What if the question changes?

I am thrilled to release The Question Is, the latest in my Choose Your Own Dirty, Sexy Fantasy series.

It isn't the first book to touch my heart while writing (or the first to insist on a cold shower). It is the first that explores the subject of sexuality.

Why? I hear you ask, and you deserve the truth.

Because of Kath, Jo, Catherine, Heather, Donna and Mike and countless other friends and colleagues.

Kath was married, had a child and with her now ex husband, are the most AMAZING parents. Except, once she moved in with her girlfriend, her son was subjected to incredible bullying. Kids will be kids! But what when it is your relationship that is the cause.

Mike thought he was straight, until he fell in love with his best friend. They lived together, loved together and Mike nursed his partner through his battle with AIDS. To meet family expectations, they didn't 'come out' to their straight friends. What was the point, they couldn't marry. What that meant is after his partner died, the partner's parents challenged the will - saying that after 10 years together, he was just a flatmate. Only their gay friends could give evidence to their love.

Jo had male lovers, until she met her girlfriend and was swept off her feet. Both career focused, the question of marriage and children was real and almost came between them. Now, two children later (with her girlfriend's brother being the donor), life is good.

Catherine and her partner always wanted children, and her partner's inability to carry to term put incredible stress on their relationship.

When Australia was forced to vote for same sex marriage in November 2017, I got into my own heated argument with my brother-in-law. He felt that allowing same sex marriage was a slippery slope to ruination. I felt politicians should just decide - that opening up to a debate and vote could be emotionally damaging to young people. Those who were struggling with their sexuality, and those who were struggling with the sexual identity of their parents.

He called them 'collateral damage'.

I'm not one for street protests or placards, but I wanted to start and write a book in November as part of the international NaNoWriMo challenge (write a book in November).

Grace and Sienna were the perfect couple in The Uni Student. What if, after five years together their relationship started being challenged? What if the question was no longer marriage equality, but if marriage was for them? What if in the middle of their fighting, Grace came face to face with her ex boyfriend who had never gotten over her?

What if, one night with Seth and she is now questioning everything she thought she had already answered?

So, there you have it. I stood in a cafe as the same sex vote results were announced. Overwhelming support from right across Australia. Legalised in December, with each marriage the culmination of a couple's incredible and emotional journey.

Please let me know what you thought of The Question Is.

And if you were in any doubt what it means to couples in love, check out this heartbreaking story of Australia's first same sex marriage that only lasted 48 days.

Cheers, Kenna