A Shared World by David Beal

Review and Excerpts

David Beal is a newly emerging author and lifelong polyamorist. Growing up in a family where his father was involved with polyamory early on in the movement, he learned early how people might love more than just one other. David’s father was a resident at Treehouse Fun Ranch (a nudist resort) in the 80s and 90s. He also attended the Elysium Fields clothing-optional growth center in Topanga, CA, where both Family Synergy and Live the Dream had monthly gatherings until it closed in 2001.

David’s new book series is intended for couples (and triads and moreads) to read to each other at bedtime — whether sleep or sexual playtime. It deals with different lifestyles, including, most notably and extensively, poly life. He will read a couple passages, such as the one that follows, and introduce some of the primary characters and the basics of his world of Magik, which aligns most closely with 17th-century Earth. It could also be used to generate conversation about love, passion, and what it means to each of those in your bed or perhaps those who you would like to have there. It is one way to get to know and grow together in loving ways.

Excerpts from A Shared World

Edited by Terry Brussel-Rogers, with Permission from David Beal

In an Astral Dream, Silea didn’t know why but she was being drawn to an open window. She could see the man she’d seen at Market. He was laying peacefully in his bed, with a faraway look in his eyes, and a smile on his face. She passed through the window and into his room. He was even more handsome than she had remembered. She reached out and touched his face… She felt a compulsion to lie next to him in bed, but when she did, she found she was not beside him or even on top of him, but slowly sank into his body.

Jon had spent the last two days in a haze. He could not stop thinking about the woman and while she had not appeared to him as she had the first night, still she filled his every dream… He was trying to paint her, but while the woman in his paintings resembled her, she didn’t feel like her. He’d painted over it several times but never was it right, he could not capture what he saw in his mind. He needed to see her again, get close enough to see the richness of her skin, the depth of her eyes, and the silkiness of her hair with all its rich autumn colors. He stared at the picture for a long time before he went to bed that night. He took his tea with him to bed knowing it would be hard to sleep.

He was just nodding off when he felt her again. The feeling was like that first night. She was here…. As she crept to his bed, he could feel her. He opened his eyes. She was not a ghost this time; she looked like real flesh and blood. In fact, so real he could just make out her breasts through the thin nightgown she wore. He blushed but did his best to remain calm. He steadied his breath, his eyes looking deep into hers. He wanted to get up and paint her, and do it right. But he was afraid to move as she might disappear again. For a long moment, they remained that way, gazing at each other. Slowly she looked up at the painting and pointed to it. She smiled. He looked where she was pointing and blushed. Quietly, he said, “it’s not right; my memory was not clear enough.” She smiled and pointed again, “please, try now,” she said.

Jon got up and walked over to the unfinished painting, picked up his palette, and began preparing it with the colors he wanted. He turned to look at her and she was sitting on his bed, smiling. Hands in her lap, her hair thrown over one shoulder. As he turned back to begin, she said, “wait!” When he looked back at her, her nightgown lay on the bed next to her. Her cheeks were slightly pink, but her smile remained as she took a deep breath, let it out and said, “Go ahead.” Jon’s heart began to pound and his hands shook. This had to be a dream, but it was the best dream he’d ever had. All his life, he’d wanted to paint a nude but had never had the courage to ask. And here she was, literally the woman of his dreams, offering herself as his model. He took a deep breath to steady his hands, took the painting from the easel and picked up a fresh canvas. He looked at her just long enough to drink in her beauty and began.

This time, as paint hit canvas, the painting came to life. Occasionally, he’d look back at her just long enough to catch the subtleties of her body, then back to his work. He worked furiously, faster than ever before for fear she might disappear before he could finish. As he applied the last of the paint, he felt her hand on his shoulder. “It’s wonderful,” she said. He turned toward her, and with that, her naked breast brushed against his body. They both gasped at the touch, and again, she was gone.

Months after Jon and Silea’s Bonding, their close friend Briar speaks to Jon about the painting he is about to do of Briar’s mate (and Silea’s best girl friend), Celeste.

Sharing tea and talking, Briar turned to Jon, “I have seen your work, Jon, you are a great artist. I expect I will have a beautiful addition for our bedroom. I know you won’t disappoint me.” He finished his tea and stood. He put his hand out to Celeste and lifted her to her feet so he could kiss her and give her a hug. “Enjoy,” he whispered. Silea stood and held her arms out for her hug. Briar wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Briar turned to Jon, “Will you walk with me to the wagon?” “Certainly.” Jon got up and followed Briar through the door.

As they walked, Briar put his arm around Jon, “You know Celeste loves you and trusts you. I want you to know I do too. I understand this may only result in a painting for me, but I hope it is much more. Celeste and I have had intimate adventures with other men and women, but I have never left her with another man before. She will try to hide it, but she is nervous. Please, take care of my Celeste. And …” He lightly put his large calloused hand on Jon’s face, and looked into his eyes. I want you two to enjoy this with no doubts in your mind. You do this with my full blessing and deep desire for your enjoyment. You and Silea mean more to me than family, and I love you both.”

He kissed Jon on the cheek again and smiled. He was on the wagon and gone before Jon could say anything. For once, Jon didn’t mind Briar kissing his cheek.

For more on David Beal and *A Shared World*, visit:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0G61676N5/allbooks https://wdbeal.com

David will present A Shared World at the **Live the Dream* meeting on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm PT, live and on Zoom. He will give away away autographed hard copies of Book One* to those who show up in person and digital copies to those who join on Zoom!

Join the Live the Dream meeting live: 8515 Penfield Ave Winnetka, CA 91306

Join the Live the Dream meeting on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3175971626?pwd=Vl8d4Qk2FXlb80dmDS73AbvKSPPcr1.1&omn=85326078065 Meeting ID: 317 597 1626 Passcode: Heinlein