Who are the Bryant Brothers? Meet Jack

novella Beachy Keen being read on electronic device in bedroom

Who are the Bryant Brothers?

We opened the Who are the Bryant Brothers in the series with Mason, the deceased troubled Bryant who glues the brothers together.

As with the other male Bryants, the inspiration was my brother, Eddie. Everything from his tendency towards mischief-making, aspects of his personality, and experiences with friends to the made-up tales he told.

One inspiration for the Bryant Brothers was my brother, Eddie. From his tendency toward mischief, aspects of his personality, experiences with friends, and his made-up tales.

Not insignificantly, Jack is a laboratory geneticist who helps people find lost family members through DNA.

My siblings and I learned the multi-generational twists, turns, trauma, and past loss in our formative years. Creating characters like Jack helps me unpack the past, which is as essential as creating a future for “The life unexamined is not worth living” - Socrates.

Socrates quote within green vones on stone

The inspiration was my brother, Eddie. Everything from his tendency towards mischief-making, aspects of his personality, and experiences with friends to the made-up tales he told.

My brother Eddie had an imaginary twin named Robert. My parents tried for a second son. Eddie wanted a brother in the worst way, but when all he got was two sisters, he created an imaginary sibling, and Robert was trouble!

Oddly, I forgot Eddie had an imaginary twin named Robert. My parents tried for a second son - the primary reason my younger sister and I exist - and Eddie wanted a brother in the worst way. So when all he got was two more sisters, a series he didn't prefer, he created an imaginary sibling, and Robert was trouble!

twin white butterflies on a green vine stalk

Eddie would wait until my parents went out and then terrorize us with the twin who lived in the darkest corner of the basement.

A phantom comprised of a mop, wig, and evil backstory (involving the disappearance of female siblings), Robert would surprise us around corners, chase us upstairs, and force us to remain behind the safe, closed doors of our bedrooms.

Do you have an older brother? Then perhaps you can relate when I say I’d still love to have him here, scaring me today.

cartoon mop with pink wig chasing person upstairs

So, Jack, one of the Bryant Brothers.

Jack is the good brother. The version of Eddie when we were adults.

The brother I could talk to on the phone for hours, whether or not we had anything to say.

The guy who didn’t say much without a beer in his hands could go straight to the heart of the matter when something or somebody hurt you and immediately make you feel better.

Jack is the version of Eddie when Eddie and I were adults.

He was the brother who was also a friend, someone to laugh with - hysterically, more often than not - mourn with, and stand tall against the world with.

For his entire life, he reminded me how special it was to have a big brother.

While Mason (younger Eddie) had more varied experiences, more angst, and trial, Jack (older Eddie) reads as more open, gentle, and “him,” the version he wished to share with the world.

Mason’s death mimics the passage of misspent youth and mimes the loss of my brother.

While Mason (younger Eddie) had more varied experiences, more angst, and trial, Jack (older Eddie) reads as more open, gentle, and “him,” the version he wished to share with the world. Mason’s death mimics the passage of misspent youth and mimes the loss of my brother.

Yet, Jack lives on, and his character encompasses the eternal nature of love and the unbreakable bond between siblings.

Next up in the series: Dan.

Be well,

Kathleen

 

Subscribe

Receive occasional updates?

I promise never to spam you.

First
Last
Email address
Confirm email address
Confirmation
Scroll to Top