turns in the brilliant plot line," Felder said.
"Season Three" will feature a return of "Whiskey & Cherries" as well as appearances by singer Amy Armstrong and pop sensation Steve Grand. Armstrong has been a huge supporter of the series, even giving away copies of the books at many of her shows, even ones as far away as Mexico.
Biondi has been a fan of Grand's since his arrival on the scene, calling him an inspiration and a role model. After exchanging emails in which Grand granted Biondi permission to write him into the third book, the two met fly fluke at the formers birthday party at Minibar and were finally able to chat in person.
"When BOYSTOWN makes it TV, I would love to Steve to write and perform the show's theme song," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com, referring to his long-standing plans to adapt the books for television. "And I'd love for him to appear as himself in the series as well."
Biondi's cast of "Boystown" boys, the handsome models he's collected to represent the many characters that populate his novels and appear in promotions for the series and on the book covers, continues to grow. The cover for "Season Three," designed by Michael Vargas, Biondi's Director of Art, Design and Advertising for "Boystown," features several of fans' favorite hunky men.
Speaking of hunky men, there are two new characters joining "Boystown" in the next release, although only one is entirely new. Jensen Stone, a mysterious young man who will work his way into several characters' lives, actually appeared in the first book but readers may have missed him on the first go around. The second new character, Dustin Alexander, will appear as a server in a Boystown restaurant who Biondi says will be further developed in "Season Four."
"There are so many stories left to tell," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com. "And so BOYSTOWN continues -- I anticipate releasing 'Season Four' in November."
Like the first two books, "BOYSTOWN Season Three" will be available at bookstores across the country as well at online at amazon.com, bn.com, and on iTunes. The series is available in paperback and all e-book formats. Readers may also order autographed paperback copies of the books directly from Biondi's website: www.JakeBiondi.com.
In anticipation of the third book's release, Biondi is offering readers the chance to download the first BOYSTOWN book for only 99¢ using promo code RR89P at smashwords.com until May 1.
"The wait is almost over," Biondi told fans last week. "Due to the success of the first two books in the series, fans from all over the country have been emailing me to know when the third book would be released. They want to know what's coming next for their favorite characters and couples... 'Season Three' picks up with the aftermath of the New Year's Eve explosion. While I won't reveal who lives and who dies, I will say this: lives will be forever changed."
"'Boystown' fans are the best," he added. "I am so humbled by and grateful for my readers and their positive response to the books. I regularly receive notes from fans who are connecting with the characters and want to know what the future holds for them."
Biondi's fans have played a unique role in shaping "Boystown," which began as an internet serial (think Dickens meets Dynasty) he released chapter by chapter, allowing the author to alter the story based on reader feedback. Much like the way a soap opera may drop unpopular characters down an elevator shaft, Biondi used popular opinion to change story arcs and even to break up one of his initially solid couples who readers found too boring.
Since publishing Season One of "Boystown," a collection of the first 10 chapters, Biondi's writing process has changed. The chapters making up "Season Two" and "Season Three" were not shared online, but Biondi continues to hear from fans who share their ideas about characters and plots. Fans have played a huge part in promoting and spreading the word about "Boystown," from featuring the novel on their blog or inviting Biondi to pen a guest piece to hosting online tours and group reads.
"I keep writing BOYSTOWN because the fans keep asking for more. I draw my energy from them," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com. "I get emails and Facebook messages from people all over the country -- some who are just discovering BOYSTOWN and some who have been fans all along. They want more and more -- so I keep writing."
"Boystown" has gained Biondi attention on a national level as well as here in Chicago where he lives and where the plot is set. The series continues to pay homage to Boystown and Chicago's gay scene with Biondi paying tribute to some of his favorite local performers.
This began with "Whiskey & Cherries," a local trio consisting of singers Meredith Freyre and Danielle Kastner and pianist Brian Felder. Biondi first encountered the trio at the Twisted Vine and fell in love with the group and their music. After learning they were fans of the first "Boystown" book, Biondi asked to write them into the ending as his "small way of thanking them for their support and celebrating their talent," he says. "Whiskey & Cherries" is featured as the musical entertainment for a fundraiser at the end of book two.
"It's always exciting to read about yourself interacting with the primary characters and being a part of the never-ending twists and turns in the brilliant plot line," Felder said.
"Season Three" will feature a return of "Whiskey & Cherries" as well as appearances by singer Amy Armstrong and pop sensation Steve Grand. Armstrong has been a huge supporter of the series, even giving away copies of the books at many of her shows, even ones as far away as Mexico.
Biondi has been a fan of Grand's since his arrival on the scene, calling him an inspiration and a role model. After exchanging emails in which Grand granted Biondi permission to write him into the third book, the two met fly fluke at the formers birthday party at Minibar and were finally able to chat in person.
"When BOYSTOWN makes it TV, I would love to Steve to write and perform the show's theme song," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com, referring to his long-standing plans to adapt the books for television. "And I'd love for him to appear as himself in the series as well."
Biondi's cast of "Boystown" boys, the handsome models he's collected to represent the many characters that populate his novels and appear in promotions for the series and on the book covers, continues to grow. The cover for "Season Three," designed by Michael Vargas, Biondi's Director of Art, Design and Advertising for "Boystown," features several of fans' favorite hunky men.
Speaking of hunky men, there are two new characters joining "Boystown" in the next release, although only one is entirely new. Jensen Stone, a mysterious young man who will work his way into several characters' lives, actually appeared in the first book but readers may have missed him on the first go around. The second new character, Dustin Alexander, will appear as a server in a Boystown restaurant who Biondi says will be further developed in "Season Four."
"There are so many stories left to tell," Biondi told ChicagoPride.com. "And so BOYSTOWN continues -- I anticipate releasing 'Season Four' in November."
Like the first two books, "BOYSTOWN Season Three" will be available at bookstores across the country as well at online at amazon.com, bn.com, and on iTunes. The series is available in paperback and all e-book formats. Readers may also order autographed paperback copies of the books directly from Biondi's website: www.JakeBiondi.com.
In anticipation of the third book's release, Biondi is offering readers the chance to download the first BOYSTOWN book for only 99¢ using promo code RR89P at smashwords.com until May 1.