Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 26

Done with February Load, Now On To March

March is my birth month and, eventually, I’ll celebrate it with my colleagues. But let’s just be happy that I’m done with transcribing Jaxton’s interview while he’s working to produce a kickass photoshoot for the book. I can’t wait to see this book on the site and your guys’ hands. And that’s just the beginning of the fun.

I got about five short stories to write and an LGBTQ+ book to edit for another collaboration. This will be the last book that I will be co-writing for the year and it’s going to be amazing for many reasons. Two of the main reason is that it’s going to be inspirational for the community and a pornstar is helping me write it. That’s right. I’m working with another pornstar and I promise to tell you more about it before the end of the month. That and when I will be releasing the books.

Life is unpredictable that way and I’m getting tired of changing my words because I’m not thinking about every variable. Well…that’s another lesson learned for me.

Also, my friends, back at the States, and I are now planning trips for 2021 and a smaller trip for much later this year. I can go for something small for 2020. I can’t wait to start my vacation traveling. Especially after I get done writing all those short stories. It will be a great gift to myself, you know? A well-deserved treat for creating thirty-five short stories, two novella and such. But, of course, it needs to get done first and everything will be done in a timely manner. One thing about me, despite what they say about Aries, I always finish what I start.

Finally, let me just say, these short stories are getting darker and darker as I write them and I’m loving it. My brother says that it’s a delightful shift for me and think it’s good practice for me when I write my crime series. I would have to agree since I did say that it’s going to get darker as it progresses. This is going to be a fun year for me.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020.

Also, buy Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

Back Online & Where I Should Be

Okay, now that I got my training (well, half of it, anyway) and my internet is up and running, allow me to update and gush with you all about the many things that I have experience with my two months away from my computer.

Chongqing, China is so beautiful. Despite the coronavirus outbreak that is going on, the city is a marvel and the people here are amazing. They are extremely helpful to foreigners being really quick to come to your aid when they sense that you’re at a loss. And let me tell you, this was often for me. I’m usually not used to this level of kindness from a mass. Don’t get me wrong, I have my family and friends back at the states who showered with unconditional love but that’s them. These are strangers and I had to accept the fact that they are going make me comfortable, no matter what.

Oh! And the food here is quite a delight. Chongqing is known for its spicy cuisine and they do not disappoint. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge fan of spicy food. That’s something that my brothers indulge in. However, I found myself enjoying them because of the way they are cooked and presented. You’ll feel a quick rush of spices and then…your taste buds will quickly adjust to it. Yeah, I’ve been eating out a lot before everything went pear-shaped.

Remaining on topic with the cuisine, I now know why Chinese people are so fit and healthy. Everything that’s presented to you is cooked in front of you and has vegetables in some way, shape or form. It will be either whole and in front of you, placed as a side dish, cooked into the meat or noodles or cooked into the booth. Sometimes it a combination of the four and sometimes it’s all of the four. You will almost always get your serving of vegetables when you’re eating out. On top of that, China doesn’t use additives or preservatives when making their food. It does cause the food that I’m used to, back in the states, to taste different but it’s a good thing…now. At first, my body had a reaction to it that left me in the bathroom quite a few times.

Teaching here is something else, entirely. It’s my first salary job and, no matter what, I’m getting paid as long as I do my job, which isn’t really hard. I love teaching, anyway, and I find kids to be a lot easier to teach than teenagers. And, these kids are antsy to learn. They actually want to learn English and they are so bright eyes and sweet. They also love the fact that I’m really tall. I’ve been hearing “So tall” ever since I got here. It’s really cute from kids but not cute when it comes to adults.

But, teaching isn’t the only thing I plan on doing here. I plan on traveling between my breaks and I have a list of countries I want to go to with friends. We already made plans to go to a few for 2021. Why 2021 instead of 2020? Well…I do have 45 short stories to write.

Yep…well…it’s more like 34, now. I got done writing the rough draft for eleven of my short stories as of today. I’m also finishing up transcribing the entire interview I did with Jaxton Wheeler while he’s working on an original photoshoot for the book. My friends and my brothers are waiting on pins and needles for them. One of them wants to be my editor for the Audible Project but I told him to steady on and wait until I get all the rough drafts done. Besides, some of these stories are incredibly dark and I don’t know if they can handle it. Oh well…I guess we’ll see.

Finally,  I want to assure you all that I’m fine and blessed. I’m always blessed. I am being safe per my principal/boss’s request/demand. Another thing about China. They are very protective of their educators. Gives me a warm feeling inside. Haha!

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020.

Also, buy Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

It’s Coming…

It’s coming, everyone. So many things are coming…and I couldn’t be happier!! Yes, I sound like a broken record but I just can’t help it. I’m too excited!! Just remember that you will be just as excited as I am when everything finally happens. I got four things coming that I’m trying to bring into the fold for the last month of 2019, and 2020 as a whole.

[image error]I’m going to be releasing three books within three months. Well, at least, try to. Well…definitely two but I’m aiming for three since one of them is just me transcribing an interview with the brilliant Jaxton Wheeler. He’s a stark contrast from Dante Drackis. For one, he has nearly a decade [image error]of experience in the sex industry and – with all that – comes a certain bluntness to his realness about his profession. This is a man of pure professionalism with a side of sarcasm that I can only chuckle in appreciation.

The second book is a reboot of my debut novella, Dimensions: The College Years. A little backstory: I released the book two years ago. And though I was happy that I released my first book, I had to learn the hard way that I need to (A) understand that it was a marathon, but a sprint, and (B) I couldn’t – and shouldn’t – edit my own work. The good thing about all of this preparation is that I was given so many resources regarding cost-efficient editors that I can use for now and the future.

Finally, the last book is a collection of  LGBTQ+ inspirational bar stories that I partnered up with another adult entertainer (I’ll tell you later) to produce. This book is really special to both of us since we both understand the importance of inclusion and togetherness. I strongly believe that this book is going to be marvelously delightful to the community – both members and allies.

And! With ALL OF THAT GOING ON!! I have three and a half weeks left in the country before I leave for China to start my next chapter as a TEFL teacher and a traveling writer. After talking to my best mate/brother, I was enlightened about the opportunity that was presented to me. So, I’m primed and ready to go. Everybody is trying to get some alone time with me before I leave. It’s really sweet and a little overwhelming but I love every bit of it.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Also, buy our newly released book, Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

There’s Some Merit In Non-Fiction

So, I just got done with another interview for the second installment for my Sexy Entertainer series and it was marvelous. I love the straightforward honesty this gent has about his personal and professional life so I think this one will be just as engaging as the previous one. Oh! That’s right… I haven’t told you who’s the second one. Well, time for the big unveiling…

IT’S JAXTON WHEELER!!!

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Yes, THE Jaxton Wheeler. He immediately said “Yes!” upon hearing my pitch and, like Dante, told me that I ask him anything. Great thing about entertainers in the sex world/industry is that they are unabashedly honest and true to themselves. And if you thought Dante was blunt in his interview than you haven’t seen anything, yet.

I’m really starting to enjoy non-fiction to a higher degree. Still wouldn’t consider it my favorite as I like to keep my realm of imagination to the front of my mind. But, I have to admit, that level of realism is something that audience can immediately connect with. I firmly believe that this series has merit and I want to explore it as much as i can. I’m already in the works of scheduling three more interviews as we speak. A little more difficult than I anticipated, I have admit, but it’s fun.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Also, buy our newly released book, Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

NYCC, OutFest & The Friendships Among Them All

Two events are done and in the past but the memories are still in my heart. I got the honor of hanging out with two vast groups of friends from two very different – well, not so different – circles. But the inevitable rush of emotions that I got from it all was coming to the surface…I ended up crying my eyes out. Happy cries, of course, but still…

Let me start off by saying that this year has been one of the most emotional for me and it’s growing by the day. I got the exciting news/opportunity to travel to China, among other countries, to be a TEFL teacher and I was overjoyed. The ability to travel around the world while doing good for it. I can work on my stories while teaching future generations how to speak/read/write English for their future. But, then, reality set in and I was forced to acknowledge what was going to happen to me.

I’ve spent many nights contemplating what I was going to be leaving behind when I start this new chapter in my life. My family. My friends – both old and new. My professional network and colleagues. And all of that would be avoided if I stuck with my original plan of “total detachment”. But God wouldn’t let me turn myself into a sociopath because, according to my brother, I’m gifted with the ability of words making it impossible for me not to connect with people. Apparently, I’m just too kind for solitude which makes all the more harder.

[image error]So, when I was venturing to NYCC for the last time and word got out that this was going to be my final year. Everybody was happy, of course, but, again, reality set in when the con came to an end. I was leaving and wasn’t coming back for a good while. And everybody wasn’t too happy about that part. In fact, as you would expect, everybody reacted in the most common way possible: with cries and various attempts to soak up each and every possible moment. We ended our last convention with a lot of hugs and tears.

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Coming back to Philly, I had to get ready for OutFest. OutFest is an annual event that’s linked to National Coming Out Day where we get to welcome and celebrate a new generation of LGBTQ+ members. Of course, I had to do security for the event at my bar but, my God, it was so exhilarating and warm. Crazy, definitely, but still so beautiful and amazing. Plus, as an added bonus, I got to listen to a few coming out stories and witness a few more. You have no idea how heartwarming it is to see a son take his mother to a gay bar as a way to introduce her to his community. I nearly choked up at the site of it.

So, two weeks of pure beauty…and I want to end this blog post with something very personal. In the spirit of National Coming Out Day and OutFest, I want to full disclosure my “coming out” story:

To be honest, my “coming out” wasn’t really that special or – you know – dramatic. In fact, it wasn’t really crazy, either. See, I already knew I was gay. I just didn’t know what to call it until I got to high school. And when I got to college, I figured it out and kept to myself.

Now, let me make something really clear. I wasn’t in the closet. I just didn’t feel the need to blab my mouth to everybody about my sexuality. Why? Because it wasn’t anybody’s business and I wasn’t going to tell anybody unless I was asked. And, if I didn’t like the person or felt that (s)he was hostile, I would lie and say that I’m bi. Plus, it wasn’t really a lie per se…I have had sex with women…just didn’t like it.

It was, finally, when I began hanging out my hag, Briana, that we began to have a serious conversation about it all. She reminded me that (A) I wasn’t bi and we both knew it and (B) I can still keep to myself without saying such a lie. Yes…she called it a lie and offensive since she is, in fact, bisexual. So, I decided to do something new; I decided to tell four family members: my brother, my mom, my closest cousin and my grandmother. They accepted what I told them and was happy that I told them, but each in their own way.

My mother told me that she’s bi and already had a hunch. “A mother always knows.”

My cousin vowed to never tell anybody unless I give the all-clear and treated our conversation with as much normality as he could. The bloke is the epitome of a simplistic man.

My grandma gave me a reminder about the bible before telling me something beautiful. She told me that the amount of good that I’ve done up until the point of me telling her and the amount of good that I’ve destined to do will still grant me entry to the Silver City. That’s my grandma. A realist but never one for judging. What’s also humorous about it all is that she’s still wondering when I’m going to get married.

My brother’s response to my news was my favorite of all times. The very moment I told him…he needed me to confirm it. And when I did, he joked and said, “That’s one less than to compete with you on.” Then, he went to Woody’s to celebrate my “coming out” and eventually, went to a bar because we both realized that I’m not too fond of clubs. Plus, he’s a fierce ally of the community and will clock a homophobe in a heartbeat. Trust me, I’ve seen it happened and I never laughed so hard in my life.

So, yeah, that’s my “coming out” story. Not as grand as the other ones you’ll hear and/or read about but it’s mine.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Also, buy our newly released book, Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

Getting Ready For Last NYCC

NYCC is next week and I can’t wait to spread my nerd wings for numerous reasons. One, it’s going to be my last NYCC for a good while because of my future employment in China. Two, to meet all my NYC/NYCC friends so I can tell them the good news. And three – most importantly of all, I can’t wait to see all the goodies that I will be acquiring for my friends. But that’s not the only thing that I’m antsy about…

A mixture of American Horror Story and NYCC will be on my itinerary this week. Both of them I’m really excited about Ryan Murphy is my fairy godfather and I will make sure that I get to hang out with my best mate from NYC. Actually, I get to hang out at his place since he’s a cosplay model and one of my models for my LGBT crime series. Plus, he’s one of the first few friends I made in my first NYCC back in 2011…or was it 2010. And friendships like that are a dime a dozen.

Finally, I got done with the outlines of the forty-five short stories meaning that I can make an approximation of pages and minutes before the month ends. Then, I can finally get back to my friend’s TRPG project and it’s lores. Plus, I want to be able to get back to my crime series to begin its outline.

Speaking of the Audible project, I did not realize how many people want to buff up their acting/voice acting resume in my city, alone. Not only that, but I didn’t realize that so many people want to translate my work before I even asked them. I never even thought about it until this point. Of course, I said “Yes!” because they’re my friends and this project was meant more for them than for me. Even my best friend wants to take the reign of this project while I’m oversea and teaching. That’s going to be a task and a half but we’re going to work it out. Along with that, I got a full-time editor for this project so I think I’m good for this project. Just have to create a budget sheet for it all. Well…a budget and project sheet for it all. A very VERY writing regimen must be practiced and kept in order for this project to go off without a hitch.

Truth be told, I think I can get both of them done by the end of next month…But! For now…NYCC!!!!

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Also, buy our newly released book, Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

Time After Release

So, a few days ago, Dante and I released a new book called Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown With Dante Drackis where I got to have a talk to the pornstar about various topics and such revolving around his professional and personal life. More information can be found here. But I want to talk about what happened after the release.

All my friends were excited about the new book release and didn’t waste any time buying it. They found it to be refreshing that I took up the challenge of writing a non-fiction book but I told them that it wasn’t hard. “I was just transcribing a conversation,” I would tell them, “Nothing really hard about that.” But, alas, they reminded me to take the compliment and be proud of my accomplishment.

Even my straight friends were interested in the book although I told them it was regarding a gay pornstar. “It’s you so we know that it’s tasteful.” They even had me sign the book which caught me completely off guard. Never in my life did I expect that to happen to me. I mean…I should have expected it but never did. It felt nice, you know. Like one step forward. Of course, I’m not going to tell my mother about this book – nor my grandmother – because well…they are them, to be plainly.

Now, I have to continue my preparation of my Audible projects as well as my other literary endeavors. 2020 is going to be a splash for me which leak into 2021 and onward – if I do it right. And, trust me, it will be done right and true. I have always been my style. After learning from my first mistake, I have made it my mission/style to take my time and produce stories that will touch the hearts and minds of my readers.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Also, buy our newly released book, Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out now on Amazon and Kindle.

A New Book Has Been Released!

“An extensive interview with pornstar Dante Drackis, highlighting his past, present, and future. See what lies behind those green eyes and that pretty face, and delve into the mind of THE DRACKIS”

-Book’s Description

The day has finally arrived…the book that Dante Drackis and I have been working on for months now has been released. Thank you all for your patience and now it can be purchased on Amazon and Kindle. Please buy and give an honest review as I love learning and improving my craft.

Kindle Version: shorturl.at/bvL24

Paperback Version: shorturl.at/BDOP7

Non-Fiction Is Starting To Grow On Me

Yes, I’m still alive. Life is throwing so many curve balls at me that I’m having a hard time keeping up, sometimes. But I’m back with everything for China (click here for the post), document-wise, is really to go with my departure happening in January. But, before I go there, I need to make sure that I’m literarily set for my departure. How do I mean?

Well, I got 23 more short stories (I’m starting off with 45) to outline to make sure that the 2020 Audible project goes off without a hitch. Oh! And didn’t realize that I said 64 and 2019 as I was asked about it so frequently that I had to doublecheck everything. But, yes, I will be putting my short stories on Kindle and Audible on a bi-monthly base with a wide cast of voice actors, artist and such. The funny thing about this project…it’s meant to increase the profile of my friends more than me. Couple that with the few novels/novellas that I’m going to be releasing between 2019-2020 and I have to say that my friends are not going to be without work for a good spell.

[image error]Speaking on novels/novellas, Dante and I have not forgotten about you lots. We’re putting the last touches on the interview book. Even cooler, I’d so much fun doing this project that I decided to make it into a series where I get to interview adult entertainers of all shapes and form in the LGBT community. This is going to be my first – and probably only – non-fiction series since it’s easy, simple and doesn’t give me a headache to write. Yes…writing non-fiction from scratch gives me a headache. I know it’s weird but I did warn you that I’m pretty weird.

Oh! And, be sure to read Dante’s other book. It’s a real delight…well…one of them is. The other is a bit naughty so it can still be a delight if it fits your fancy:

Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1798577208

Book 2: shorturl.at/clOP3

Book 3: shorturl.at/brHL8

Book 4: shorturl.at/ciyCW

Also, please Dante’s Twitter, Instagram, and OnlyFans page because he is an interesting bloke.

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The best news, yet, I got to interview my second adult entertainer. No, I’m not going to tell you who he is, yet, but I will give three hints: (1) He’s bisexual, (2) made headlines for many reasons and (3) very prolific in his near-decade career. Again, I really didn’t expect for him to say yes so I’m super excited and thrilled about it all. I actually get to talk to him, today, and he’s more antsy about it than I am. Guess this series is going to have a lot of merit to it, huh? Haha.

Finally, I would make a promise to get back into the swing on my blog posting like I was when I first started. Now, that everything is done for China, I can get back into the swing of things.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.

Teaching A Newbie

Working in the gayborhood offers me the opportunity to meet many people from many walks of life. It grants me the ability to learn about other countries and what’s going on there. This week, I got to meet a very handsome Lebanese man who just came out to Philadelphia – and out of the closet – for an exchange program. This weekend, I got to teach this hottie, the way of American Gay Life. No! Not in that way, you naughty minx. I went in a different direction. Side note, I can’t say his name because of the current climate in Lebanon regarding the LGBT+ community. Guess I can cross Lebanon off my list.

Since I work very closely with other bars, including my own, I get to know where the traffic is coming and going. So, I got to tell him where everything was. Woody’s, Voyeur, BoxerPHL and other LGBT+ establishments that would suit his fancy. However, there was another problem that was surfacing with him. See…he just came out and comes from a country that oppresses our community. So, coming into a city that welcomes it was a bit overwhelming to him. This is where I came in.

Over the past couple of days, I got to teach him the American/Philadelphian lifestyle in the LGBT+ community. I showed him where everything was and how to talk to people among our fellow gay people. Luckily, he’s a lean active man with an accent and a nice smile so it should be easy for him, right? Except, he’s really shy. I mean…I managed to get him talking by being me. Here’s the main part of the conversation:

Guy: “How do I talk to guys?”

Me: “How do you mean?”

Guy: “You seem to have no problem talking to guys. How do you do it?”

Me: “I’m just me.”

Guy: “Huh?”

Me: “You say you’re shy, right?”

Guy: “Yeah…”

Me: “But, you can start talking when approached, right?”

Guy: “Yeah, of course.”

Me: “So, play to your strengths, mate. Let them come to you.”

After I got off of work, I took out to Gay Pizza when he got done hanging out at Voyeur, a place where he got to dance with his shirt off. But when it came down to actually talking to a guy, I had to step in and give two simple suggestion: Forget about what he learned in Lebanon and take off his shirt. The look on his face was priceless. I laughed and told him to trust me as I turned my head. He took my advice and did what I said…and…lo and behold, he got noticed and started a conversation with other guys.

He was ecstatic about the whole thing and told me that being the States is so liberating. I told him to be himself and everything will come into place. He asked me if I can keep hanging out with him.

“Of course,” I said, “I’m always down for hanging out.”

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2019.