Steve Berman's Blog, page 6
January 11, 2012
"Bottom of the Menu"
So I am allowed to reveal that I sold yet another non-graphic story to an erotica anthology. I think this makes the 3rd or 4th time. How odd. But I guess they like the writing and change of...ummm...err...scenery? So "Bottom of the Menu" will release in The Dirty Diner next year. It's a meta-story inspired by a real birthday dinner that happened to me last August and seeing a fellow with tattoos smoking outside the restaurant.
I also finally finished by Boyz of Summer story, "Most Likely</i> and can turn in the entire manuscript to BSB. So that will be another gay spec fic tale for 2012. I really should try and get back to the YA collection, which is turning into something that should be subtitled New Fairy Tales for Gay Youth.
Oh, and the darling Connie Wilkins will be my co-editor for Heiresses of Russ 2012.
Now, to tackle the terrible GERD that has kept me from sleeping.
I also finally finished by Boyz of Summer story, "Most Likely</i> and can turn in the entire manuscript to BSB. So that will be another gay spec fic tale for 2012. I really should try and get back to the YA collection, which is turning into something that should be subtitled New Fairy Tales for Gay Youth.
Oh, and the darling Connie Wilkins will be my co-editor for Heiresses of Russ 2012.
Now, to tackle the terrible GERD that has kept me from sleeping.
January 10, 2012
And yes I miss him
On Thursday my father passed away early in the morning. He was suffering from IPF, an incurable lung disease. The last two weeks had been the worst--he had difficult moving about, could not swallow much, was weak as a kitten. I'm relieved his suffering is over and he passed in his sleep.
He was 78. Had served in Korea. Had worked as an investment banker in one of the Twin Towers. Had given me much of my imagination, my humor, my personality.
Seeing him dead in his chair, covered with so many blankets, he reminded me of the big reveal in "The Whisperer in the Darkness." Waxy pale hands and face. As if he had been replaced.
So the weekend was spent was sitting shiva, driving back and forth to the funeral home (he was cremated), family antics, family drama, old friends and relatives, and way too much food.
I am trying to ensure my mother is okay. She's my main concern. She has never been on her own. Their apartment is both larger and smaller. And I have to help with the finances now there is less income for her.
And I'm a bit more lonely these days.
He was 78. Had served in Korea. Had worked as an investment banker in one of the Twin Towers. Had given me much of my imagination, my humor, my personality.
Seeing him dead in his chair, covered with so many blankets, he reminded me of the big reveal in "The Whisperer in the Darkness." Waxy pale hands and face. As if he had been replaced.
So the weekend was spent was sitting shiva, driving back and forth to the funeral home (he was cremated), family antics, family drama, old friends and relatives, and way too much food.
I am trying to ensure my mother is okay. She's my main concern. She has never been on her own. Their apartment is both larger and smaller. And I have to help with the finances now there is less income for her.
And I'm a bit more lonely these days.
January 1, 2012
Boys of Summer TOC
Walt Whitman referred to a "Mad, naked, Summer Night!" In the pages of Boys of Summer, acclaimed editor Steve Berman's latest anthology, talented authors and fresh voices reveal the allure and excitement of the season for gay teens. June always promises romance. July entices with its raw heat, and August offers a languid fire that will burn out before autumn's approach. These are stories of young love and adventure, when the sky's ceiling is a bright blue marvel, when another boy's laughter at the beach can distract from dull summer jobs.
"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Swamp Thing" by Ann Zeddies
"Get Brenda Foxworthy" by Shawn Syms
"Cave Canem" by Dia Pannes
"Breakwater in the Summer Dark" by L. Lark
"Brass" by Marguerite Croft & Christopher Reynaga
"Summer's Last Stand" by Aimee Payne
"Most Likely" by Steve Berman
"Leap" by 'Nathan Burgoine
"Bark if You Like Boys" by Sam Cameron
"Wheat, Barley, Lettuce, Fennel, Salt for Sorrow, Blood for Joy" by Alex Jeffers
A mix of authors who I have never worked with (Syms, Lark, Croft & Reynaga), first sales (Lark and Payne), and returnees from Speaking Out (Cameron, Jeffers, Pannes, and Zeddies). A bit more romance-oriented than I originally intended, but I think that may actually be a selling point in the end.
Releases in May.
December 31, 2011
2011 is in the history (e)books...
Well, 2011 was a so-so year. I suppose every year really trends towards the middle, with various ups and downs. The ups never seem to have as much as an emotional impact on the downs--a sign that I am a pessimist.
The day job is stable, though as of December, I was forced to undertake new responsibilities due to a co-worker being out on disability. This has meant working weekends. The work, at least, is not hard or very stressful, just dull. But I received a year end bonus. But my health costs triple next year.
My father's health has shown a steady decline that is snowballing as of late. Unfortunately, his decline has been debilitating for his caretaker, my mother. I have never seen her so tired. At 76, she should not have to exhaust herself doing everything for him. It's hard not to resent the man, especially since he takes all she does for granted.
Daulton remains 50% appetite, 25% purr, 25% tyrannical overlord. Which is adorable, really. Twenty years...my longest relationship is with a cat. But what a cat. He makes me laugh (and swear) every day. But when I think of the cute little murmurs he makes while sleeping, I know that there is something good happening nearby.
I had zero dates in 2011. I don't think I attended any social events, parties, either. Wow. Another gay failure. And three sexual encounters, all of them deeply disappointing if not downright insulting. I regret every one. I don't know if I should just give up... but then, considering how little effort I can muster into socializing with other gay men, maybe I cannot do better. This, more than anything else, depresses me despite medication.
Oh, and the medication. So many new pills. Nexium for GERD. I really should go back on the statin, but I stopped because of finances. I cannot fall asleep unless I take Xanax. I think I need to go back on Ambien. I was forced to double the milligrams of Pristiq because I was still depressed. Now, I am more maudlin. I would ask for something to boost my mood, but the ads for Abilify scare the heck out of me.
Lethe experienced some ups and downs, the latter mostly being some part-time volunteers who were helping me decided to retire or cut back on their work. So, I was left with either finding freelancers (expensive), learning InDesign myself (impossible without the costly program) or cutting the forthcoming schedule in half. I had to do the latter. Some authros were understanding. Some howled. Sorry, but, really, Lethe boils down to a one-man operation. Sadly, I wanted 2012 to be devoted to more writing. Instead, I will have to be doing more Lethe work to take up the slack of the loss of volunteers.
That said, the ups for Lethe were darn good. We had 6 finalists for the Lammys, tied for most with Bold Strokes Books, which is a much larger operation. And we won for Sandra McDonald's first story collection, Diana Comet and Other Improbable Stories . That felt momentous.
Last night, as I lay in bed, I realized that I should feel a measure of satisfaction and...well, not pride, but some other positive emotion that I could not label...at fairy godfathering many books in 2011 through Lethe. Here are some I am especially glad we released (in no rational order):
The German by Lee Thomas = Lee came to me with a book that other publishers had admired but admitted they did not think would sell well for them. All because of a sympathetic gay Nazi. I've always enjoyed Lee's work and buying this book was a no-brainer for me. The fact that it has been cited by so many horror websites as one of the best reads of 2011 is vindication for Lee and my decision.
The Abode of Bliss: Ten Stories for Adam by Alex Jeffers = Alex is more than a dear friend, he's an inspiration. He writes evocative and literary fiction (and spec fic). He also deserves more readers (hint, hint).
A+E 4ever by Ilike Merey = This graphic novel came to me as a cold query. I took a chance (POD graphic novels are expen$ive!) because I believed in the storyline and the cool artwork. My gamble was rewarded with a starred review in Booklist and good sales.
Hellebore & Rue: Tales of Queer Women and Magic ed. By Catherine Lundoff and JoSelle Vanderhooft = The editors had come to me to get a paperback edition of their ebook anthology. I made that happen as part of Lethe's commitment to queer speculative fiction.
Fog: A Novel of Desire and Reprisal by Jeff Mann = This is Jeff's debut novel. Of all of the authors I have dealt with over the years, none has been more grateful than Jeff; he often embarrasses me with his many "thank you"s. This from a guy who likes to tie people up! That the book has been selling well is gravy.
Wilde Stories 2011 = That I can continue to release an annual anthology featuring the best gay male themed spec fic is a dream come true.
Heiresses of Russ 2011 = The last release of 2011 and an important one. Years ago, I wanted to do a lesbian companion book to Wilde Stories but an author told me that there weren't enough lesbian spec fic short fiction written in a year to choose from. That certainly is no longer the case. As so many women write spec fic and so many women have no issue with writing The Other, the number of lesbian spec fic stories published in a calendar year has become many more than their brother gays. To title it after the late Joanna Russ seems fitting.
Additionally, I was able to sign many exciting books for 2012 release: Brit Mandelo's anthology (and first book!) reprinting terrific genderqueer spec fic; Catherine Lundoff debut novel featuring an older woman as the protagonist; a short story collection from Hal Duncan, among others. We also released four more issues of Icarus, which really hangs by a thread with such a small subscription base. It's a labor of love.
Lastly, my writing… sigh. No new novel, despite a few people asking, pleasing, demanding me to write another one. I did edit a book of LGBT inspirational YA fiction, Speaking Out, which has earned some nice praise. A far as short fiction, here's what I accomplished:
Wrote "Gomorrahs of the Deep, a Musical Coming Some Day to Off-Broadway" my story that features the homoeroticism of Herman Melville along with high school students. This will be the lead-in story in Best Gay Romance 2012
Wrote "Arose from Poetry" another gay YA tale which will appear in the 2012 anthology Brave New Love.
Wrote "Bottom of the Menu" a meta-fiction story that features nothing graphic but intended for a gay erotica anthology. It has been sold, I think, but I am not at liberty to say where.
Wrote "Steeped in Debt to the Chimney-pots" another story about the sprite Tupp and the human thief Lind (who first appeared in The Faery Reel anthology). I think this one has been sold, though I have not been given permission to announce where.
I had original fiction appear in Teeth and Hellebore & Rue and reprint sales to Heiresses of Russ 2011, Wilde Stories 2011, Best Gay Stories 2011 I continued my column on The Guide to Lost Gay Cinematic Characters in the pages of Icarus. I still have a couple stories out there that have not been accepted.
I also sold another gay YA anthology to Bold Strokes Books: Boys of Summer. In fact, this weekend I have to finish my story for the book. Sigh. 5k more words to go.
So, that's been my year in a ramble.
The day job is stable, though as of December, I was forced to undertake new responsibilities due to a co-worker being out on disability. This has meant working weekends. The work, at least, is not hard or very stressful, just dull. But I received a year end bonus. But my health costs triple next year.
My father's health has shown a steady decline that is snowballing as of late. Unfortunately, his decline has been debilitating for his caretaker, my mother. I have never seen her so tired. At 76, she should not have to exhaust herself doing everything for him. It's hard not to resent the man, especially since he takes all she does for granted.
Daulton remains 50% appetite, 25% purr, 25% tyrannical overlord. Which is adorable, really. Twenty years...my longest relationship is with a cat. But what a cat. He makes me laugh (and swear) every day. But when I think of the cute little murmurs he makes while sleeping, I know that there is something good happening nearby.
I had zero dates in 2011. I don't think I attended any social events, parties, either. Wow. Another gay failure. And three sexual encounters, all of them deeply disappointing if not downright insulting. I regret every one. I don't know if I should just give up... but then, considering how little effort I can muster into socializing with other gay men, maybe I cannot do better. This, more than anything else, depresses me despite medication.
Oh, and the medication. So many new pills. Nexium for GERD. I really should go back on the statin, but I stopped because of finances. I cannot fall asleep unless I take Xanax. I think I need to go back on Ambien. I was forced to double the milligrams of Pristiq because I was still depressed. Now, I am more maudlin. I would ask for something to boost my mood, but the ads for Abilify scare the heck out of me.
Lethe experienced some ups and downs, the latter mostly being some part-time volunteers who were helping me decided to retire or cut back on their work. So, I was left with either finding freelancers (expensive), learning InDesign myself (impossible without the costly program) or cutting the forthcoming schedule in half. I had to do the latter. Some authros were understanding. Some howled. Sorry, but, really, Lethe boils down to a one-man operation. Sadly, I wanted 2012 to be devoted to more writing. Instead, I will have to be doing more Lethe work to take up the slack of the loss of volunteers.
That said, the ups for Lethe were darn good. We had 6 finalists for the Lammys, tied for most with Bold Strokes Books, which is a much larger operation. And we won for Sandra McDonald's first story collection, Diana Comet and Other Improbable Stories . That felt momentous.
Last night, as I lay in bed, I realized that I should feel a measure of satisfaction and...well, not pride, but some other positive emotion that I could not label...at fairy godfathering many books in 2011 through Lethe. Here are some I am especially glad we released (in no rational order):
The German by Lee Thomas = Lee came to me with a book that other publishers had admired but admitted they did not think would sell well for them. All because of a sympathetic gay Nazi. I've always enjoyed Lee's work and buying this book was a no-brainer for me. The fact that it has been cited by so many horror websites as one of the best reads of 2011 is vindication for Lee and my decision.
The Abode of Bliss: Ten Stories for Adam by Alex Jeffers = Alex is more than a dear friend, he's an inspiration. He writes evocative and literary fiction (and spec fic). He also deserves more readers (hint, hint).
A+E 4ever by Ilike Merey = This graphic novel came to me as a cold query. I took a chance (POD graphic novels are expen$ive!) because I believed in the storyline and the cool artwork. My gamble was rewarded with a starred review in Booklist and good sales.
Hellebore & Rue: Tales of Queer Women and Magic ed. By Catherine Lundoff and JoSelle Vanderhooft = The editors had come to me to get a paperback edition of their ebook anthology. I made that happen as part of Lethe's commitment to queer speculative fiction.
Fog: A Novel of Desire and Reprisal by Jeff Mann = This is Jeff's debut novel. Of all of the authors I have dealt with over the years, none has been more grateful than Jeff; he often embarrasses me with his many "thank you"s. This from a guy who likes to tie people up! That the book has been selling well is gravy.
Wilde Stories 2011 = That I can continue to release an annual anthology featuring the best gay male themed spec fic is a dream come true.
Heiresses of Russ 2011 = The last release of 2011 and an important one. Years ago, I wanted to do a lesbian companion book to Wilde Stories but an author told me that there weren't enough lesbian spec fic short fiction written in a year to choose from. That certainly is no longer the case. As so many women write spec fic and so many women have no issue with writing The Other, the number of lesbian spec fic stories published in a calendar year has become many more than their brother gays. To title it after the late Joanna Russ seems fitting.
Additionally, I was able to sign many exciting books for 2012 release: Brit Mandelo's anthology (and first book!) reprinting terrific genderqueer spec fic; Catherine Lundoff debut novel featuring an older woman as the protagonist; a short story collection from Hal Duncan, among others. We also released four more issues of Icarus, which really hangs by a thread with such a small subscription base. It's a labor of love.
Lastly, my writing… sigh. No new novel, despite a few people asking, pleasing, demanding me to write another one. I did edit a book of LGBT inspirational YA fiction, Speaking Out, which has earned some nice praise. A far as short fiction, here's what I accomplished:
Wrote "Gomorrahs of the Deep, a Musical Coming Some Day to Off-Broadway" my story that features the homoeroticism of Herman Melville along with high school students. This will be the lead-in story in Best Gay Romance 2012
Wrote "Arose from Poetry" another gay YA tale which will appear in the 2012 anthology Brave New Love.
Wrote "Bottom of the Menu" a meta-fiction story that features nothing graphic but intended for a gay erotica anthology. It has been sold, I think, but I am not at liberty to say where.
Wrote "Steeped in Debt to the Chimney-pots" another story about the sprite Tupp and the human thief Lind (who first appeared in The Faery Reel anthology). I think this one has been sold, though I have not been given permission to announce where.
I had original fiction appear in Teeth and Hellebore & Rue and reprint sales to Heiresses of Russ 2011, Wilde Stories 2011, Best Gay Stories 2011 I continued my column on The Guide to Lost Gay Cinematic Characters in the pages of Icarus. I still have a couple stories out there that have not been accepted.
I also sold another gay YA anthology to Bold Strokes Books: Boys of Summer. In fact, this weekend I have to finish my story for the book. Sigh. 5k more words to go.
So, that's been my year in a ramble.
December 28, 2011
from Vol 3 of The Guide to Lost Gay Cinematic Characters...
Garwood, Peter Eugene (Bloodlust!) -- b. 1940, d. 1992
Peter Garwood studied art and art history while attending Towson University. He especially enjoyed the opportunity to sketch from live models, which is how he met fellow students Jeanne Perry and Johnny Randall. Garwood became smitten by both, but knew he could only romance Perry as Randall was not only devoted to a girlfriend but also to the Young Republicans. Still, Garwood tortured himself by maintaining a close friendship with Randall. Just before graduation, the two couples chartered a boat for a Caribbean tour. They decided to explore an island that harbored a serial killer who wanted to hunt down both young men. Garwood was willing to abandon Perry if it meant escape, a fact that Randall eventually confronted him with after the killer had been attacked by one of his own henchmen. Garwood broke down and admitted being bisexual and his feelings for Randall. The boat ride back was an awkward one, with much silence and glares between the former friends.
After earning his bachelors degree, Garwood began working for an advertising agency in New York City. His reserved nature began to fail him. But the escapist comfort of the Beatnik-Bohemian life served as the only means for him to forget his past experiences on the island. He had several brief affairs with transients of both genders who stayed in the commune of a loft apartment. More details of what transpired to Garwood from 1968 forward can be found in his entry for What's So Bad About Feeling Good? in Vol. I: Films of Heart and Humor.
December 21, 2011
In the mail... redemption!
So, I came home yesterday to a most welcome package wedged into my small mailbox:
My contributor copies of Brave New Love, one of the American edition, one of the British (the covers are slightly different).
Yes, this is the infamous young adult anthology formerly-known-as-Wicked Pretty Things. If you don't know the looooong story behind this book, you can click here and here. After editor Trisha Telep left the project, the publisher Constable Robinson asked Paula Guran to revive the anthology. And Paula was kind enough to invite me to contribute (and she hoped I would write something queer for the book).
So I did.
I hope all of those folks who were incensed with what happened with Telep will see that Guran redeemed the publishers' efforts and has edited a worthwhile addition to the fields of YA dystopian and romantic short fiction. Not to mention, she bought my very gay tale about poetry and the robot apocalypse.
My contributor copies of Brave New Love, one of the American edition, one of the British (the covers are slightly different).
Yes, this is the infamous young adult anthology formerly-known-as-Wicked Pretty Things. If you don't know the looooong story behind this book, you can click here and here. After editor Trisha Telep left the project, the publisher Constable Robinson asked Paula Guran to revive the anthology. And Paula was kind enough to invite me to contribute (and she hoped I would write something queer for the book).
So I did.
I hope all of those folks who were incensed with what happened with Telep will see that Guran redeemed the publishers' efforts and has edited a worthwhile addition to the fields of YA dystopian and romantic short fiction. Not to mention, she bought my very gay tale about poetry and the robot apocalypse.
December 14, 2011
Halfway is better than no way...
So with only 60 hrs left, we've raised half of the two thousand dollar goal to donate copies of Speaking Out--a new anthology of inspirational fiction for LGBT teens--for school libraries around the nation.
If you have not given a little to ensure that queer teens can read stories that speak to their insecurities, that tell them it's not only okay to be different but they can emerge from high school strong and determined, then please visit
http://www.indiegogo.com/Buy-Libraries-a-Book-for-Gay-Kids?a=177130
and donate a few dollars. And spread the word.
Oh, and if you know of a school district that we should contact about receiving a donated copy of the book, just leave a comment below.
Thank you to everyone who donated funds to this campaign!
December 12, 2011
Divas covers
So, I'm torn between three different cover options for a forthcoming book of poetry. No, not mine... Lethe's.
Could you spare a moment and visit http://steveberman.com/contact_me/lethe and let me know which one you prefer?
Could you spare a moment and visit http://steveberman.com/contact_me/lethe and let me know which one you prefer?
December 8, 2011
Flattered
So, I will be the Guest of Honor at Con-volution 2012, held in Burlingame, CA from November 2nd to the 4th. Honestly, when I received the email I was very flabbergasted. I know many people might be in Toronto for WFC that weekend, but I hope those that don't want to spend a lot of money travelling to the Great White North will consider attenting Con-volution. I promise ensuing hi-jinx!
I did finish the Victorian YA romance and sent it off to the editor. I have to finish another YA story before the end of the month. And I am tempted to do a short piece for the Journal of Unlikely Entomology.
Also, I have put up several goodies for Terri Windling's benefit auction. Please check them out:
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/20462.html
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/27348.html
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/15045.html
I did finish the Victorian YA romance and sent it off to the editor. I have to finish another YA story before the end of the month. And I am tempted to do a short piece for the Journal of Unlikely Entomology.
Also, I have put up several goodies for Terri Windling's benefit auction. Please check them out:
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/20462.html
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/27348.html
http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/15045.html
December 5, 2011
"Steeped in debt to the chimney-pots"
No, the subject line does not refer to me. It's a potential title for my latest story, a gay young adult fantasy set during the London winter of 1842. A sequel to "The Price of Glamour," which released in The Faery Reel I'm not sure if it's apt or a good choice.
I have a couple days before the deadline. At this point, the only thing that is incomplete is the last paragraph; I'm tinkering with various ways to express a certain romantic sentiment and tie up the plot threads.
This tale was my third attempt at the invite assignment - YA Victorian romance. My first notions were entertaining but troublesome because they required so much exposition. Maybe they are novel ideas masquerading as short stories. Finally, swearing I would not disappoint the kind editor who invited me to submit, I looked over some passages of a suitable novel that had failed to gel. And I found what I needed. Hopefully.
Actually, with my last few stories, while the act of writing has been gritty, tearing at words and sentences and trying to find the proper voice, I have felt better about the end results than I did from 2005-2010. Actually, the meta-fiction story I wrote for Jerry Wheeler's Dirty Diner was incredibly fun. And I felt proud of the end result despite it being weirdly dark and, to the Steve Berman in the story, a bit self-deprecating.
It may be possible I'll have 5 gay spec fic stories releasing in 2012. Weird to be suddenly, almost prolific after such a long dry spell.
I have a couple days before the deadline. At this point, the only thing that is incomplete is the last paragraph; I'm tinkering with various ways to express a certain romantic sentiment and tie up the plot threads.
This tale was my third attempt at the invite assignment - YA Victorian romance. My first notions were entertaining but troublesome because they required so much exposition. Maybe they are novel ideas masquerading as short stories. Finally, swearing I would not disappoint the kind editor who invited me to submit, I looked over some passages of a suitable novel that had failed to gel. And I found what I needed. Hopefully.
Actually, with my last few stories, while the act of writing has been gritty, tearing at words and sentences and trying to find the proper voice, I have felt better about the end results than I did from 2005-2010. Actually, the meta-fiction story I wrote for Jerry Wheeler's Dirty Diner was incredibly fun. And I felt proud of the end result despite it being weirdly dark and, to the Steve Berman in the story, a bit self-deprecating.
It may be possible I'll have 5 gay spec fic stories releasing in 2012. Weird to be suddenly, almost prolific after such a long dry spell.
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