From GLOW to "Under the Lifeguard's Watch": My Secret Project Revealed!

Hey There, Fellow Dreamers!

You know me, right? Saturdays are practically sacred—usually devoted to all things GLOW, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The ‘80s neon, the sheer spectacle, the crew, fans and the cast of women who defied expectations—it’s a world I could talk about endlessly. But today? Today, I need to break routine. Because something incredible has happened and I can’t hold back any longer.

If you've been following this blog, you know it’s my digital scrapbook—a place where I share stories, memories, passions and the occasional deep dive into pop culture rabbit holes. We’ve talked about family legends, movie obsessions, music that moves me and those random sparks of nostalgia that demand to be written down.

But what most of you may or may not know is that behind the scenes, I’ve always had one story waiting in the wings—the raw, unfiltered memoir of my life as a teenage runaway and hustler. For nearly 30 years, I thought that would be the book that marked my grand entrance as a solo author.

I was deep in the trenches of writing it, peeling back the layers of memory, capturing the truth of those years—the good, the bad and everything in between. But then, something unexpected happened.

Somewhere along the way, another story began whispering to me.

At first, I thought it was just a creative detour—something small, something fun. A short fantasy, inspired by a lifeguard I crushed on back in 1988 at Tiki Island Water Park. Just a few pages, intending nothing more. But the more I wrote, the stronger the pull became.

Casper and Soren weren’t asking me to tell my story. They were calling me into theirs.

And so began Under the Lifeguard’s Watch.

What started as a few pages turned into 13 chapters, then 23, then 29. The book took over. It demanded more, as if the characters themselves had decided that I was the one chosen to bring their story to the world.

My journals filled with ideas, my 1967 Smith Corona Galaxie Deluxe typewriter clacked away with urgency, and suddenly, this fantasy world felt as real to me as the streets I once walked.

Casper—a dreamer aching for more than the static in his head.
Soren—a dangerous enigma wrapped in sunlit skin and waves.

But this isn’t just my story—it’s for everyone who has ever wanted to be the authentic vision of themself, no matter the odds.

If you’ve ever fought to carve out space for yourself in a world that didn’t always make room for you, if you’ve ever wanted to live boldly and love freely—then this book is for you. Under the Lifeguard’s Watch is a love letter to every, not just LGBTQ+, person who has faced adversity and dared to dream anyway.

Their world, Crestlake Springs, feels like a place I’ve been to before. Like a memory I’ve stepped into instead of a fictional creation.

Now, after months of obsessing over plot twists, grounding the story in the heartbeat of 1988, and ensuring every character has a place in this world, the book is real. It’s here. I’m deep in revisions, fine-tuning their town, their lives, their fate.

The memoir I once thought would be my defining story is still waiting in the wings. But for now, Under the Lifeguard’s Watch has claimed me and I have no choice but to see it through.

There’s still work to do—adjusting timelines, refining details, maybe even adding visual elements—but I’m committed. And if self-publishing means I have to fund it all myself? So be it. The alliance chose me for a reason and I intend to honor that.

So, what do you think? Do you want to step into Under the Lifeguard’s Watch? Have you ever felt a story take hold of you so deeply that you couldn’t let it go? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And hey, if you feel like fueling this final stretch with a little caffeine or a shiny new notebook for the next adventure, know that it’s always appreciated. But more than anything, thank you. For listening. For being part of this evolving journey.

Until next time—keep dreaming big.

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
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Falling for Heroics: A Personal Dive into The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

I’m no stranger to TJ Klune’s work—I’ve fallen in love with his storytelling time and time again with In the Lives of Puppets and Under the Whispering Door. So when I picked up The Extraordinaries, I thought I knew what I was in for: heartfelt writing, a dash of humor and characters I’d never want to let go of. But nothing quite prepared me for how hooked I would be on this incredibly charming and fresh take on the gay teen superhero story. My inner superhero and my love for Wonder Woman throughout my life really made this special for me.

For those unfamiliar, The Extraordinaries introduces us to Nick Bell, a sixteen-year-old with a love for superheroes—particularly Shadow Star, the vigilante protecting his city. Nick’s also dealing with ADHD, an unfiltered internal monologue that often spills out into hilarious real-life situations and a passionate desire to make his dreams of superhero-dom a reality. Oh, and did I mention he writes fanfiction? Because he does—and it’s both a beautiful and cringeworthy hallmark of who Nick is. Like seriously he sounds like me but instead of writing fan fiction, I tried my hand at acting and singing and other ventures.

What Klune captures so brilliantly is the chaos and joy of being a teenager. I think we’ve all had those moments where we wanted to be part of something bigger, to prove ourselves to the world. Nick’s journey embodies that, complete with an awkward charm that had me laughing and rooting for him from the first page to the last.

Nick’s relationships are the heart of this story. His dad, a police officer and single parent, is a rock in Nick’s life, navigating the challenges of parenting a hyperactive and imaginative teen with love and humor. And then there’s Seth, Nick’s best friend—sweet, dependable and, well, clearly in love with him. Watching Nick bumble his way through completely missing the signs was simultaneously endearing and exasperating (in the best way possible).

Of course, there’s no superhero story without action and Klune delivers here too. Between Nick’s attempt to become a superhero himself—despite having no powers—and his efforts to get closer to Shadow Star, the story keeps you on your toes. There’s danger, mystery and enough twists to keep you guessing. But what makes it special is that it never loses its sense of humor and heart.

As much as I adored the action-packed moments, I kept coming back to the quieter, more reflective parts of the story. Klune weaves in themes of identity, self-worth and community with such care that they never feel heavy-handed. Nick’s story is laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s also deeply emotional—a reminder that being extraordinary doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being yourself.

By the time I reached the end of the first book, I was fully invested—not just in Nick’s story, but in the world Klune created. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say it’s the kind of ending that leaves you scrambling for the next book in the series (don’t worry, I’ll cover those in future posts).

TJ Klune has a knack for creating characters who are outcasts but yet feel like friends and stories that leave you better for having read them. The Extraordinaries is no exception. Whether you’re here for the superheroes, the heartwarming friendships or the laugh-out-loud moments, this book has it all. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to hug it to your chest after reading and then immediately start recommending it to everyone you know.

Have you read The Extraordinaries? Or maybe you have your own favorite TJ Klune book that you just can’t stop thinking about? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Let’s geek out over queer superheroes, beautifully awkward teenage moments and the stories that make us feel seen. And hey, if this story brought a little joy to your day, consider supporting the blog. Every bit helps keep the passion alive and the stories flowing (and maybe fuels my next deep dive into Klune’s universe). No pressure—your presence here means the world to me. Here’s to celebrating extraordinary stories, one book at a time. 🌈✨

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
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Blending Past and Present: A Review of the Upcoming Book 'Right Beside You' by By Tucker Shaw

Life often surprises us with unexpected turns, and Tucker Shaw's latest novel, "Right Beside You," captures this beautifully. This title is slated to be published by Henry Holt Books on April 29, 2025, this engaging and heartfelt story takes readers on a journey through time and emotions, blending queer romance and coming-of-age themes.

In "Right Beside You," we follow Eddie, a recent high school graduate from a small Colorado town. Feeling lost and disconnected, Eddie seizes the chance to care for his great aunt Cookie in New York City. Little does he know, this opportunity will change his life forever.

Cookie's tiny Greenwich Village apartment becomes Eddie's new home, and she gives him a vintage Polaroid camera to capture her favorite places. But there's a twist—this camera transports Eddie back in time to the underground queer life of the Roaring 20s. Amidst this historical adventure, Eddie encounters Francis, a dangerously handsome boy who captivates him.

As Eddie's feelings for Francis grow, he also meets Theo, a charming baker in present-day New York. Torn between the enchanting past and the promising present, Eddie must decide where his heart truly belongs. Will he chase his romantic fantasies of the past or embrace a reality that may hold everything he's ever wanted?

"Right Beside You" is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments. It resonates deeply with fans of "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" and Adam Silvera's works. Tucker Shaw's engaging writing style and rich character development make this novel a must-read.

Tucker Shaw is no stranger to literary acclaim. His previous novel, "When You Call My Name," released on May 3, 2022, received high praise and was selected as a CBC Young Adult, Teacher & Librarian Favorites 9th - 12th Grade Selection, a Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Teen Readers, a School Library Journal Best Books of 2022 Selection, and a Buzzfeed New LGBTQA+ YA Novels You Need This Spring Selection. "Right Beside You" promises to capture readers' hearts just as profoundly.
If you're searching for a book that combines speculative fiction with queer romance and coming-of-age themes, "Right Beside You" is a fantastic choice. Tucker Shaw's ability to weave humor and heart into every page ensures that readers will be hooked from start to finish.

I was fortunate to receive early access to this book from the publishers, Henry Holt and Co, Georg von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, Macmillan Publishers via Edelweiss.plus, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to them and the author, Tucker Shaw, for the opportunity to not only review but enjoy this wonderful story.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your thoughts, feedback, and stories are not just welcome but eagerly awaited. Each comment adds a unique color to this vibrant tapestry we're weaving together. And if you feel inspired to show a bit of extra support, know that your contributions—be they in words, gestures, or other forms—are deeply appreciated. Until next time, keep the curiosity burning and the kindness flowing.

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits