Ryan Field's Blog, page 570
February 25, 2011
A Different Brand of Therapy For Homophobia...
I pilfered this from a facebook status update and thought it was worth posting. Whether or not you think it will work is beside the point. It's more about the vivid images it creates that fascinates me.
Revolutionary New Homophobia Immersion Therapy Involves Lowering Patient Into Tank Of Gays
BOSTON—During a widely publicized press conference at the Boston University School of Medicine Friday, researchers announced a breakthrough new technique that cures homophobia by immersing patients in a large glass tank overflowing with gays. "Rather than avoid one's fear of homosexual men, we believe it's crucial to face it head on," behavioral psychologist Dr. Dolph Kleineman told reporters, explaining how homophobic subjects are hooked up to a harness and lowered into a room containing bare-chested men dancing suggestively to the latest club hits, kissing, and feeding one another strawberries. "So far the treatment has been successful, with early test subjects being able to go out into the real world and see a gay couple hold hands without making a bigoted remark." When asked if there was a risk of subjects getting stuck in the tank of writhing men, Kleineman said the gays would be so oiled up that patients would have no trouble slipping in and out.
Revolutionary New Homophobia Immersion Therapy Involves Lowering Patient Into Tank Of Gays
BOSTON—During a widely publicized press conference at the Boston University School of Medicine Friday, researchers announced a breakthrough new technique that cures homophobia by immersing patients in a large glass tank overflowing with gays. "Rather than avoid one's fear of homosexual men, we believe it's crucial to face it head on," behavioral psychologist Dr. Dolph Kleineman told reporters, explaining how homophobic subjects are hooked up to a harness and lowered into a room containing bare-chested men dancing suggestively to the latest club hits, kissing, and feeding one another strawberries. "So far the treatment has been successful, with early test subjects being able to go out into the real world and see a gay couple hold hands without making a bigoted remark." When asked if there was a risk of subjects getting stuck in the tank of writhing men, Kleineman said the gays would be so oiled up that patients would have no trouble slipping in and out.
February 24, 2011
March 4 Release: JOLLY ROGER - A Different Kind of Pirate Story
Previous posts about pirates here have been about book pirates. This time I'm writing about old time pirates who sailed the high seas. Jolly Roger is a short story, with, I hope, a great deal of tongue in cheek humor. And while it's not exactly a typical romance, there is a happy ending and there is hope for a future relationship between the two main characters.
Did I mention this is a short story e-book? If I didn't, I'll mention it again so no one gets confused and slams me on amazon because they thought they were getting a full length novel. It happens, and I always feel bad (not badly...you do that with your hands) for the ill-informed.
But I should warn all you historical types (you know who you are, AB). If you're looking for a history lesson in an erotic romance, this isn't the book for you. While I did check out certain historical facts, I've also embellished, because, let's face it, too much history tends to induce yawning and this is supposed to be fun. If you're not, however, a historical type and you're looking for something with a racy plot and some kinky pirates, you might be in luck.
Here's the info from the publisher's web site:
The Untold Story of Jolly Roger, a Pirate Who Either Left Them Guessing or Begging for More…
From the origin of his name to the ways he spent his free time, Jolly Roger had always been able to fool them all, including the best historians. And though there were indeed rumors about Jolly's favorite way to pass the time, only the strongest and the best men ever knew for sure whether or not those decadent rumors were true. Captain Hargrove was one of those men. On a warm night on an exotic island, Hargrove discovered what all the rumors were about, when Jolly Roger dropped his pants and pulled off his shirt. As Jolly's handsome young crew members stood watching, Hargrove found something he'd needed for a very long time, something the women in his life had never been able to offer. Left with no defenses and no way to turn back, his only choice was to grab Jolly by the back of the head, yank him to the ground, and plunge into the most memorable night of his life, with his fists braced for battle, his chest heaving, and his pants around his ankles.
March Release: JOLLY ROGER - A Different Kind of Pirate Story
Previous posts about pirates here have been about book pirates. This time I'm writing about old time pirates who sailed the high seas. Jolly Roger is a short story, with, I hope, a great deal of tongue in cheek humor. And while it's not exactly a typical romance, there is a happy ending and there is hope for a future relationship between the two main characters.
Did I mention this is a short story e-book? If I didn't, I'll mention it again so no one gets confused and slams me on amazon because they thought they were getting a full length novel. It happens, and I always feel bad (not badly...you do that with your hands) for the ill-informed.
But I should warn all you historical types (you know who you are, AB). If you're looking for a history lesson in an erotic romance, this isn't the book for you. While I did check out certain historical facts, I've also embellished, because, let's face it, too much history tends to induce yawning and this is supposed to be fun. If you're not, however, a historical type and you're looking for something with a racy plot and some kinky pirates, you might be in luck.
Here's the info from the publisher's web site:
The Untold Story of Jolly Roger, a Pirate Who Either Left Them Guessing or Begging for More…
From the origin of his name to the ways he spent his free time, Jolly Roger had always been able to fool them all, including the best historians. And though there were indeed rumors about Jolly's favorite way to pass the time, only the strongest and the best men ever knew for sure whether or not those decadent rumors were true. Captain Hargrove was one of those men. On a warm night on an exotic island, Hargrove discovered what all the rumors were about, when Jolly Roger dropped his pants and pulled off his shirt. As Jolly's handsome young crew members stood watching, Hargrove found something he'd needed for a very long time, something the women in his life had never been able to offer. Left with no defenses and no way to turn back, his only choice was to grab Jolly by the back of the head, yank him to the ground, and plunge into the most memorable night of his life, with his fists braced for battle, his chest heaving, and his pants around his ankles.
February 23, 2011
Obama Orders End to Defense of Federal Gay Marriage Law
Here's the link to the NYT piece: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24marriage.html
Thank you, Mr. President. We've been waiting for this for a long time.
Thank you, Mr. President. We've been waiting for this for a long time.
February 22, 2011
I'm Thinking About Doing This...
I just received an alumni e-mail (below) from the university where I received my BA in English, Fairleigh Dickinson - Florham/Madison campus, in Madison NJ. And I'm seriously thinking about doing it. Unlike high school, I loved college. I could have remained there forever if I didn't have to go out an join the rest of the world.
If I decide on doing it, I'd prefer to do it in my home, where it's more casual and we can talk. Oddly enough, though I'd talk about publishing and writing, I'd probably spend more time talking about the businesses I've owned and sold.
You have a wealth of experiences and advice to offer. Our students want to spend time with you.Dinners for 12 Strangers is a new tradition at FDU - one that connects students and alumni.
During select dates in April, alumni local to our New Jersey campuses will host students in their homes, at restaurants and diners for an evening of good food and conversation.Won't you consider being one of our alumni hosts?
This is a wonderful and meaningful way to stay connected to the University and meet some great young people. Our students are eager to meet our alumni and we hope that you are eager to meet them.Click here to register as a dinner host and view video of University Trustee Donna DelPrete Marki, BS'82, who shares her impressions of the dinner she hosted last year.
Spend some time in the company of students. Share your life stories. Learn from one another. You'll never forget it.
Sincerely,
Richard P. ReissSenior Vice PresidentUniversity Advancement
Not A Cool Thing To Do On Facebook...
This is a short and sweet post. And, I am not directing this to anyone in particular. When I harp about facebook and other social networks it usually comes from a discussion I've had with at least three or more other authors about social networking. And though we don't always agree on everything, we did all agree on this one particular facebook rule.
If someone you don't know well clicks "unfriend" and dismisses you, and you happen to notice they are missing from your friend list, do not contact them and ask why. And when I say "don't know well," I'm talking about facebook friends you've never met in person, aren't related to, and probably never will meet in person.
First, it's just not a cool thing to send someone you don't know personally a personal message asking about why they unfriended you. It's confrontational and defeats the purpose of facebook. If someone unfriends you they obviously have their reasons and you have to respect them. I've had people unfriend me on facebook and unfollow me on twitter and I figured it was none of my business and I let it go. And I'm sure there are more I haven't bothered to notice. (Who really has that kind of time?)
I've also unfriended people on my facebook page, mainly for one reason in particular: they got into politics. My own personal rule is facebook is a place for social networking, not political networking (if you don't agree with me, feel free to unfriend me). I don't always unfriend; sometimes I just hide them from my feed. Not all political posts on facebook are offensive. Some are smart, well thought out, and you can learn something from them...whether you agree with them or not. I don't mind those posts. But the ranters and zealots, on either end of the spectrum, turn me off.
And if someone doesn't like what you're doing or posting, they have every right to delete you from their list of friends. Of course you have every right to contact them and ask why, especially if it's your next door neighbor, best friend for twenty years, or your Aunt Sally. But it's not a cool thing to do if you've never met the person. Seriously.
If someone you don't know well clicks "unfriend" and dismisses you, and you happen to notice they are missing from your friend list, do not contact them and ask why. And when I say "don't know well," I'm talking about facebook friends you've never met in person, aren't related to, and probably never will meet in person.
First, it's just not a cool thing to send someone you don't know personally a personal message asking about why they unfriended you. It's confrontational and defeats the purpose of facebook. If someone unfriends you they obviously have their reasons and you have to respect them. I've had people unfriend me on facebook and unfollow me on twitter and I figured it was none of my business and I let it go. And I'm sure there are more I haven't bothered to notice. (Who really has that kind of time?)
I've also unfriended people on my facebook page, mainly for one reason in particular: they got into politics. My own personal rule is facebook is a place for social networking, not political networking (if you don't agree with me, feel free to unfriend me). I don't always unfriend; sometimes I just hide them from my feed. Not all political posts on facebook are offensive. Some are smart, well thought out, and you can learn something from them...whether you agree with them or not. I don't mind those posts. But the ranters and zealots, on either end of the spectrum, turn me off.
And if someone doesn't like what you're doing or posting, they have every right to delete you from their list of friends. Of course you have every right to contact them and ask why, especially if it's your next door neighbor, best friend for twenty years, or your Aunt Sally. But it's not a cool thing to do if you've never met the person. Seriously.
February 21, 2011
Book Reviews and Ratings...
I wish I could say I'm one of those writers who stalk the Internet reading my reviews and checking out my ratings. I'm not talking about reviews on review sites. I'm talking about reader reviews and ratings. I think if I wrote mainstream literary fiction I'd be more apt to check them out regularly. But because of the nature of my books, I never see a direct correlation between book sales and the amount of ratings and reviews the books receive. So I stopped checking ratings and reviews a long time ago. And this was way back when I was only writing for print publishers.
In other words, and I'm now speaking in broad terms, the overall sales figures of male/male erotic romance indicate people are buying erotic gay romances but only a small fraction are commenting or leaving reviews about them in a public forum. And, I'd like to add, the small fraction who do rate and review these erotic romances almost always use a fake name and identity. Nothing wrong with that. I wish I could do it sometimes. However, the concept is simply too Internet cliche for me and I'd rather not be part of the large Internet problem of "too much anonymity" everywhere. I wrote a post about this, here, when I was shopping for new granite countertops last September. It has nothing to do with books, but everything to do with anonymous online reviews.
I think there's a reason for the lack of ratings and reviews. Most people prefer to use their real names when rating or reviewing a book anywhere. I know if you check the reviews I've written on amazon or goodreads you'll see that I stand behind my own name and not a pen name. And those who prefer to use their real names would rather read erotic male/male romance in private. And with the advent of e-reading devices, racy book covers can be camouflaged completely.
So if you're an author of male/male romance or erotic romance and you're not seeing as many reviews and ratings for you books as you'd like to see, this might be the reason. I know authors who have sales to back them up, but the amount of ratings don't match up to the sales. I could be wrong on this. There's no way to prove or disprove it. But take a look at the number of ratings for a mid list mainstream literary novel and compare it to a best selling male/male erotic romance novel and most of the time there will be a huge difference.
In other words, and I'm now speaking in broad terms, the overall sales figures of male/male erotic romance indicate people are buying erotic gay romances but only a small fraction are commenting or leaving reviews about them in a public forum. And, I'd like to add, the small fraction who do rate and review these erotic romances almost always use a fake name and identity. Nothing wrong with that. I wish I could do it sometimes. However, the concept is simply too Internet cliche for me and I'd rather not be part of the large Internet problem of "too much anonymity" everywhere. I wrote a post about this, here, when I was shopping for new granite countertops last September. It has nothing to do with books, but everything to do with anonymous online reviews.
I think there's a reason for the lack of ratings and reviews. Most people prefer to use their real names when rating or reviewing a book anywhere. I know if you check the reviews I've written on amazon or goodreads you'll see that I stand behind my own name and not a pen name. And those who prefer to use their real names would rather read erotic male/male romance in private. And with the advent of e-reading devices, racy book covers can be camouflaged completely.
So if you're an author of male/male romance or erotic romance and you're not seeing as many reviews and ratings for you books as you'd like to see, this might be the reason. I know authors who have sales to back them up, but the amount of ratings don't match up to the sales. I could be wrong on this. There's no way to prove or disprove it. But take a look at the number of ratings for a mid list mainstream literary novel and compare it to a best selling male/male erotic romance novel and most of the time there will be a huge difference.
Release Day: ROUGH, NAKED, AND IN LOVE
Don't let the title of this book fool you. We opted for a title like this because it sounded like a lot more fun. But there are some serious moments in this book, about four people trapped in loveless, sexless, marriages. And the only way to break out of their predicaments is to have courage and face their problems head on...without cheating on their spouses in a sneaky, carefree manner.
February 20, 2011
Elisa Rolle's Rainbow Awards...2011
I know it seems as though The Rainbow Awards just ended. But as usual, time passes much too quickly.
I just read an e-mail from Elisa Rolle, which she sent out to all the judges from the 2010 Rainbow Awards to let them know she's already starting to plan for 2011.
I'm looking forward to judging once again. I love this award and I wouldn't miss participating in it for anything. The main reason I love this award is because everyone is allowed to participate: there are no restrictions at all. There are no limitations and no hidden political agendas.
Another reason I love this award is because Elisa allows authors to submit e-books, which is not only current, it's a fair thing to do. When I consider my own reading habits in the past few years, I haven't bought or read more than two or three print books since 2008. And I don't intend to start buying more, now or ever again. I have, however, purchased more e-books than I can count. My new reading device of choice is the Kobo e-reader. And I find it interesting that any publishing award nowadays would not allow e-books.
It costs nothing to enter a book (or books) in The Rainbow Awards. And compared to a few other awards, this is a great relief to the authors. The last time I entered an award, which will remain nameless, for gay fiction that wasn't the Rainbow Awards, it cost me over one hundred dollars when I was finished adding up the cost of snail mail, buying the print books (publishers don't give them out for free), and sending in an entry check.
I'll post more about Rainbow Awards: 2011 in upcoming posts. But start thinking about it now, and start following Elisa's blog to see what she posts so you'll know ahead of time.
And, best of all, I've always thought Elisa was making publishing history with this award. And who wouldn't want to be part of that?
February 18, 2011
For Some Reason, I Can't Get Enough of This...
˙ʇɟǝl oʇ ʇɥƃıɹ puɐ uʍop ǝpısdn ƃuıɥʇʎɹǝʌǝ ɹǝɟsuɐɹʇ uɐɔ noʎ ǝɹǝɥʍ 'ǝlʇıʇ dılɟ 'pǝllɐɔ ǝʇıs qǝʍ sıɥʇ punoɟ ʇsnɾ
¡ǝʌıʇɔıppɐ s,ʇı ʎlǝʇɐunʇɹoɟun
http://fliptitle.com/
¡ǝʌıʇɔıppɐ s,ʇı ʎlǝʇɐunʇɹoɟun
http://fliptitle.com/
