V. H. King's Ink

I don’t write to escape the world. 

I write to process living in it. 

Glass Halos, Paper Crowns deals with death, violence, families, courts, schools, jails–and the connections, the interactions, the consequences, between all of these.  Many chapters contain flashbacks or references to previous events.  

Because of the novel’s structure (and in order for characters to develop), these have a way of returning to the surface.  The people and events of the blocks, as Caegan and others so often call their section of Mesner City, do not exist in a vacuum.  

No part of my writing is for the sake of sensationalism or shock value.  

Bad things happen, both in the work itself and in the world this novel is set in.  (And that’s not so different from life, is it?)  The events that occur in this story belong to the characters.  I honor the characters and the story by writing them both honestly.  That being said, there are some things you will come across as you read.

• Language

People say bad words.  Sometimes they say them a lot.  Other times, not so much.  Some people don’t say any at all.  

• Alcohol and Substance Use

It happens.  There are consequences.  Trust me. 

• Violence

Most of the violence is referenced–more telling than showing, you could say.  You come on to the scene or hear about it after the fact.  Be prepared for mentions and brief depictions of interpersonal violence, physical altercations, gang-related activity, etc.  

• Sexual Content

Nothing here is gratuitous.  Are there intimate moments? Yes.  Are there (questionable?) relationships with power imbalances? Yes.  Is there a purpose for when, how, and why these are included? Yes.  

I’ve gone back and forth on how to go about framing the content in this book.  There will always be those who will find fault with whatever I have done or not done. Instead of concocting some elaborate burden of proof in order to convince anyone, I am choosing to trust you, my readers.  

• Trust that this is a journey.  
• Trust that I am not promoting violence and toxicity.  
• Trust that, when all directions point to danger, there are unseen safeguards.  

Give these kids a chance.