Ask the Author: Tinnean
Answered Questions (76)
Tinnean
Hi, and thanks for asking. The Sidebar books contain stories about secondary characters in the Spy vs. Spook/Mann of My Dreams universe, fleshing out their stories and touching on incidents happening in the series. Most of them are gay or bi, but some are straight. Solo Tu is the story of Quinton Mann's parents, told from his father's POV. How to Handle a Gay Son is told from the POV of Wills Matheson's father. I wrote them to show the love those couples had for each other and how that affected their sons as they grew to adulthood and began relationships of their own. Chasing Rainbows, the story of Quinn's uncles, also has a heterosexual relationship to begin with, since Bryan can't have the one he loves, so goes with who he knows will make his father happy.
Parents have a lot to answer for, don't they? I hope this answer has helped, and thank you again for taking the time to ask. :-)
Parents have a lot to answer for, don't they? I hope this answer has helped, and thank you again for taking the time to ask. :-)
Tinnean
Hi Kim,
Short answer--nothing right now.
Long answer--well, I have a story about Quinn's uncles, Tony and Bryan, about their relationship from Tony's POV. It's an alternate reality--they get together much earlier and don't go through quite as much angst.
As for Mark and Quinn, I've got a few ideas, but nothing concrete at this point. But... do you remember when Mark was in the Army and had that encounter with a bridesmaid at his commander's daughter's wedding? Suppose the resulted in a pregnancy? And suppose that baby turned out to be... Winchester! *falls down laughing*.
Okay, you see where my mind goes. I'll look through my files and see if anything jumps out at me.
Thanks for asking, and I'm sorry I don't have better news at this point.
Short answer--nothing right now.
Long answer--well, I have a story about Quinn's uncles, Tony and Bryan, about their relationship from Tony's POV. It's an alternate reality--they get together much earlier and don't go through quite as much angst.
As for Mark and Quinn, I've got a few ideas, but nothing concrete at this point. But... do you remember when Mark was in the Army and had that encounter with a bridesmaid at his commander's daughter's wedding? Suppose the resulted in a pregnancy? And suppose that baby turned out to be... Winchester! *falls down laughing*.
Okay, you see where my mind goes. I'll look through my files and see if anything jumps out at me.
Thanks for asking, and I'm sorry I don't have better news at this point.
Tinnean
Hi Rosalia, and thank you!
I've got a few books I'm working on, (my backlist from Dreamspinner) but once I'm done with them, I have an idea for a story for Quinn's uncles, Bryan and Tony, this one told from Tony's POV and more upbeat--a "what if" with the two men connecting much, much earlier in their lives. I'll probably post this to CRVBoy and AO3 because the content won't be suitable for Amazon or JMS Books.
I also have an idea for Wills and Theo, and possibly Winchester and April, Quinn's server at the Rib Shack. And maybe Mark and Quinn will talk about looking for that Confederate gold with the kids. ;-)
Thank you again!
I've got a few books I'm working on, (my backlist from Dreamspinner) but once I'm done with them, I have an idea for a story for Quinn's uncles, Bryan and Tony, this one told from Tony's POV and more upbeat--a "what if" with the two men connecting much, much earlier in their lives. I'll probably post this to CRVBoy and AO3 because the content won't be suitable for Amazon or JMS Books.
I also have an idea for Wills and Theo, and possibly Winchester and April, Quinn's server at the Rib Shack. And maybe Mark and Quinn will talk about looking for that Confederate gold with the kids. ;-)
Thank you again!
Tinnean
Thanks so much for asking. They are! I had to switch to a new site, and I hope it works, but you can find them here: https://tinnean.webs.com/
Just scroll to the bottom of the page. :-)
Just scroll to the bottom of the page. :-)
Tinnean
Not at this point, since I'm in the process of self-publishing the Spy vs. Spook books. If you're interested, I'll definitely make it available within a couple of months. (are you aware it's a very alternate reality of the Mann stories?)
Tinnean
Thank you so much, Cynthia! It makes me very happy to hear this. :-)
As you may or may not know, I've obtained the rights to my books back from Dreamspinner. I'll be self-publishing the Mann universe books, but the others I'll publish with JMS Books.
I'd planned to release If You're Going Through Hell in audio format, but that fell through (not to mention being super expensive.) Once I have Houseboat re-released, I'll go back and revisit that option, and we'll see.
Thank you again!
As you may or may not know, I've obtained the rights to my books back from Dreamspinner. I'll be self-publishing the Mann universe books, but the others I'll publish with JMS Books.
I'd planned to release If You're Going Through Hell in audio format, but that fell through (not to mention being super expensive.) Once I have Houseboat re-released, I'll go back and revisit that option, and we'll see.
Thank you again!
Tinnean
I'm sorry for the delay. It's going to take a little while before I read over the books, get new covers for them, and have them formatted, but eventually I hope to self-publish them and have them available on the usual websites, including JMS, with whom I've become a publishing partner. This will include the three Spy vs. Spook books, The Light in Your Eyes duology, and The Start of a Beautiful Friendship.
Thanks so much for asking.
-Tinn
Thanks so much for asking.
-Tinn
Tinnean
Yes, they are, although I'm sure Modesty and Willie were straight. I tried to keep it vague. :-)
Tinnean
Thanks so much for asking. :-) Only in that characters are mentioned more or less in passing.
In Where the Heart Chooses, Portia Mann contacts James Trevalyan, the MC of Greater Love Hath No Man, when her brother Jefferson goes missing. Also, Ludovic Rivenhall, Jefferson's lover, first puts in an appearance in Greater Love.
Bert Greenley, who worked with James in Greater Love is mentioned in The Start of a Beautiful Friendship as one of the men Mark's mother brought home.
Darling James is the sequel to Greater Love, so I'd have to say only if you squint sideways. ;-D
In Where the Heart Chooses, Portia Mann contacts James Trevalyan, the MC of Greater Love Hath No Man, when her brother Jefferson goes missing. Also, Ludovic Rivenhall, Jefferson's lover, first puts in an appearance in Greater Love.
Bert Greenley, who worked with James in Greater Love is mentioned in The Start of a Beautiful Friendship as one of the men Mark's mother brought home.
Darling James is the sequel to Greater Love, so I'd have to say only if you squint sideways. ;-D
Tinnean
Hi, and thanks so much for asking! I'm so happy you've discovered Mark and Quinn and are enjoying their adventures. :-)
This question has come up before, so I made this list. Numerical are the published novellas/novels, alphabetical are the free stories available on my site. However, I'd suggest reading Solo Tu (Nigel's story) on the JMS site (where it's also free but has a gorgeous cover).
This is the order for everything in the Mann universe:
Spy vs. Spook
.05 The Start of a Beautiful Friendship
.75 No One Should Be Alone – alternate reality
1. Houseboat on the Nile
2. Not My Spook!
2.5 A Man to Take a Chance On – Max/Browne and eventually Max/Smitty
3. Forever
A. Where Have You Gone, Willie Boy?
B. The Lick Me, Suck Me, Fuck Me Jeans
C. How to Handle a Gay Son
D. Solo Tu
4. Where the Heart Chooses – Portia's story, published by JMS Books
E. Chasing Rainbows
1. Pick Up the Pieces (The Light in Your Eyes 1)
F. Into the Lion's Den
G. Is It You?
H. Sway
I. You’re Cordially Invited.
J. This Simple Phrase
2. Foolish Me (The Light in Your Eyes 2)
K. Goodbye to Love
L. To Be Loved
M. PS I Love You
Mann of My Dreams
.05 Best Laid Plans (The Savannah Family - Enter Love/Could You Be the One/Best Laid Plans – this is not Mann of My Dreams per se, but takes place in the Mark/Quinn universe – covers events occurring from 1995-2002)
1. If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going
N. Dedicated to the One I Love
2. Things Happen That Way
O. Happy Anniversary, Baby
3. Just the Thought of You
3.5 In His Line of Work (Deuce from Best Laid Plans)
3.75 Silver Bells (Max/Smitty – Christmas 2002/2003)
4. You Were Made for Me – covers June 2003-Christmas 2004
P. The Very Best Christmas Ever (So Far)
5. Complications (covers 2005)
Q. Trick or Treat
5.5 Ace-High Royal Flush (Jefferson Sebring)
R. Happy Birthday, Baby redux
This question has come up before, so I made this list. Numerical are the published novellas/novels, alphabetical are the free stories available on my site. However, I'd suggest reading Solo Tu (Nigel's story) on the JMS site (where it's also free but has a gorgeous cover).
This is the order for everything in the Mann universe:
Spy vs. Spook
.05 The Start of a Beautiful Friendship
.75 No One Should Be Alone – alternate reality
1. Houseboat on the Nile
2. Not My Spook!
2.5 A Man to Take a Chance On – Max/Browne and eventually Max/Smitty
3. Forever
A. Where Have You Gone, Willie Boy?
B. The Lick Me, Suck Me, Fuck Me Jeans
C. How to Handle a Gay Son
D. Solo Tu
4. Where the Heart Chooses – Portia's story, published by JMS Books
E. Chasing Rainbows
1. Pick Up the Pieces (The Light in Your Eyes 1)
F. Into the Lion's Den
G. Is It You?
H. Sway
I. You’re Cordially Invited.
J. This Simple Phrase
2. Foolish Me (The Light in Your Eyes 2)
K. Goodbye to Love
L. To Be Loved
M. PS I Love You
Mann of My Dreams
.05 Best Laid Plans (The Savannah Family - Enter Love/Could You Be the One/Best Laid Plans – this is not Mann of My Dreams per se, but takes place in the Mark/Quinn universe – covers events occurring from 1995-2002)
1. If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going
N. Dedicated to the One I Love
2. Things Happen That Way
O. Happy Anniversary, Baby
3. Just the Thought of You
3.5 In His Line of Work (Deuce from Best Laid Plans)
3.75 Silver Bells (Max/Smitty – Christmas 2002/2003)
4. You Were Made for Me – covers June 2003-Christmas 2004
P. The Very Best Christmas Ever (So Far)
5. Complications (covers 2005)
Q. Trick or Treat
5.5 Ace-High Royal Flush (Jefferson Sebring)
R. Happy Birthday, Baby redux
Tinnean
Hi Maryann!
Thank you so much for asking. Yes, it is! I finally finished it, and it's with Gail, my beta, right now. As soon as she get's back to me, I'll send it off to JMS. When I have a publication date for it, I'll be sure to post it on my GR blog. :-)
ETA: I should mention this book is about Sharps and Steve, and although George, Bart, and the family put in an appearance, it's not so much about them.
Thank you so much for asking. Yes, it is! I finally finished it, and it's with Gail, my beta, right now. As soon as she get's back to me, I'll send it off to JMS. When I have a publication date for it, I'll be sure to post it on my GR blog. :-)
ETA: I should mention this book is about Sharps and Steve, and although George, Bart, and the family put in an appearance, it's not so much about them.
Tinnean
Hi E-chan! I'm so happy you've enjoyed Mark and Quinn. :-)
Dreamspinner, which published the first three books, tells me they have no intention of putting them out in audiobook, which saddens me. I'd suggest you send them an email If enough readers request it, that might possibly get them to change their minds.
As for the Mann of My Dreams portion of the series, a couple of years ago I had the first one in the process of coming out in audiobook, but the narrator backed out on me. (frankly, I've become paranoid that he disliked the book so much he didn't want to have his name connected with it. :-/)At this point, there have been too many unexpected expenses in RL for me to go in search of another narrator. I've learned never to say never, but it might take a lottery win for this to be accomplished.
I'm so sorry. :`-(
Dreamspinner, which published the first three books, tells me they have no intention of putting them out in audiobook, which saddens me. I'd suggest you send them an email If enough readers request it, that might possibly get them to change their minds.
As for the Mann of My Dreams portion of the series, a couple of years ago I had the first one in the process of coming out in audiobook, but the narrator backed out on me. (frankly, I've become paranoid that he disliked the book so much he didn't want to have his name connected with it. :-/)At this point, there have been too many unexpected expenses in RL for me to go in search of another narrator. I've learned never to say never, but it might take a lottery win for this to be accomplished.
I'm so sorry. :`-(
Tinnean
Hi Jaimes, and thank you! I'm so happy to hear you love my guys. :-)
Complications is pretty much the end of this series. However, the last time I said that, after I'd finished writing Forever, Mark decided to start talking, and we got five more books out of it. Right now I have a number of books I have to work on, but I do have some thoughts on perhaps writing a How I Spent My Summer Vacation type story, where Mark, Quinn, and Joe go looking for the Confederate gold.
Also, are you aware of the Sidebars? These are stories mostly about the secondary characters, but there's also a Missing Scenes section for scenes I had to delete from Complications, including the epilogue. (just scroll down for that).
Thank you again!
Complications is pretty much the end of this series. However, the last time I said that, after I'd finished writing Forever, Mark decided to start talking, and we got five more books out of it. Right now I have a number of books I have to work on, but I do have some thoughts on perhaps writing a How I Spent My Summer Vacation type story, where Mark, Quinn, and Joe go looking for the Confederate gold.
Also, are you aware of the Sidebars? These are stories mostly about the secondary characters, but there's also a Missing Scenes section for scenes I had to delete from Complications, including the epilogue. (just scroll down for that).
Thank you again!
Tinnean
Thank you so much!
I think it was Quinn who thought searching for the gold might be useless, since so much time had passed, landmarks could have changed, and someone could have found and taken the gold already. Having said that, there's a possibility Mark might have done a little searching (or possibly sent Winchester to do it) and has the spot marked out. I can see him taking the family there once the twins are older for a little treasure hunting.
"So what did you find, Winchester?"
"The property belongs to a young family who aren't doing well financially. I was able to access the general site by telling them I was a paleoarcheologist looking into the possibility of something like the La Brea Tar Pits on their land. They were excited by the idea and talked about making it a tourist attraction."
"They must have been disappointed when you told them you couldn't find any fossils. Would they consider selling?"
"I don't know, sir. The land has been in their family for almost two hundred years."
"Good work." The twins were ten now. They'd probably get a kick out of doing a little treasure hunting. And Joe could use some time off from his dissertation.
Can you picture them giving a How I Spent My Summer Vacation report for school? And yes, it would most likely be a Sidebar. :-)
Thank you again for taking the time to write!
I think it was Quinn who thought searching for the gold might be useless, since so much time had passed, landmarks could have changed, and someone could have found and taken the gold already. Having said that, there's a possibility Mark might have done a little searching (or possibly sent Winchester to do it) and has the spot marked out. I can see him taking the family there once the twins are older for a little treasure hunting.
"So what did you find, Winchester?"
"The property belongs to a young family who aren't doing well financially. I was able to access the general site by telling them I was a paleoarcheologist looking into the possibility of something like the La Brea Tar Pits on their land. They were excited by the idea and talked about making it a tourist attraction."
"They must have been disappointed when you told them you couldn't find any fossils. Would they consider selling?"
"I don't know, sir. The land has been in their family for almost two hundred years."
"Good work." The twins were ten now. They'd probably get a kick out of doing a little treasure hunting. And Joe could use some time off from his dissertation.
Can you picture them giving a How I Spent My Summer Vacation report for school? And yes, it would most likely be a Sidebar. :-)
Thank you again for taking the time to write!
Tinnean
Thanks so much for asking. I actually cover this topic in the next book, Complications. (or possibly Complications By the Number, titles can be a major pain.) I've finished writing it, Gail is done with the beta, and I'm about to send it off to my editor. :-)
Tinnean
Thank you! I'm working on the last chapter right now, so I'd like to think some time in June. (word count at this point is 111k, so I hope it will be worth the wait. :-) )
Tinnean
Thanks so much for asking!
Would you believe I'm working on his story right now? He won't be a Mark Jr. but rather Joe. :-)
At this point, it's more than 75k, and I'm very pleased with that.
Would you believe I'm working on his story right now? He won't be a Mark Jr. but rather Joe. :-)
At this point, it's more than 75k, and I'm very pleased with that.
Tinnean
I hadn't planned on it, and Quinn just mentioned it in passing, but that might be a fun short to write. It will have to go on the back burner for now, but I'll give it some thought. :-D
Tinnean
Thank you so much for asking!
There is. Complications By the Number will hopefully be finished and released next year. (hopefully!) This should also tie up all loose ends. *fingers crossed* So if there's anything you're interested in knowing, feel free to ask. If I don't already have it in the works to cover, I'll see about adding it. :-)
There is. Complications By the Number will hopefully be finished and released next year. (hopefully!) This should also tie up all loose ends. *fingers crossed* So if there's anything you're interested in knowing, feel free to ask. If I don't already have it in the works to cover, I'll see about adding it. :-)
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