I don't have enough information to say exactly who Jerry Raedeke is in this context. He could be an ordinary person who loves to tell stories at a specific time.
There is no information indicating that Matt Mercer is gay. He is mainly known for his work in the voice - acting and tabletop gaming community. He has made a name for himself through his contributions to various projects, and there's no public story related to him being gay.
Romance is often a key theme. As the Mercer Girls settled in a new area, their relationships and potential love interests were part of the story. Also, the theme of adaptation is prominent. They had to adapt to a new environment, new social norms, and new ways of life in the place they were brought to.
One interesting 'Alex Mercer short story' could be about his origin. Maybe it details how he became the unique character he is. Another could be his adventures in a post - apocalyptic world, facing various threats and challenges.
The Mercer Girls novels often center around the real - life story of the Mercer Girls. One well - known one might be those that detail their journey to the Pacific Northwest. You could start with looking for novels in local libraries or online bookstores by searching for 'Mercer Girls Novel'.