Reviewer: coleamber (Signed) · Date: September 12, 2019 11:04 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
ok
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: August 19, 2015 09:34 AM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
''Mr Cutie'' Ethan Gold may be, but we all know who Debbie loves as a son - and will think of first
apart from her own son in a crisis. And defend him as a mother bear would.
Author's Response: Yes- Debbie loves Brian. I wanted to convey that with her leaving tuna macaroni (which she says in 3x11 is one of Brian's favourite foods) and cookies on his table. I think deep down, underneath all her criticisms of him, and blind defense of Justin, she knows how he feels. In my headcanon, she sees him looking miserable and decides to leave him the gift. It doesn't mean she doesn't liek Ethan- let's be honest; most mothers would far prefer him to Brian. Perhaps you might like to read my other story "The Fiddler Fell Off The Roof"- especially Chapter Two, where I try to show how conflicted Debbie feels where Brian is concerned. :)
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: August 19, 2015 12:10 AM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
What would it take to turn Joan Kinney into a connoiseur of tight buttocks?
Author's Response: Nothing. she is frigid as a rock, and selfish. An imaginary guy in the sky is more important than loving her son for who he is. Despite that, I wanted to bring out another side to her in her voicemail. She passionately believes that she can "save" him, and her doing so is a sign of love. I actually think it might be. Religious fanatics often believe that their narrow-mindedness is doing other people a service. I know this from experience- my parents are devout Christians, which is the main source of conflict between me and them. What they refuse to see is that love should be unconditional, and their constant proseletyzing hurts more than heals. That is why Brian is so upset by her voicemail- one, because she probably hardly ever calls since finding out he was gay and secondly, because Brian really feels she doesn't give a damn about him and that hurts more than he wants to admit.
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: August 18, 2015 11:43 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
One wonders about Brian's neighbour's new Ming vases - if they are new, can they be Ming?
Author's Response: Ah- I just meant she had ordered some more. Obviously they wouldn't technically be "new". You have some really interesting questions about this piece!
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: August 18, 2015 11:35 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
Just looked as if he needed a hug. But probably wouldn't have thanked you for it.
Author's Response: No- the whole point of this is that Brian refuses to accept his loneliness. People have to show him. Emmett tries to hint atit with the "blue lightbulbs" incident- he even tries to offer Brian a relaxing getaway. I wanted Emmett to be the one to say this, as he is often judgmental about Brian. However, during 1x21, when Brian was threatening to run off to New York and leave them all behind, there's his great scene where Emmett, Ted and Michael slowly admit how invaluable Brian is to their lives. So I wanted Emmett to try and comfort Brian about losing Justin. Obviously, Brian would simply shrug him off. I also wanted Ben to try and offer sympathy too- I think that Brian and Ben did sort of like each other in a weird way. And I loved the scene in 3x01 or 3x02 (I think) where Ben tells Michael to go out to Babylon with Brian because he is "hurting". In my headcanon, Brian would turn up at Mikey;s house a lot, and Ben would know all too well why. We've discussed Debbie in your other review. I also used Brian's shrink as a source of sympathy, by offering the first half hour free. He might be an unlikely character, but as a psychologist, he's seen it all. Still, Brian is much too proud to accept that he needs help or a little comfort, which is what makes the ending so painful for him, not being able to have what he wants. A long response, but I hope it makes sense!
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: August 18, 2015 11:31 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
'Brian?' I remember being quite shocked by his pain. the more so because he comes acoss as so tough. Realising Justin was seriously thinking about leaving him and that there was probably nothing he could do.
The constant rejection by his father of course had the same effect.
Reviewer: gotb30 (Signed) · Date: August 04, 2015 05:39 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
You really captured Brian's melancholy in this one, and his friends' concern for him.
Author's Response: Thanks. It's tempting to just write a long piece of how sad Brian was, but I wanted to show how mechanical his whole life becomes after Justin leaves. Some of these scenes are so mundane- like watching counting dust motes and watching birds on his windowsill, but they are a testament to his continually "silent Loft". He can't hear Justin's laughter and endless chatter, and that is what's killing him. Thanks for noticing his friend's concern for him- I really wanted to add that, using less likely characters like Lindsay and Michael, and using Emmett, Debbie and the shrink instead to show that despite their criticisms, his friends do love him deep down, and sympathise, even if they saw this coming.
Reviewer: Severus_divides_into_H (Signed) · Date: August 03, 2015 05:26 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
Very beautiful, powerful short story. It's so touching that I couldn't breathe properly while I was reading. I loved it to bits, you captured Brian's thoughts, his feelings, his pain so well, it's like I watched another QAF episode. The title is great, I was drawn in right away, and the way you write is fascinating. You are very talented.
Author's Response: Thank you very much! What a lovely compliment. I am glad you were touched- but then, I tend to portray Brian sympathetically, which is one of the reaosns that I love Season Three so much. There's so much character growth there. Thanks again!
Reviewer: bksbracelet (Signed) · Date: July 29, 2015 11:02 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
Brian is so sad but he refuses to name it because he is Brian Kinney for fucks sake and he doesn't do sad or ex boyfriends
Author's Response: That's right- all the mundane things he does in his life- like buying a new lamp, or watching birds on his windowsill, are a reflection of trying to fill the void in his life that he won't name.
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: July 29, 2015 01:23 AM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
This is a beautiful piece. Very poignant.
Author's Response: Three reviews! i am flattered. I definitely agree with your analysis of Gale's acting, too. Thanks for reading. :)
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: July 29, 2015 01:20 AM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
After the ultimatum wasn't it dismaying to see Brian's heartache after Justin turned his back on him in bed. An actor of the first order. Natural,believable and chameleonlike talent. That fascinating vulnerable quality and Gale's stunning beauty that no cap, glasses or beard can quite hide.Truly mesmerising on screen.
Author's Response: I agree. Gale was an excellent actor, and really brought a lot of nuance and depth to his facial expressions and voice throughout the series.
Reviewer: The Lantern keeps shining (Anonymous) · Date: July 29, 2015 12:24 AM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
Trying to fill his days with everything but the one he can't have.
Author's Response: What an insightful interpretation. I hadn't thought of it that way, although that is what I was subconsciously aiming for. Thanks very much.
Reviewer: YumYumPM (Signed) · Date: July 28, 2015 03:21 PM · On: Heartbreak Hotel
It's nice to know that they finally get back together. There are a lot of little snippets that are interesting. Like eating at Mikey's and candles. Mysterious Marilyn, gotta love her ... or him. This was really good and left me sad.
Author's Response: Thank you- sadness was the aim, unfortunately. :)
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