Ryan Field's Blog, page 573
February 8, 2011
I Wish Someone Would Invent a Way to Poll This...
The other day I was discussing "publishing events" with another author. We started out talking about whether or not writing conferences and conventions are of any use with regards to helping an author get published. Or, for that matter, helping a published author establish a fan base.
The author I was discussing this with tended to believe going to conferences and conventions made all the difference in the world when it came to getting published. And I tend to be on the fence with regard to all this because I've never gone to a conference or a convention and I've been getting my work published for almost twenty years. I also didn't point out that even though this author spends a great deal of money and time traveling to conventions and conferences, he rarely ever meets anyone who will help him with his writing career.
I know there are cases where people have done well at conferences and conventions, which is why I'm on the fence. Just because these events never worked for me, they've obviously worked for a few other people. But I also have one pretty big ace in my pocket that gives me an advantage when it comes to the publishing industry. One of my best friends, for over fifteen years, is a New York Agent who has sold many big books. And I respect his opinion more than I respect anyone else's when it comes to these things. He's not my agent. He's my friend. We agreed years ago in order to keep a good friendship we'd never work together. Besides, I don't write in the genre he reps. But we do talk about publishing in general, and I've always heard him say he's not a huge fan of conventions and conferences. He used to go to some. But he doesn't even go to BEA anymore. And if his associate wants to go, she has to pay her own way. And not going to conferences and publishing events has not hurt him in the least.
So, without coming to any conclusions, my author friend and I moved on to the topic of book readings. He's all for them. I'm on the fence. He believes that book readings help promote the author and the book. And I believe that if an author is writing e-books and the author's fan base is strictly online, than book readings aren't going to help build the author a following. But there's also more to the story. This author is more laid back than I am. He writes one or two books a year. I write over a dozen books a year, which leaves little time to run around to conventions, conferences, and book readings. I'm all about the writing and the work. This is what motivates me. The work itself is the muse. However, it's a different process with all writers, and some are far more social than others. Like this author friend of mine. He loves doing book readings whether he attracts more readers or not. For him, it's a social event, where for me it's just taking away from valuable writing time that I think will benefit my readers more.
We didn't come up with any solid conclusions at the end of the discussion. We agreed to disagree...although I have to say I was far more open than he was. I admitted that conventions, conferences, and things like public readings might help. But he refused to back down at all, believing that anyone who wouldn't go to an event was missing out on opportunities.
I just wish there were a poll to validate this one way or the other, because I'm still leaning toward the fact that book readings, especially with regard to e-book authors, don't do much other than create a nice little social night for everyone concerned. Same for conferences, which at one time were far more important to prospective authors with regard to networking than they are nowadays. And, frankly, it may all come down to the individual authors. Some would rather be networking and others would rather be writing.
The author I was discussing this with tended to believe going to conferences and conventions made all the difference in the world when it came to getting published. And I tend to be on the fence with regard to all this because I've never gone to a conference or a convention and I've been getting my work published for almost twenty years. I also didn't point out that even though this author spends a great deal of money and time traveling to conventions and conferences, he rarely ever meets anyone who will help him with his writing career.
I know there are cases where people have done well at conferences and conventions, which is why I'm on the fence. Just because these events never worked for me, they've obviously worked for a few other people. But I also have one pretty big ace in my pocket that gives me an advantage when it comes to the publishing industry. One of my best friends, for over fifteen years, is a New York Agent who has sold many big books. And I respect his opinion more than I respect anyone else's when it comes to these things. He's not my agent. He's my friend. We agreed years ago in order to keep a good friendship we'd never work together. Besides, I don't write in the genre he reps. But we do talk about publishing in general, and I've always heard him say he's not a huge fan of conventions and conferences. He used to go to some. But he doesn't even go to BEA anymore. And if his associate wants to go, she has to pay her own way. And not going to conferences and publishing events has not hurt him in the least.
So, without coming to any conclusions, my author friend and I moved on to the topic of book readings. He's all for them. I'm on the fence. He believes that book readings help promote the author and the book. And I believe that if an author is writing e-books and the author's fan base is strictly online, than book readings aren't going to help build the author a following. But there's also more to the story. This author is more laid back than I am. He writes one or two books a year. I write over a dozen books a year, which leaves little time to run around to conventions, conferences, and book readings. I'm all about the writing and the work. This is what motivates me. The work itself is the muse. However, it's a different process with all writers, and some are far more social than others. Like this author friend of mine. He loves doing book readings whether he attracts more readers or not. For him, it's a social event, where for me it's just taking away from valuable writing time that I think will benefit my readers more.
We didn't come up with any solid conclusions at the end of the discussion. We agreed to disagree...although I have to say I was far more open than he was. I admitted that conventions, conferences, and things like public readings might help. But he refused to back down at all, believing that anyone who wouldn't go to an event was missing out on opportunities.
I just wish there were a poll to validate this one way or the other, because I'm still leaning toward the fact that book readings, especially with regard to e-book authors, don't do much other than create a nice little social night for everyone concerned. Same for conferences, which at one time were far more important to prospective authors with regard to networking than they are nowadays. And, frankly, it may all come down to the individual authors. Some would rather be networking and others would rather be writing.
February 7, 2011
Quora: Could This Be the New Facebook?
I found a great new social network today called Quora, which you can check out here.
And frankly I'm surprised I haven't seen more buzz about this site on facebook and twitter. I've been on it for a couple of hours this evening, when I should be working on back cover copy for a new book, and I can't stop checking out the questions and answers.
From what I can tell, and humor me now because I'm still new at Quora, it's a social network where people post questions about everything and anything and other people answer them. I've already checked out important information on topics like Nutella, vodka, and chocolate chip cookies. And I can't wait to read more about cupcakes tomorrow.
But it's not all fun and games. There are some serious questions and some serious answers. The only downside I've found so far is it takes a while to bring the page up. And, unfortunately, whether or not the answers to any of the questions are correct is up for grabs. I know, just what we need, more inaccurate info on the web. But it is fun and I'm going to stick with it for a while.
And frankly I'm surprised I haven't seen more buzz about this site on facebook and twitter. I've been on it for a couple of hours this evening, when I should be working on back cover copy for a new book, and I can't stop checking out the questions and answers.
From what I can tell, and humor me now because I'm still new at Quora, it's a social network where people post questions about everything and anything and other people answer them. I've already checked out important information on topics like Nutella, vodka, and chocolate chip cookies. And I can't wait to read more about cupcakes tomorrow.
But it's not all fun and games. There are some serious questions and some serious answers. The only downside I've found so far is it takes a while to bring the page up. And, unfortunately, whether or not the answers to any of the questions are correct is up for grabs. I know, just what we need, more inaccurate info on the web. But it is fun and I'm going to stick with it for a while.
Borders is Having a Sale on Romance Books...
I'm getting a lot of e-mails now from Broders because I recently bought the Kobo e-reader. I've been downloading many of the free books they are offering so far.
But this sale looks interesting and I'm taking advantage of it myself:
Buy Four Select Romance Titles and Get a Fifth Free
Valid 1/25/2011 – 2/28/2011. Use promo code ROMB4G5 at checkout.
But this sale looks interesting and I'm taking advantage of it myself:
Buy Four Select Romance Titles and Get a Fifth Free
Valid 1/25/2011 – 2/28/2011. Use promo code ROMB4G5 at checkout.
February 6, 2011
Link To Confessions of a Book Pirate...
I ran across this interview the other day and decided to post a link. It's titled, CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK PIRATE, from themillions.com web site, and I think people on both sides of the book pirate issue might be interested in reading it.
Once again, the person in this interview makes some interesting points. Some of which revolve around a "moral" issue, not a legal issue. Especially when he makes this comment:
In truth, I think it is clear that morally, the act of pirating a product is, in fact, the moral equivalent of stealing… although that nagging question of what the person who has been stolen from is missing still lingers. Realistically and financially, however, I feel the impact of e-piracy is overrated, at least in terms of ebooks.
To me, personally, speaking as a reader and not a writer, it's more than a moral issue. It's a legal issue. Frankly, I believe in the law and I follow the law, whether it be speeding down the highway or downloading an illegal file. For me, there are no gray areas when it comes to the law. The law is the law, I have respect for the law, and I don't care about the moral ramifications one way or the other. Evidently, though, a lot of people don't agree with me.
I also found this comment interesting, when the pirate was asked whether or not he worries about getting into trouble for scanning and downloading books:
I've debated doing some newer authors and books, but I would need to protect myself better and resolve the moral dilemma of actually causing noticeable financial harm to the author whose work I love enough to spend so much time working on getting a nice e-copy if I were to do so.
Here we go again with the moral dilemma. I'm glad this person at least considers the fact that he is taking money out of the pockets of some very poor people, because new authors rarely have enough money to pay their rent. And when a book they've written is pirated every single penny taken from them causes noticeable financial harm. I know some authors who become physically and emotionally sick over it. Actually, the statement, "noticeable financial harm" sounds rather glib to me. Who is this guy to judge what constitutes noticeable financial harm to anyone?
Anyway...if you're interested in this topic, please check out the link above and read the entire interview. I'm not weighing in with any specific opinions and I encourage anonymous comments. This is partly because I think everyone seems to have a different opinion about book pirating these days, and partly because I'm struggling to come to terms with this myself.
Once again, the person in this interview makes some interesting points. Some of which revolve around a "moral" issue, not a legal issue. Especially when he makes this comment:
In truth, I think it is clear that morally, the act of pirating a product is, in fact, the moral equivalent of stealing… although that nagging question of what the person who has been stolen from is missing still lingers. Realistically and financially, however, I feel the impact of e-piracy is overrated, at least in terms of ebooks.
To me, personally, speaking as a reader and not a writer, it's more than a moral issue. It's a legal issue. Frankly, I believe in the law and I follow the law, whether it be speeding down the highway or downloading an illegal file. For me, there are no gray areas when it comes to the law. The law is the law, I have respect for the law, and I don't care about the moral ramifications one way or the other. Evidently, though, a lot of people don't agree with me.
I also found this comment interesting, when the pirate was asked whether or not he worries about getting into trouble for scanning and downloading books:
I've debated doing some newer authors and books, but I would need to protect myself better and resolve the moral dilemma of actually causing noticeable financial harm to the author whose work I love enough to spend so much time working on getting a nice e-copy if I were to do so.
Here we go again with the moral dilemma. I'm glad this person at least considers the fact that he is taking money out of the pockets of some very poor people, because new authors rarely have enough money to pay their rent. And when a book they've written is pirated every single penny taken from them causes noticeable financial harm. I know some authors who become physically and emotionally sick over it. Actually, the statement, "noticeable financial harm" sounds rather glib to me. Who is this guy to judge what constitutes noticeable financial harm to anyone?
Anyway...if you're interested in this topic, please check out the link above and read the entire interview. I'm not weighing in with any specific opinions and I encourage anonymous comments. This is partly because I think everyone seems to have a different opinion about book pirating these days, and partly because I'm struggling to come to terms with this myself.
February 4, 2011
New Release: TOUCHDOWNS...With My Lost Chapter From Virgin Billionaire Series
Check out my short story in this book, ABSENCE OF SHAME, which is a lost chapter from The Virgin Billionaire's Secret Baby, with Cory the handy man as the main character this time. It's also a book edited by Lori Perkins, who always does an excellent job balancing her time between working as an editor/publisher, and a high profile literary agent. I've only worked with Lori as an editor, not an agent. And it's always been a fair, pleasant, professional experience for me.
Cory was such an interesting character in The Virgin Billionaire's Secret Baby, I wanted to give him some life of his own. And when I heard about TOUCHDOWNS, I decided to write a short story that was a continuation of the Virgin Billionaire book.
It's like a lost chapter, without actually being billed as a lost chapter. And as a short story, it stands alone without the help of the Virgin Billionaire book. I don't do this sort of thing often. But I have to admit I enjoyed doing it more than I thought I would.
February 3, 2011
Kobo E-Reader
I just got my new Kobo e-reader in the mail from Borders and wanted to put up a fast post.
It came in the other day and I've been getting used to it. I've been reading FREEDOM in print all month, and let me tell you the Kobo is a nice change.
It's the lightest e-reader I've ever held, its the easiest to use, and I love the wifi. There's also a quilted back on this e-reader that makes it better to grip. And if I set it down on my treadmill while I'm doing cardio in the morning it doesn't slide around.
So far, I can't recommend this enough, especially if you're looking for just a reading device. I've thought about the iPad and the Tablet. But I spend most of my days on the computer working and the last thing I want to do when I'm not working is spend more time on the Internet. So for now, it's the Kobo. And you can't beat the price. 99.00 plus tax, which also included shipping and handling. The entire amount came out to 105.00. Not bad compared to other e-readers out there.
I'll start posting in more detail as I get used to ordering and reading. Right now I've downloaded a few of the free e-books from Borders and I'm enjoying something free for the first time in a long time ;)
It came in the other day and I've been getting used to it. I've been reading FREEDOM in print all month, and let me tell you the Kobo is a nice change.
It's the lightest e-reader I've ever held, its the easiest to use, and I love the wifi. There's also a quilted back on this e-reader that makes it better to grip. And if I set it down on my treadmill while I'm doing cardio in the morning it doesn't slide around.
So far, I can't recommend this enough, especially if you're looking for just a reading device. I've thought about the iPad and the Tablet. But I spend most of my days on the computer working and the last thing I want to do when I'm not working is spend more time on the Internet. So for now, it's the Kobo. And you can't beat the price. 99.00 plus tax, which also included shipping and handling. The entire amount came out to 105.00. Not bad compared to other e-readers out there.
I'll start posting in more detail as I get used to ordering and reading. Right now I've downloaded a few of the free e-books from Borders and I'm enjoying something free for the first time in a long time ;)
The Difference Between a Freak Show and an Erotic Romance
I've been thinking about writing this post for a long time and putting it off because I wasn't sure what I was going to say. In other words, the thoughts that run through my mind all the time when it comes to erotic romance often clash. And sometimes it's difficult to put it all into a blog post, especially since there's a difference between erotic romance and erotica.
But I'm going to try right now. And I'm going to start by saying that I've seen more definitions of erotic romance in my time than I've seen traffic jams on the freeway in LA. So I don't want to step on anyone's toes with this post. I'm just posting what I think erotic romance is supposed to be. It's just my opinion and it means nothing, and I'm also lumping erotica into this post. I know there's a huge difference between erotica and erotic romance. But I'm speaking in general terms now, when it comes of freak shows regarding both erotica and erotic romance.
For me, one of the most important aspects of erotic romance is keeping it from becoming a freak show. And I'm not talking about porn. I've been blasted by some reviewers for writing porn. I'm fine with this; I respect their opinions. But everyone seems to have a different definition of porn these days. Sarah Palin thought Levi Johnston's nude photos were porn and I thought they were basic and very tame. Poor Levi hardly showed his behind. If anything, it was a disappointment. And I just finished reading FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen, and I'm sure there are people out there who would say that some of his sex scenes are pornographic, especially those who lean to the far right. So I'm not even going near the word porn. No one will ever agree on a specific definition and I'm certainly not going to try. I'm sticking to freak show here.
And I do think there's a difference between an erotic romance that's a total freak show and a warm emotional story with a lot of graphic sex. Even though I have crossed lines and pushed a little more than I probably should have with regard to sex scenes in certain books, I'm always striving to make my characters normal people with normal desires who always fall in love in the end. I even base most of my characters on gay men I've known...gay men who were/are, in fact, involved in long term loving relationships. And I take pride in the fact that no one can say my characters are freaks, unless I purposely want them to be freaks for comic relief or to balance the story a little(the closest I've come to freak is with the latest book, with a character named Jeff, and even he's tame). And if the sex scenes in any of my books were toned down and rewritten with pg ratings, there would still be a storyline and there would still be characters with emotion and love. Even the worst review I've ever received made a point of stating this...the reviewer hated the sex scenes, but she did say there was a solid storyline. And, though the review wasn't great, I was glad she mentioned this, because it's all about storyline for me.
Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with freak shows, or erotic romances that are freak shows. A lot of sex bloggers on the fringes of the Internet have found a niche writing about freak shows and they have quite a few followers. But, frankly, I'm not going to put a scene in any of my books where an overweight bi-sexual hero paints his crusty toenails periwinkle blue and presses them up against a sagging pierced breast that's surrounded with fuzzy red hair. I saw an image like this on a sex blog once and I'm still having nightmares about it. If I want to lose weight, all I have to do is think about this photo and I'll lose my appetite. And even though there are folks on the fringes who are into these creepy things, it's simply not for me. I did get lightly into foot fetish once with a few of my characters, but only as a sideline, during a love scene, and it was never the main focus of the story.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm taking love stories about normal people and incorporating sex scenes into them, and hoping the sex scenes move the story forward. Sometimes those sex scenes are graphic, and sometimes they are very tame. Like the book I'm working on right now, the fourth in The Virgin Billionaire series, where the two main characters, Jase and Luis, make love and pretend to have "literary" sex. But it's all in fun and I try hard to refrain from turning the characters into, once again, a freak show. I'd go into more detail about "literary" sex, but this blog is rated pg and I want to keep it that way.
I hope no one was offended by this post. I'm not casting judgement. I'm just stating the motivation behind my own work, especially since I think it's important for authors these days to clarify themselves so they don't get lumped into a category they didn't want to be part of in the first place. Because when it comes down the the final word, the author is the one left standing all alone, and very rarely is there anyone, from agent to publisher, there to stand behind him.
But I'm going to try right now. And I'm going to start by saying that I've seen more definitions of erotic romance in my time than I've seen traffic jams on the freeway in LA. So I don't want to step on anyone's toes with this post. I'm just posting what I think erotic romance is supposed to be. It's just my opinion and it means nothing, and I'm also lumping erotica into this post. I know there's a huge difference between erotica and erotic romance. But I'm speaking in general terms now, when it comes of freak shows regarding both erotica and erotic romance.
For me, one of the most important aspects of erotic romance is keeping it from becoming a freak show. And I'm not talking about porn. I've been blasted by some reviewers for writing porn. I'm fine with this; I respect their opinions. But everyone seems to have a different definition of porn these days. Sarah Palin thought Levi Johnston's nude photos were porn and I thought they were basic and very tame. Poor Levi hardly showed his behind. If anything, it was a disappointment. And I just finished reading FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen, and I'm sure there are people out there who would say that some of his sex scenes are pornographic, especially those who lean to the far right. So I'm not even going near the word porn. No one will ever agree on a specific definition and I'm certainly not going to try. I'm sticking to freak show here.
And I do think there's a difference between an erotic romance that's a total freak show and a warm emotional story with a lot of graphic sex. Even though I have crossed lines and pushed a little more than I probably should have with regard to sex scenes in certain books, I'm always striving to make my characters normal people with normal desires who always fall in love in the end. I even base most of my characters on gay men I've known...gay men who were/are, in fact, involved in long term loving relationships. And I take pride in the fact that no one can say my characters are freaks, unless I purposely want them to be freaks for comic relief or to balance the story a little(the closest I've come to freak is with the latest book, with a character named Jeff, and even he's tame). And if the sex scenes in any of my books were toned down and rewritten with pg ratings, there would still be a storyline and there would still be characters with emotion and love. Even the worst review I've ever received made a point of stating this...the reviewer hated the sex scenes, but she did say there was a solid storyline. And, though the review wasn't great, I was glad she mentioned this, because it's all about storyline for me.
Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with freak shows, or erotic romances that are freak shows. A lot of sex bloggers on the fringes of the Internet have found a niche writing about freak shows and they have quite a few followers. But, frankly, I'm not going to put a scene in any of my books where an overweight bi-sexual hero paints his crusty toenails periwinkle blue and presses them up against a sagging pierced breast that's surrounded with fuzzy red hair. I saw an image like this on a sex blog once and I'm still having nightmares about it. If I want to lose weight, all I have to do is think about this photo and I'll lose my appetite. And even though there are folks on the fringes who are into these creepy things, it's simply not for me. I did get lightly into foot fetish once with a few of my characters, but only as a sideline, during a love scene, and it was never the main focus of the story.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm taking love stories about normal people and incorporating sex scenes into them, and hoping the sex scenes move the story forward. Sometimes those sex scenes are graphic, and sometimes they are very tame. Like the book I'm working on right now, the fourth in The Virgin Billionaire series, where the two main characters, Jase and Luis, make love and pretend to have "literary" sex. But it's all in fun and I try hard to refrain from turning the characters into, once again, a freak show. I'd go into more detail about "literary" sex, but this blog is rated pg and I want to keep it that way.
I hope no one was offended by this post. I'm not casting judgement. I'm just stating the motivation behind my own work, especially since I think it's important for authors these days to clarify themselves so they don't get lumped into a category they didn't want to be part of in the first place. Because when it comes down the the final word, the author is the one left standing all alone, and very rarely is there anyone, from agent to publisher, there to stand behind him.
Ravenous Romance: New York Reading Series in the East Village
There's something new that's been in the works with Ravenous Romance for a while. I haven't been able to talk about it until they had everything organized and set up with dates.
You can read all about it below from the press release. Though I will not be able to attend the February reading due to other committments that were planned over a year ago, I will most likely show up at one of the future events. But I probably won't do any readings. There are people who are far better at doing readings than I am, and I'm never too proud to step aside and let them have their fun. As a side note, the event is going to be held in a former illegal massage parlor (Oy!) in the East Village (really Chinatown). I know Manhattan fairly well, but when you get into those name streets way downtown on the fringes it's not my venue and I'm lost. If you are so inclinced to go, here's a link to the web site, Happy Endings, and you can check out the place yourself ahead of time.
RAVENOUS ROMANCE™ LAUNCHES NEW YORK CITY READING SERIES
Publisher of erotic fiction to launch Ravenous Nights at Lower East Side venue
[Boston, MA – February 1, 2011] – Ravenous Romance™, a leading online publisher of erotic romance novels and short stories has announced a collaboration with New York City literary hot-spot Happy Endings Lounge to host a monthly erotic reading series on the first Friday of every month called Ravenous Nights. Happy Endings, a funky 2-story club that was once a massage parlor, is located at 302 Broome Street. The first Ravenous Night is scheduled for Friday, February 4 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and it is free of charge.
The lineup for February 4 includes:
· Cecilia Tan, best-selling erotic author of the Magic University series
· Caridad Pinero, New York Times best-selling erotic romance author
· Mo Beasley, founder of Urban Erotika, a spoken word performance series
· KT Grant, author of The Princess' Bride
· Debra Hyde, acclaimed writer of BDSM erotic romance, and the author of the BDSM classic, BLIND SEDUCTION.
· Jefferson, well-known sex blogger and author of M/M short stories for RR anthologies.
The Friday, April 4 lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
In celebration of Ravenous Nights, Barnes & Noble has announced that they will offer free copies of the Ravenous Romance anthology Once Upon a Threesome to the first 100 people to download it. In addition, Ravenous Romance will give each attendee a free Ravenous Romance drink coaster to each attendee and the Happy Endings Lounge will create a special "Ravenous" cocktail which will only appear on the menu during Ravenous Nights.
LISTING INFORMATION:
Ravenous Nights
Friday, February 4, 2011
8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Free of charge
Location: Happy Endings Lounge
302 Broome Street (at Forsyth St)
(212) 334-9676
[About Ravenous Romance™]
An imprint of Literary Partners Group, Inc., Ravenous Romance offers readers engaging and colorful stories with strong plots and character development, but peppered with steamy love scenes. Products are available in iPhone/iPod app, ebook and audiobook format in 12 different categories, including both modern and historical fiction, suspense, paranormal, gay/lesbian/bisexual, and new age, among others. They also sell a limited number of titles in print on the Home Shopping Network.
February 2, 2011
You Have To Read This: "Got Your Valentine Right Here"
My blogging friend, Ryan, over at aguyinlove.blogspot.com, wrote this great post. And in case you're too busy to check out the link, I've copied and pasted his entire post below.
Thank you, Ryan!!
This is how gay kids feel about those tacky little valentine cards we were forced to exchange in school:
Gonna go back to when I was a kid on this post I'm sure ya''ll will recall this in your childhood also just hope the outcome for you was better than it was for me. Remember in grade school at Valentine's how you would make little boxes to hang on the front of your desk so we could pass out Valentine cards to our classmates?
I hated it to be honest back in grade school as most of you know I was bullied so I didn't have any friends. I was the freak they would say I wore glasses, hearing aids was little compared to the other kids so yeah I had the target on me and boy them kids didn't let that pass them. Daily I was called names, hit on my stuff stolen.
Anyway this post isn't about bullying really it's about Valentines. Remember making boxes and exchanging Valentine cards? The teacher would say we had to exchange with everyone. My Mom bless her heart would go out and by them stupid boxes of Valentine cards and would make me sit down and fill them out with my classmates names.
I wanted so bad to write bad things to the people but I didn't. I also didn't want to give them cards in the first place. But I did cause of my Mom and the teacher. Well when it came time for everyone to exchange cards I went to everyones desk and drop the card in there stupid boxes I would get back to my desk and knew what I would find.
I was already threaten the day before when the teacher ask if everyone box was full I better answer yes. I would get like 2 or 3 Valentine cards normally 2 of them were some sort of bullying or hate card made up. There was 1 girl that gave me a card and it was a regular card not sure why she never talked to me.
Guess why I'm even writing this is I seen them Valentine cards at the store this morning and I remember how I use to hate Valentine's day. Course it is much better now with Kadin but I tell ya if I had all of you as classmates I sure would buy a box of them cards and drop one in each one of boxes and knowing when I got back to my desk my box would be full.
Thank you, Ryan!!
This is how gay kids feel about those tacky little valentine cards we were forced to exchange in school:
Gonna go back to when I was a kid on this post I'm sure ya''ll will recall this in your childhood also just hope the outcome for you was better than it was for me. Remember in grade school at Valentine's how you would make little boxes to hang on the front of your desk so we could pass out Valentine cards to our classmates?
I hated it to be honest back in grade school as most of you know I was bullied so I didn't have any friends. I was the freak they would say I wore glasses, hearing aids was little compared to the other kids so yeah I had the target on me and boy them kids didn't let that pass them. Daily I was called names, hit on my stuff stolen.
Anyway this post isn't about bullying really it's about Valentines. Remember making boxes and exchanging Valentine cards? The teacher would say we had to exchange with everyone. My Mom bless her heart would go out and by them stupid boxes of Valentine cards and would make me sit down and fill them out with my classmates names.
I wanted so bad to write bad things to the people but I didn't. I also didn't want to give them cards in the first place. But I did cause of my Mom and the teacher. Well when it came time for everyone to exchange cards I went to everyones desk and drop the card in there stupid boxes I would get back to my desk and knew what I would find.
I was already threaten the day before when the teacher ask if everyone box was full I better answer yes. I would get like 2 or 3 Valentine cards normally 2 of them were some sort of bullying or hate card made up. There was 1 girl that gave me a card and it was a regular card not sure why she never talked to me.
Guess why I'm even writing this is I seen them Valentine cards at the store this morning and I remember how I use to hate Valentine's day. Course it is much better now with Kadin but I tell ya if I had all of you as classmates I sure would buy a box of them cards and drop one in each one of boxes and knowing when I got back to my desk my box would be full.
