Thoughts (and a few secrets!) from the author:

09.06

Approximately five years ago, I began working on the first story in the series, based on a whim and a general curiosity of whether or not I would be capable of writing fiction.  It's been a long and bumpy road, but I feel it has been a growing experience for me and I've enjoyed every step of the way.

If you have been one of the few who have followed the series from day one, hopefully you have enjoyed reading my perception of Mr. JC Chasez, and from a completely fictional standpoint, his life as I perceive it would be should the other characters in this story have actually existed.

 Aubrey

~*~

Some have loved her, some have hated her, and some have done a little bit of loving and hating throughout.  Hopefully over the years you've enjoyed getting to know her as she grew, and have found some sense of understanding of her.  It has always been difficult for me to build a new character, and it was the same with Aubrey.  As a (much-younger) little sister to JC, she needled and whined, pouted and cried, yet somehow she managed to work her way into most everyone's hearts.  I've gotten so many emails from readers who were completely disgusted by her pettiness and childishness, but amazingly, usually a few chapters later, the same ones were writing to defend her and let me know how they didn't appreciate JC, or various other characters, putting her in her place again. 

Aubrey is the most stubborn character in this series--something which makes the characters and those reading feel the need to give her a good shake from time to time.  She is fiery and unpredictable, yet has the biggest of hearts in times when you least expect it.  In particular, when it comes to her big brother and grandfather, "Grampy Ed," both of whom have played the biggest part in spoiling her. 

Over the years, Aubrey's character has probably changed the most of any one character I've ever written about, and I hope you have been able to find some way to connect with her at some time or another.  I'm speaking from a creator's point of view, of course, but despite everything about her quirky behavior, I've come to adore, and even envy her.

Chelsea

~*~

To be perfectly honest about it, when I was writing "Changes" and developing JC's relationship with his little sister, I got concerned that, due to their closeness, some may get the wrong idea about them.  I certainly didn't want that.  Therefore, the character of Chelsea was born.  She was someone outside of JC's family that he could discuss his problems with, namely those problems he was having over Aubrey's need to keep him forever close.  Adding Chelsea as an additional character proved to be quite affective, in that she not only gave me an easy way to relay JC's thoughts, but also she solved the problem I mentioned earlier.  Just by adding a simple phone call, I was able to declare that JC was in a steady, healthy relationship and everything, except for the problem with his sister, was right in his world.

Chelsea's character has changed somewhat over the years, but she's gotten so easy to write about that I probably enjoy her and JC most of all.  Their relationship is one to envy.  They have their disputes, though the large ones are few and far between, but they also have a wonderful, loving, and highly playful relationship.  I adore them as a couple, and I hope you do too.

Tommy

~*~

In story one, I introduced a character by the name of Tommy Purcell.  He was 15-year-old Aubrey's first major crush, and the object of JC's loathing for this reason alone.  Tommy was considerably older than Aubrey, and though he was completely innocent in that Aubrey fell head over heals for him, it didn't stop JC from keeping a (very) close eye on him, as any good big brother would.  This is what you, as the reader, already knew.  

But, this is what you didn't know.

Though Tommy was created as an object for Aubrey's affection, he was also created for another very important reason.  In story two, it may have appeared at first that Tommy was forgotten.  However, when Aubrey had her cheerleading injury, you may have noticed that Tommy reappeared out of the clear blue.  Again, for a reason.  In story three, I was finally able to get into what I had been planning for Tommy all along.  And the fun began.  :)

Tommy began to show a real interest in nineteen-year-old Aubrey, now that she had grown and developed into a young lady.  But what Tommy didn't know was that JC didn't approve of him, nor did he trust his intentions.  Aubrey kept their new relationship hidden for this reason, but eventually, as you know, the jig was up.  Tommy and Aubrey have since had a fiery relationship, and I think it's because of this that I enjoy writing about them so much.  While Aubrey tends to be uncertain and lack confidence, Tommy is quiet and secure, providing her the love and security she needs--and the occasional reprimand when she gets too difficult for even a man with the patience of Job to endure.  She lightens him up and he calms her down.  They're good for one another.  So, yes, Aubrey's relationship with Tommy was planned from story one.

Chris, Joey, Justin, Lance

~*~

Yeah, you guys already know (and knew!) these four.  Along with JC, they are definitely the easiest to write about.  Probably because, as a big fan, I've spent entirely too much time watching them on TV and DVD, listening to their dynamic melodies, and of course, getting the inside scoop on the internet!  It didn't take a lot of watching to realize that beyond music, they had wonderful relationships and the special bond of brotherhood.  I suppose that's the one thing that drew me to them so strongly.  There are a lot of groups out there, but I've seen very few that love one another as much as these guys did, and no doubt still do.  The only "inside scoop from the author" that I can come up with right away is the Chris character in my story.  Chris Kirkpatrick has to be one of the funniest, most enjoyable men I've ever seen.  I absolutely cannot watch him--even on rare occasion when he's *trying* to be serious--without cracking up!  He just has that special something that people enjoy being around and feed off of.  

However, when it came to *writing* "Chris," I was terrified.  Well, not terrified, but definitely concerned.  I'm a little (okay, a lot) sarcastic, and I suppose I'm funny to a degree, but Chris Kirkpatrick I am not.  The only way I knew to beat him was to come up with off-the-wall things, make them as outrageous as I could imagine, and then let my fingers fly on the keyboard and hope for the best.  Some have mentioned how much they enjoy Chris in my stories, so maybe I haven't done too shabby of a job.  Once I got the hang of writing about him, I loved it!  None of the (extra) guys get thrown into my stories much, especially now that JC has taken his own route in the music business in this series, but when I need an NSyncer, Chris is the one I most often use, as I'm certain you have noticed.  I gave him a son in the story, so it also makes it more believable that he and JC still have more ties because of their children.  I know this disappoints some of you, but it's just difficult to come up with story lines for so many people and their families.  Therefore, since JC is and has always been my favorite, he remains the focus of the series.

Other reoccurring characters

~*~

JC's parents, Roy and Karen.  Though, like most of you, I know very little about JC's parents, I still found them to be a necessity throughout.  A child's relationship with his or her parents is one of a kind, and it gives a little different insight of JC, the boy, and JC, the family man.  I've seen enough to know that JC has a special relationship with his parents, as well has his real life brother and sister, and I've been able to expound on that in my stories.

~*~

Chelsea's sister, Elizabeth, and her daughter, Katelyn Grace.  Elizabeth, as a teenager, provided Aubrey a comrade of sorts, plus she was created especially for story two.  I wanted Aubrey to come and live with JC, but I thought it might bring more spice into the story if Chelsea's little sister was given reason to stay with them as well.  And at times, it did.

As teenagers, Elizabeth and Aubrey were the best of friends, and because of this (and growing pains), they had their moments.  There were times when they drove one another crazy, mostly due to jealousy, but in the end, they became as close as sisters.  So much that they still play an important part in one another's lives.  As adults, they dated and then married two men who were also the best of friends.  They maintain a healthy, close relationship, and their children have formed lasting friendships as well.

~*~

JC's cousin, Evelyn, and her two daughters.  There's not a lot to say about them, really.  Evelyn gave me someone for JC to relate with from his childhood, and also her daughters helped in the first few stories to bring in some little faces to break up things a bit.  I bring in Evelyn mostly when she's needed as a reminder that JC and Aubrey have close ties to other family or when an explanation is necessary for things that were supposed to have happened in the past.  Plus she keeps JC from getting the big head and she has an uncanny ability to make him feel like a little kid again.

~*~

Kayla, Ryan, and Annabelle.  In story two, A New Life, Chelsea gave birth to her and JC's first child, and they named the beautiful little bundle Kayla Alexis.  She was given her first name in honor of her mother--a condensed version of Chelsea's middle name, Mikayla.  Kayla has most always been the perfect child who gives her parents little to no trouble at all--except on occasion, mostly during the "terrible-twos" years when she developed a mind of her own.  In general, though, she's her mother's little helper and able to tug at her daddy's heartstrings with the greatest of ease.

In the stories following, Kayla began to grow and along came a little brother, her complete opposite.  Though Ryan was a good-hearted child, he was all boy and he gave his parents a run for their money.  They were used to the first born, a docile, obedient child, and Ryan was nothing of the kind.  He was mischievous and carefree, and sometimes down-right ornery.  He had his own way planned and didn't intend to allow anyone, even his parents, to interfere.  He had a spirit that needed tamed, bent but not broken, and only his daddy seemed able to accomplish this.  JC was much tougher on his son than he had ever been his daughter, but it proved to be fruitful in the end.  You'll witness this firsthand as you begin reading the fifth story in the series.  Ryan has become a little gentleman, just like his father, making his parents most proud of him.  He does on occasion, however, prove that he is still a little boy with boyish tendencies and can still be just as headstrong as his daddy.

Annabelle Elise was introduced in story four as an infant child, but story five finds her at the age of four.  She's a healthy mixture of her older sister and brother, and the apple of her daddy's eye.  Strong-willed and courageous, with timid and shy moments, and like her big sister, she's more likely to bend to her parents' will to remain in good graces with them.  She has just a touch of tomboy in her, enjoys climbing trees and catching bugs, but has girlish ways about her also.  She doesn't care much for fine fashion like her mother and sister do, but on occasion she dabbles in make-up and perfume, with or without the owner's permission, and her favorite outfit is an old t-shirt and cartoon-character, cotton panties.

~*~

Spencer Ian Purcell.  In story four, Dr. Tommy Purcell, Aubrey's husband, had completed his schooling and was well on his way to establishing a family practice.  Due to some issues with his secretary leaving abruptly, Tommy signed Aubrey on as his newest employee.  Not long after she began working, the two encountered a little boy, who was both mentally and physically abused by the foster parent who had brought him in for care of what she claimed was a simple cold.  They soon learned that Spencer had been sorely neglected, was dangerously ill and that same day they began proceedings that would take the little boy from an unsafe environment.  As a couple, they eventually decided that the best way to ensure that the little boy was taken care of was for them to care for him themselves.  They began the necessary steps to acquire adoption, and after a long and seemingly unending plight, they managed to adopt Spencer as their son.  

Spencer was a well-mannered, sparkling child, despite what he had endured in his nearly four years, and everyone in the family loved him from the moment they laid eyes on his gorgeous little face.  His eyes twinkled and his smile was always warm.  Spencer showed great adoration and a healthy love for his new parents from the very start, and also to his soon-to-be two younger siblings, Marley and Madison, the twins Aubrey gave birth to not long after Spencer came to live with them.

~*~

Marley Olivia and Madison Shea Purcell.  In story four, Aubrey and Tommy were not only blessed with a newly-adopted little boy, but also the birth of their first children, a set of twins.  Though, as the girls grow older, they are quite a bit alike, they do have their personality differences.  While Marley tends to take after her mother in the department of behavior, Madison is a little more like her father.  As I'm just beginning to write about these two in story five, I'm sure their characters will grow and develop, and quite possibly take a turn that even I do not foresee.  Therefore, I'm very anxious to learn more about these two little jewels.

~*~

There are many more characters that I have introduced throughout the story, but I don't see any reason to go into each one.  All were added for a purpose, but some are more special to me than others.  In particular, Roy's parents, Edward and Lorraine Chasez.  I've lost three grandparents since I first began writing this series, and I suppose that's why these two are so precious to me.  Though my grandparents were nothing like Edward and Lorraine really, throwing them into the stories has somehow given me some sort of release that I can't exactly explain, so there's no point in trying.  I hope you enjoy these two as much as I do.  

~*~

And finally, last but most certainly not least, the man that inspired the entire series,

JC Chasez.

~*~

Most likely, all of you remember the Disney concert that NSync did once upon a time--I think it was in 1998, but am not one hundred percent certain.  Unlike so many, I had never laid eyes on these guys before I began to see advertisements for the upcoming concert, though I had heard a few of their songs on the radio before then.  They made great music and I enjoyed what I heard from them, but I definitely wouldn't have considered myself a fan of the group, itself.

I missed the concert the first time it aired, and probably several times, looking back.  But one wonderful day I was flipping channels and ran across a rerun.  I think Justin's blonde (very blonde!) hair was the thing that caught my attention first, and I paused to watch a few minutes of the show.  I wanted to get a better feel of what these guys were about, but mostly I watched because I love music and I was interested in hearing more from them.

Though Justin's outfit was something to behold, it was actually another face that flashed across the screen that had me sticking around for more.  I can honestly say that the first time I laid eyes on him, I was absolutely, positively captivated.  Though all of the guys put on a great show, one excelled far above the others (in my humble opinion).  Not only was his voice so powerful and unbelievable that I found myself wondering if he was real, but he also exuberated an energy and lust for what he was doing that I don't believe I had ever seen before, nor have I seen since.  I was, as I said, captivated. What I experienced is still difficult for me to put into words.  The only way I can describe it is that my eyes followed his every move--it was like he *demanded* my attention.  And then I heard him sing lead.

By the time the show was over, I had chill bumps running all over me and NSync had a new fan. 

I learned during the show that the man I found so captivating was named JC Chasez.  Not only was he a powerful singer and performer, but he also enjoyed music in every sense, which is what I guess I saw radiating all over him while he was on stage.  The years following, I gathered every piece of information I could find about him, learned that he had been in the business for a while, and was actually on a television show that I used to watch on occasion, which was, as you already know, The New Mickey Mouse Club.  JC hadn't yet been added to the show when I used to watch, which explains why I hadn't taken an interest in him earlier than I did, but I have seen the episodes with him since and he was something to behold even way back then.

And now, eight years later, I enjoy him as a person and him as an entertainer and musician even more than I ever did.  The "real" man JC has changed a lot over the years, but he has remained that respectable, caring person that I caught a glimpse of so many years ago.  And like the "real" JC, I try to bring that to the "character" JC in my stories.  Though I don't portray him as wonderfully as I believe him to really be, I certainly enjoy writing about him, and apparently you enjoy reading about him!  Can't blame you there.  ;)

And now, please join me in one final story following the lives of the Chasezs and Purcells.  It's been a wonderful experience for me, and I hope you guys have found reading the series just as rewarding and enjoyable as I have found writing it!

Thanks so much!

Humbly, the author.