Sebastian by Cole Parker

[Chris James]

Ah, I love the way Cole gives us such thoughtful words to read.

Sebastian is an engaging short story and ever mindful of the simple fears a child encounters while growing up. I would grant the author elephant status because it seems he remembers what happens in childhood even though it has been a while for him...and the rest of us.

Perhaps what I found so engaging is the little bit of misdirection his characters start off sharing. Boys are rarely honest when it comes to revealing the awkward truths of growing up. Trust is certainly the key to unlock that door behind which lies the painful memories we often hide, and only a true friendship allows that door to open.

Thank you, Cole, another feather in your cap which is already quite filled with plumage. Sorry about the elephant crack, but perhaps you like the creatures. Everyone go read this:

http://www.awesomedude.com/coleparker/Short_Stories/sebastian.htm

[Nigel Gordon]

This is a remarkably well told story by a remarkable author. Well worth reading.

[Jeff Ellis]

What they said!

Well I think that's what the kids say.

Cole's story is one I wish I had been able to read when I was Sebastian's age. I guess life might have been different if I had.

I hope lots of kids find your story Cole.

[Cole Parker]

I get very little mail from kids. It doesn't mean they don't read them. I simply means I don't know about it. There are millions of gay teens out there. Many of them are on the internet. Many of them are intellectually capable of finding AD. So there's a chance that my target audience finds these. But I doubt I'll ever know.

As with most of us, there are autobiographical elements in probably all of my stories. My life certainly wasn't as dramatic as my stories, but some of the tenets developed in them are things I puzzled over as a youth. Universal truths affect us all. I think it might help some kids to have these pointed out vividly.

I sure wish I'd had a resource like AD when I was growing up.

Thanks guys, for your supportive remarks. I do appreciate.

C

[gwilym.pocock]

I loved reading this story.

I am a gay teen, and this novel is the best one IMO so far.

Keep up the good work.

[Lugnutz]

Welcome aboard. You'll find all kinds of teen stories here and at Codey's World. You won't be disappointed.

[Cole Parker]

As Sebastian was just reintroduced here, let me say, I've written another one.

One about Sebastian. But no, it's not a sequel. I don't write sequels. But I have written another Sebastian story that is now in the editing phase. It should be appearing at your favorite site soon. Depends on my lazy editors. Uh, wait... I didn't say that, did I?

I like this one. Hope you guys do, too. And especially you, Gwilym.pocock. Welcome aboard, indeed!

C

[colinian]

As Sebastian was just reintroduced here, let me say, I've written another one.

One about Sebastian. But no, it's not a sequel. I don't write sequels. But I have written another Sebastian story that is now in the editing phase. It should be appearing at your favorite site soon. Depends on my lazy editors. Uh, wait... I didn't say that, did I?

I like this one. Hope you guys do, too. And especially you, Gwilym.pocock. Welcome aboard, indeed!

C

You said it and you should be ashamed, ashamed I say! Just think about those poor, hard-working, underpaid, and certainly not lazy, editors. Uh, wait... they aren't underpaid. They are unpaid. Oh, woe are the poor, and certainly not lazy, unpaid editors!

Colin

[Bruin Fisher]

Welcome Gwilym, fine old Welsh name. Croeso bach!

[Cole Parker]

Oh, woe are the poor, and certainly not lazy, unpaid editors!

Colin

The check's in the mail. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

C

[vwl]

The invoice is in the mail as well.

Ships passing in the night.

[Guest Dabeagle]

I've never understood editing as a pleasure. I always thought editors must have a masochistic streak in them.

[Cole Parker]

Huh! Most of mine seem more into sadism.

C

[Lugnutz]

Didn't see this on Cole's page to read again once his new story hit the streets.

[Alien Son]

It's there now; Cole's page has been given an overhaul.

[Lugnutz]

Overhaul? Nah. You moved him into a mansion. It's stellar. My hat's off to you. That must've taken a while to do.

[Cole Parker]

Thanks, John! And Mike!

C

[Alien Son]

Overhaul? Nah. You moved him into a mansion. It's stellar. My hat's off to you. That must've taken a while to do.

Hehe... thanks, Lugnutz :)

[Lugnutz]

Book three is out on this fine story. Teacher, teacher?

Here it is. http://www.awesomedude.com/cole-parker/sebastian-3/sebastian-friendship.htm

[Nigel Gordon]

If anything this one is better than it predecessors, if that is possible.

[Jeff Ellis]

Yes, it's definitely possible!

It's a beautifully told story. One of the warm and fuzziest feelings I have walked away with all year. Thank you Cole, and thank you Sebastian too.

[Cole Parker]

We have to try warm and fuzzy now and then to keep our spirits up.

C

[Rutabaga]

A quick note to readers:

The Sebastian trilogy now has its very own index page which in turn leads to the three stories.  It is right here and still has a special button on Cole's story page.

Because of the changes, however, links to these stories in old Forum messages are generally broken, because they lead to a different set of directories.  I have not spoken to John about whether we should put redirects in for those.  I don't think that is a normal policy here.

But -- getting back to this story trilogy -- I highly recommend it to those who have never read it, or have not done so recently.  It is quintessential Cole and will make you happy.

R  

[Oliver]

Thank you, Rutabaga!
The fun part of the refurbishment is also that you start to read things again, with details that were almost forgotten.

[Ivor Slipper]

A most enjoyable triptych - as Cole doesn't so sequels, despite suggesting that I should. 🙂

Surely the hero here is Dylan as without him Sebastian would surely have remained in his shell?