This young adult novel intrigued my wife, Melissa and I. I loved the characters and the fast pace of the story. This ghost story was anything, but a typical coming-of-age story or ghost story. I was determined to find out what could inspire an author to write such a gem like Vintage: A Ghost Story, so I tracked Steve Berman down to learn from him the story behind this great novel.

1. What inspired you to write Vintage?

Back in 1997, I was in L.A. on vacation when I met this sexy, goth boy. We had an incredible night and traded numbers before I returned to New Jersey. I started writing a story that would be a love letter of sorts to him. So naturally the first scene had to take place in a graveyard. Alas, we lost touch, but I continued writing the book, which became a story about the misconceptions of love--as teens, we all have this romantic notion that one day we'll be swept off our feet. Many gay men still possess this idealized image of love and it hampers their social life.

2. Who is your favorite character in it? Why?

An unfair question! I can't say I have a favorite. I know them all so well and each appeals to me for different reasons. I appreciate all their favors and faults. Now back when I was a teen, who'd I date is another matter. [laughs] Like the Narrator, I stumbled around in blind-lust of athletes like Josh. It's far too easy to overlook boys like Second Mike, too inquisitive and eager for his own good.

3. What's the story behind the dedication?

Ahh, well that's a sad story. While I was revising the book for the umpteenth time, I started corresponding with Arthur, a gay teen from Davis, CA. He offered to read the chapters, one-by-one and offer me feedback. We became fast friends. I never knew how much homophobia he encountered on a daily basis at school. A few months later, he hanged him in his closet. I was devastated by the news. He was only 14 and had so much to live for. He was this charming kid who let himself doubt his worth. Ironically, the Narrator in Vintage overcame his own suicide attempt.
So the only thing I could do was dedicate the book to Arthur and donate 1/5 of my royalties to two charities that help prevent gay youth suicide.