One Day in the Life of Marty McKenna
Published Novel
Summary: One Day in the Life of Marty McKenna
This novella chronicles twelve-hours in the life of an angry, rebellious gay kid. Marty McKenna is sixteen, and a huge fan of classic cinema. He habitually breaks into Scots, Welsh, and Irish folk songs, while constantly harassing his overweight brother Patrick (whom he refers to as “Fatrick”). Marty’s love interest is Kris English, a sensitive youth who fears that his homosexuality conflicts with a strict Christian upbringing.
Marty’s overbearing personality, ill-humor, vulgar tongue and willingness to fight threatens his relationship with Kris. It’s also a source of concern for his eldest brother Mark, who has surrendered his own happiness and future to look after Marty and Patrick.
Under Marty’s caustic façade is a frightened, self-loathing teen, coping with a booze-addled mother, absent father, uncertainty, and poverty.
One Day in the Life of Marty McKenna is a tough, unflinching character study of a young man struggling to survive in an unkind and unfair world. Marty is colorful, controversial, profane, and prone to sudden anger and fisticuffs. Imagine James Cagney or Joe Pesci as a gay Irish-American kid and… well…. You’ve got Marty McKenna!
This book is a must for those who value complex protagonists and an accurate portrayal of teen angst and sexual awakening. Marty isn’t always likable. In the end, he may be very lovable, and one the reader can never forget!
I was feeling rather daring as an independent writer/publisher, and chose to flex such freedoms when I penned this third story. I intentionally threw in plotlines and language which could potentially shock certain readers, and did so unapologetically. Still, I didn’t want Marty McKenna to be a totally unredeemable figure which everyone might loath and despise. There is a sad, sympathetic side to Marty, one begging for love, compassion and affection while playing the fearless tough guy.
While I resided in Tennessee, I had a number of college-age and high school students wishing to make a movie based upon this tale, and begged me to offer them the film rights. Although the book takes place in Eastern Oregon, the message remains universal and appreciated by those of varying geographies and backgrounds.
Facts and Tidbits About One Day in the Life of Marty McKenna
Originally published July 28, 2013.
The images featured here show the original final sketch that eventually led to the finished cover artwork for this novel.