As writers, we draw inspiration from our own lives. For me, I draw a lot of inspiration from other art forms. Violence Begets… is a collage of beautiful art I’ve experienced along the way. For this blog post, I thought I’d let you in on just a few of the items that I drew from when writing different scenes. Also, you may see a trend here – I am somewhat of a theater junkie.

There are many spoilers here, so if you haven’t read the book – beware.

On a side note, I worry about sharing these things with you because I want you to feel and know Kevin and Rick as you do and not the back story of the crazy writer who introduced you to them. But, I enjoy finding “Easter eggs” in art work I love – maybe you do as well.

Here you go -

Scene:
Kevin and Rick sitting on Kevin’s couch looking at the snow storm and talking about leaving.

Inspiration:
"The Word of Your Body (Reprise)" from the musical Spring Awakening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1_vA...)

Years ago I attended a local theater production that featured readings and scenes from works of art that had been banned. The scene/song “The Word of Your Body (Reprise)” was featured. I hadn’t seen the show yet and later realized that the scene is actually used for a bit of comedic relief in the show. However, at the time, I found the scene about two young boys fighting a repressive environment and preconceived expectations to be very touching. The talk of future (and probably not possible) plans carried a note of melancholy foreboding.

Scene:
The fight scene between Rick and Kevin at Zarahemla towards the end where Rick breaks things off.

Inspiration:
So You Think You Can Dance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YbEt...)

God, this dance still kills me. I remember, at the time, it being billed as a friendship that ends. But man, with the choreography by Travis Wall and the way Kent and Neil pull it off, there is no question about the heartache and betrayal that these lovers felt. It is still my all-time favorite number and brings me to tears to this day. When Neil stabs Kent in the back – OMG! Hence the reason for Rick approaching and kicking Kevin from behind.

On a side note, Blue October’s song “The End” influenced Kevin’s emotions and sense of betrayal in this scene. God, this is a dark song. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8omhW...)

Scene:
The end. Kevin choosing Rick by kissing him and how that kiss eventually leads to his belief that Rick died. Also, his confrontation of his father and Kevin’s decision to take the pills.

Inspiration:
The musical Jesus Christ Superstar-
The kiss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBs-v...)
The confrontation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQtnC...)

I am not a religious person but I am a theater person and I was obsessed with this musical for years. I’ve seen many productions of this show but the 2000 movie version definitely tapped into the possible romantic overtones of the relationship between Judas and Jesus. This makes the scene where Judas betrays him and the subsequent guilt he feels, which leads him to take his life, so incredibly heartbreaking.

In the show, Judas kisses Jesus and the ultimate destruction of both characters is set in motion. Sound familiar?

While we are on the subject - Judas is played by an actor named Jerome Pradon. While the name PT Denys represents a lot of things, the P may be a bit of nod towards Pradon.

And yes, of course, being the theater geek that I am, the ending being reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet is absolutely an intended tip of the hat to the greatest playwright ever – Mr. Shakespeare.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into the way my mind works and what kinds of things impacted Kevin and Rick’s journey.

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