After writing three memoirs, I wanted to try writing a fiction book. As a novice writer, I remembered that you should write about what you know. After my discharge from the military in 1970, I attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. That marked the start of my ten-year career as a mortician. I remembered the HBO series, Six Feet Under, that inspired my theme. I took several of my experiences working as a funeral director and fictionalized those episodes.

I chose the West Texas town of Snyder as my setting, only because my mother had grown up there, and I had visited several times. My main characters were a third-generation family that owned and lived above their funeral home. My protagonist is the son and only child of the family. His coming of age is marked by experiences and conflicts revolving around the mortuary business.

I wrote it in first person because I wanted the story told through my protagonist’s eyes. My goal was to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking book. My target readers are those individuals who aren’t squeamish and have a curiosity of the mortuary industry. I also aimed to include the prejudice, hypocrisy, and homophobia present in the Christian communities of West Texas.

The journey of writing this book started in the summer of 2018. After two life-altering events and several other interruptions, I have finally finished the book. There are so many people to acknowledge, but I especially want to thank the writers who belong to the Royal Palm Beach Library Writers Workshop. If it hadn’t been for this group’s encouragement, I might never have finished my manuscript. I also need to express my gratitude to Christopher Cervelloni, with Blue Square Writer’s Studio, who edited and assisted in correcting my novice writing.

A Son’s Dilemma is only available for purchase on Amazon. (click on this link or the book image below to view and purchase) It is currently available in e-book and paperback versions. If sales warrant the expense, I may in the future include a hardback and audiobook version. After reading this book, show your appreciation by leaving a review on my Amazon Book listing or my Facebook page. It’s through your reviews that indie writers are able to enhance our distribution and sales. I hope you enjoy the book.

Book Blurb

Growing up in the West Texas town of Snyder, Charlie swore he would never work in his family-owned funeral business. Yet, three years after high school, he is a licensed mortician and a partner with his parents.

While attending mortuary school, a camaraderie with classmate Dennis quickly evolves into a tumultuous relationship filled with passion and sexual discovery. Charlie’s naivete regarding his sexuality compels him to confront the growing conflicts.

During the years of serving the West Texas community, his involvement in various deaths reveals the community’s history of hate, racism, and intolerance. How can the small town exhibit its Christian values while continuing its hypocrisy? And if exposed, will Charlie’s secret love affair destroy the family business?

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