About The Author
Who am I, and what have I done that you might want to know?
Thank you for allowing me this introduction. My name is S. Bryan Gonzales, and I am a distance/alternative education administrator in a small, rural Indiana community of 2,500. I have just completed the novel, Under the Big Sky, where two All-American boys come together in a steamy, tempestuous relationship—shaking the dusty rafters of a small Eastern Montana community.
First off, I would like to mention that in spite of the current high profile of Brokeback Mountain and Flight 93, my book was created prior to their popularity. Under the Big Sky stands alone with its own reflection and message.
Who are the main characters and what is the book all about?
Thus, Under the Big Sky is a different book. It challenges our paradigm, yet sooths unspoken fears and frustrations like healing salve. Plain and simple, the story breathes like the crisp, clean air of the northern Great Plains. It’s realistic… hauntingly believable—allowing the reader to crawl into the private life of Cash McCollum, a high school rodeo cowboy who loves spendin’ his free time bustin’ bronc, and ridin’ bull.
Overnight, Cash’s world is uprooted and tossed around by Travis Hunter, star jock of the high school football team. From the moment Travis approaches, sparking up conversation, Cash discovers there is a heck of a lot more to life than the dusty rodeo arena.
Who am I trying to reach?
I wrote this story for rural and small town families. I wrote it for me. (Incidentally, I was born and raised on our homestead not far from the setting.) Finally, I wrote Under the Big Sky for anyone who just might be struggling to come out, or who might know someone who is.
Why do I think this book will appeal to readers?
There are enough novels dealing with the neurosis of being gay—about the odd and bizarre. Under the Big Sky works at breaking down the multitude of undying stereotypes painted by so many artists and media reporters by reflecting on two boy’s lives coming together in an ordinary setting. I am embarking to redefine what is known to many as ‘normal’. Under the Big Sky bears testimony that a guy can be gay, yet live a good, simple, ordinary life—apart from crime, sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, or mental illness.
One thing I would like to mention, it is my mission to tell the reader that there is nothing that cannot be worked through—even though it may seem impossible, unlivable at the moment. My mother has a saying I love to quote from time to time…“This too, shall pass.”
Cash and Travis are not perfect—nor are their friends and families. What makes this story work is their sincerity and openness to accept, work with things that come their way—mistakes and all. I believe this book will be an encouragement not only for those who deal with the gay issue, but with everyone who grapples with the ‘ordinary stuff’ each day—that there is a purpose in life, even when things may not be clearly understood or easy to deal with.