Checking Back with Jake Biondi on the Hot Happenings of 'BOYSTOWN: Season Four'

Author Jake Biondi found reader response to his stories about criss-crossing couples and singles of various sexual orientations in Chicago's "Boystown" gayborhood to be so strong and vociferous that he gathered the first ten chapters into a book and titled it "BOYSTOWN: Season One." Then he got busy writing the next ten chapters.

That was a few seasons ago, and Biondi has kept the sexy soap opera boiling away ever since. Now the tireless author is about to release "BOYSTOWN: Season Four," the latest collection of chapters in the ongoing saga in which love and danger walk hand in hand -- all the way to a climactic season ending cliff-hanger!

Fans of the series are anticipating the Nov. 13 release date for the fourth season's fresh infusion of sexy new and returning characters, erotic encounters, and intrigue. But Biondi has another treat in store for the faithful: In honor of his birthday, Nov. 5, Biondi plans to offer autographed copies of the new book starting that day.

EDGE had a chance to check back with Biondi in a recent email exchange.

EDGE: The BOYSTOWN series brings in new characters on a regular basis. Which newbie got the most fan response in Season Three?

Jake Biondi: Both Jensen Stone and Dustin Alexander were introduced in "BOYSTOWN Season Three," and received emotional responses from long-time "BOYSTOWN" fans who worried that these two new characters might come between Emmett and Max. Whether or not fans' concerns are warranted remains to be seen in Season Four; however, there is much more that readers will learn about Jensen and Dustin in the new book. They are complex characters who reveal themselves over time.

Season Four also introduces some exciting new characters. Mateo and Hugo, who are father and son, join the cast, and arrive in Boystown with some secrets of their own that will impact those around them. And Kevin Adam Miranda, the series' first Asian character, arrives late in Season Four with connections to several other main characters.

I think the introduction of new characters in each book helps to keep the BOYSTOWN series alive, interesting, fresh, and full of the twists and turns fans have come to expect.

EDGE: You've put out quite a few suggestions to your fans as to who should be in a TV version of "BOYSTOWN." Which names have elicited a big response?

Jake Biondi: Soap opera fans are the most dedicated and loyal television viewers so it's no wonder that many of the most popular suggestions I have made are actors who appeared on soaps.

Chandler Massey, Nathan Owens, and Freddie Smith, all former stars of "Days of Our Lives," each received enormous support when I suggested them for "BOYSTOWN." Jesse Metcalfe of "Desperate Housewives" and "Dallas" also received an enthusiastic response from "BOYSTOWN" readers. Several actors from "Revenge" also seemed to garner interest.

In many ways, "BOYSTOWN" is a continuing saga, so it attracts a large audience like other soaps do.

Several members of the now-famous "BOYSTOWN Boys" who appear on the books' covers are themselves actors whom I think would be great additions to the cast of the "BOYSTOWN" television show. In particular, Matt O'Reilly, Aaron Savvy, Kevin Benoit, and Brennen Cooper are actors who have expressed interest in starring in the show, and I think they would all be great.

In the end, we'll probably have a nationwide casting search, and I think many of these actors who already know the series will do very well.

EDGE: The idea of a "BOYSTOWN" TV series isn't just an idle fantasy. You've been working with two producers to bring your characters to life on the screen. How are things looking there?

Jake Biondi: The two producers I am working with are phenomenal guys who not only love the "BOYSTOWN" series, but have an incredible vision for the TV series and franchise. They have been working incredibly hard to put financing in place and well as create a plan for casting, filming, marketing, and distributing the series.

They understand, as I do, that "BOYSTOWN" has an incredibly broad and diverse audience and fan base, which is crucial to the success of any television show. Stay tuned because I truly believe "BOYSTOWN" will soon be making the transition to television.

EDGE: If "BOYSTOWN" does make the jump to TV, would you want to contribute scripts to the show? Or is planning out the ongoing literary adventures of your cast of characters going to keep you busy enough?

Jake Biondi: When "BOYSTOWN" makes the jump to television, I will most certainly be involved. I am in constant communication with the two producers I'm working with, and I have already written the TV scripts for the entire first season. In the end, I hope we can establish an incredible team of writers for the "BOYSTOWN" series so that it becomes one of the longest-running TV shows ever. Collaboration is the key to success and we are working hard to put together the best "BOYSTOWN" team possible.

EDGE: I'm sure you must have Season Five all charted out. Or do you? I have the impression you incorporate a lot of feedback from the fans in your writing process. How much of a "lag time" is there between a great suggestion from a fan and the publication of a new episode where that suggestion would be part of the story?

Jake Biondi: I love hearing from and interacting with 'BOYSTOWN' fans; it's the best part of the "BOYSTOWN" experience for me. Because I am constantly conversing with the fans, I am able to gather their suggestions quickly and consider them as I am writing the books. Season Five is already being drafted, and I am excited about the direction that it's taking. Just like the other books in the series, I'm sure it will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

EDGE: You've included real LGBT celebrities in your stories, such as Steve Grand. Are there others out there you'd like to draw into your pages?

Jake Biondi: Yes, I am so excited to introduce "BOYSTOWN" fans to my friend, the talented Chadwick Stadt, who makes his first appearance in Season Four. He's an incredible musician, singer, and painter and it is an honor for me to be able to showcase his talents in the new book.

Singer Amy Armstrong, trio Whiskey & Cherries, and pop sensation Steve Grand all make return appearances in the fourth book, as well. They are all talented, wonderful people, and I am glad to have them on the "BOYSTOWN" team.

If I have my way, I'd love for Steve Grand and Chadwick Stadt to collaborate by writing and performing the title song for the "BOYSTOWN" television series. I think that would be amazing.

EDGE: With four literary "seasons" of "BOYSTOWN" done, are you feeling like there are only so many seasons left? Or are you feeling like it could go on forever?

Jake Biondi: "BOYSTOWN" will go on as long as the fans want it to. I have many, many more ideas and storylines in my head, and I am excited to share them as long as the fans want to hear them.

"BOYSTOWN: Season Four" is available for pre-order at www.jakebiondi.com