mtd writings: Salem Unbound

Me and Ken have always wanted to write something about Salem, NH, where we first met and became lifelong best friends. And so, that's what we did. Salem Unbound is a book about meeting each other for the first time, and falling in love with the same girl, and a bunch of other silly stuff, all in the first year of meeting, back in 80's.

There are several things going on in this book.

Adjusting: As two little kids having just moved to a new town, we are dealing with all the issues that come with adjusting to a strange new town. Both me and Ken adjust to this highly stressful life process in different ways. As a child, Ken seemed to shut down in the face of adversity, while as an adult, he is striking back with a vengeance. I'm in denial through most of the book, stubbornly clinging to my old town, Lakewood, NY.

Love: Strangely enough, both me and Ken, happen to be experiencing our first big crushes at the same time, with the same girl as the impetus for these feelings. Audrey Tesoro proves to be a formidable muse for both of us, making the quest for her love a rather futile one.

Resistance of Time: Writing an entire book about one year in your life, one year in which you hold a lot of great and unforgettable memories, in itself, evokes a certain resistance to time. In the book, my character, Tito the Ninja, represents the passage of time. In a way, my struggles with Tito is a microcosm of my own struggles with giving up the ghost known as nostalgia.

Bucky Barnes: Both me and Ken's imaginary or not so imaginary friend growing up.

Mrs. Gerber: Ken's chief antagonist throughout the book and probably life.

Audrey Tesoro: The books beautiful, and at times, despicable love interest.

The Old Fart: Ken's perpetually grumpy downstairs neighbor.

Tito The Ninja: 'Nuff said.

Big Dave: My brother and hero through much of the book, who will eventually take on Tito the ninja.

Mr. Foster: Exceptional fifth grade teacher at Purdy Elementary. For Ken, after suffering through two grueling years with Mrs. Gerber, Mr. Foster represents the light at the end of tunnel.

Mike's Mom: My mother, of whom is made quite a sport of, especially by Ken, during the book, to everyone in each of our family's chagrin.

The Many Guest Authors: Various guest authors who give their take on Salem an me and Ken in particular.

Salem Unbound was incredibly fun to write. It is deeply personal and deeply silly. I encourage anyone who enjoys a silly book, albeit, intensely unorthodox book, to find it online and grab a copy. If Salem Unbound garners the attention we have always hoped it would, we will be glad to continue the series, going into our second year in Salem.

Thanks for reading and enjoy Salem Unbound!