Ryan Field's Blog, page 589
October 8, 2010
Authors: Watch those Nasty Comments on Comment Threads
I started getting into blogging about eight years ago when blogging was still a new adventure for so many personal bloggers. Then I worked for bestgayblogs.com reviewing and interviewing personal bloggers, which was fun. In my own circle, I follow a lot of publishing blogs and even a few review blogs. And the one thing that always shocks me is when I see a published author leave a negative comment on a thread.
Personally, I've never left a negative comment on anyone's blog thread. It's rude and distasteful. I've left curt comments from time to time. But nothing that could come back to haunt me. Most decent people don't. They read blogs, take into consideration that the author of the blog is inviting them into their personal space, and they are polite. And unless someone is directly attacked on a comment thread and they have no choice but to defend themselves, things go smoothly.
However, I've also seen a few rants and rages that have left me speechless. Some from unpublished authors, and some from published authors. In almost every single case, the rants are not in self-defense. They are pointed at someone directly, and often without any cause or provocation. It's as if something just set them off and they went berserk.
In one particular case, an author went after me on a comment thread and I didn't even find out about it until months later. It happened on a romance review blog, and this is what the author wrote on the thread: "Did y'all know Alyson, a reputable GLBT print pub, will be putting out paper editions of two RR books, one of which is by the inimitable Ryan Field? Some coup." Of course this author was talking about a collaboration between Ravenous Romance and Alyson Books, and she was referring to me in, openly and without cause, in a snarky sarcastic manner. I know who the author is; I've checked her out. She writes m/m romance and I've checked out her blog, too. But I'd rather not mention her name and take the high road. One, because what she thinks means nothing to me. Two, because if she was stupid enough to leave a comment like this on a blog thread there's no use wasting time with her. Clearly, she's been faking it for a long time.
What was even worse is this author didn't know much about me. I tend to be quiet and remain in the background where it's peaceful (smile). When she made this sarcastic remark about me she either assumed she was going after a new writer with no defenses, or that I was publishing under a pen name. In both cases, she was dead wrong. Ryan Field is my name, not a pen name. I write m/m fiction because I'm openly gay and I care about the genre. And furthermore, I was published with Alyson Books in more print books than I can count long before I started writing m/m romances for the digital market. I've been in publishing for over eighteen years now, and my relationship with Alyson Books and their wonderful editors began long before this author even knew there was a market in writing m/m fiction.
The point of my story isn't about me. This is just an example that actually happened once. The real point is that authors should always be careful where they comment and how they comment, on comment threads or anywhere. And if they can't be careful, they should take a deep breath, go for a long walk, and remain silent until the mood passes. Though I wouldn't post the author's name who tried to trash me in public, I certainly have a low opinion of her both professionally and personally and I always will. Because any author who would go after another author, unprovoked, in such a catty way can't be taken seriously. So please don't make this mistake. It could come back to haunt you one day.
Personally, I've never left a negative comment on anyone's blog thread. It's rude and distasteful. I've left curt comments from time to time. But nothing that could come back to haunt me. Most decent people don't. They read blogs, take into consideration that the author of the blog is inviting them into their personal space, and they are polite. And unless someone is directly attacked on a comment thread and they have no choice but to defend themselves, things go smoothly.
However, I've also seen a few rants and rages that have left me speechless. Some from unpublished authors, and some from published authors. In almost every single case, the rants are not in self-defense. They are pointed at someone directly, and often without any cause or provocation. It's as if something just set them off and they went berserk.
In one particular case, an author went after me on a comment thread and I didn't even find out about it until months later. It happened on a romance review blog, and this is what the author wrote on the thread: "Did y'all know Alyson, a reputable GLBT print pub, will be putting out paper editions of two RR books, one of which is by the inimitable Ryan Field? Some coup." Of course this author was talking about a collaboration between Ravenous Romance and Alyson Books, and she was referring to me in, openly and without cause, in a snarky sarcastic manner. I know who the author is; I've checked her out. She writes m/m romance and I've checked out her blog, too. But I'd rather not mention her name and take the high road. One, because what she thinks means nothing to me. Two, because if she was stupid enough to leave a comment like this on a blog thread there's no use wasting time with her. Clearly, she's been faking it for a long time.
What was even worse is this author didn't know much about me. I tend to be quiet and remain in the background where it's peaceful (smile). When she made this sarcastic remark about me she either assumed she was going after a new writer with no defenses, or that I was publishing under a pen name. In both cases, she was dead wrong. Ryan Field is my name, not a pen name. I write m/m fiction because I'm openly gay and I care about the genre. And furthermore, I was published with Alyson Books in more print books than I can count long before I started writing m/m romances for the digital market. I've been in publishing for over eighteen years now, and my relationship with Alyson Books and their wonderful editors began long before this author even knew there was a market in writing m/m fiction.
The point of my story isn't about me. This is just an example that actually happened once. The real point is that authors should always be careful where they comment and how they comment, on comment threads or anywhere. And if they can't be careful, they should take a deep breath, go for a long walk, and remain silent until the mood passes. Though I wouldn't post the author's name who tried to trash me in public, I certainly have a low opinion of her both professionally and personally and I always will. Because any author who would go after another author, unprovoked, in such a catty way can't be taken seriously. So please don't make this mistake. It could come back to haunt you one day.
New Release: THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE'S WEDDING
THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE'S WEDDING is the sequel to THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE, and the first sequel I've ever done. I usually like ending a book and then moving on to something else. But I loved these characters so much I couldn't stop thinking about them. So I asked the publisher if I could do a sequel and they agreed. But I don't think it will be a series. This one is the final book with Luis and Jase.
It's set in Alaska, a state I love for many reasons. I posted a synopsis below. And I'll be posting an unpublished excerpt soon.
Synopsis
In this romantic sequel to The Virgin Billionaire, Luis and Jase are living happily-ever-after in Jase's luxurious apartment in Trump Tower. It's been almost one year since Luis's unfortunate incident involving a drug dealer and the law, and they've been building a solid relationship based on love and mutual respect. They have engagement rings and are planning a small wedding ceremony in Vermont.
For all intents and purposes, life is perfect. Then Jase decides it's time for Luis to meet his family in Alaska and announce their wedding plans. Though Luis is worried about how Jase's family will accept him, not to mention the fact that he's terrified of flying, he agrees to get on a plane and meet his new in-laws.
Only when they arrive in Alaska, nothing goes as Luis had hoped it would...
As Luis learns things about Jase he never knew existed, Jase's handsome best friend is moving back home to set up a medical practice. He's come out of the closet, he's left his lover in Los Angeles, and he's starting a new life. And Luis can't help noticing this guy is still in love with Jase...
While the frustration mounts, Luis begins to doubt the strength of his relationship with Jase. And when Jase's father finally drops a bomb about his past the day before their wedding, Luis isn't sure he can go through with it.
When a quick trip home turns into a nightmare, will Jase and Luis be able to salvage the love they thought they had? Or will a controlling father and a few past mistakes destroy the best thing that's ever happened to them?
October 7, 2010
When You Read a Fan Letter That Makes You Want to Cry
I receive a lot of mail from many nice people who live all over the world. I've even received a few critical letters, which I do appreciate because they make me step back, take a look at what I'm doing, and try to make it better. And then there's the hate mail. Because I write mainly about the lgbt community, in my own name, I've even had death threats.
But sometimes I receive a letter from a reader that absolutely floors me. It just happened this morning, and I wasn't expecting it. The only thing on my mind was winding up the next book, remembering to put gas in the car, and making sure I fill the gas tanks for the leaf blower.
And then I opened an e-mail from a reader who brought me to tears. Not in a bad way. In a good way that doesn't happen very often. Evidently, I wrote a book that touched him in many ways, and helped him get through a very serious personal crisis in his life.
I write a lot about publishing and writing on this blog. I try to keep it positive because I don't think people want to read negativity and rants here when there's so much negativity and ranting going on in the world. Sometimes it's hard not to rant, because publishing as a business can be stressful and frustrating, and deadlines are killers.
But when I open en e-mail like the one I received this morning, knowing that I helped someone get through rough times, it makes it all worth while.
But sometimes I receive a letter from a reader that absolutely floors me. It just happened this morning, and I wasn't expecting it. The only thing on my mind was winding up the next book, remembering to put gas in the car, and making sure I fill the gas tanks for the leaf blower.
And then I opened an e-mail from a reader who brought me to tears. Not in a bad way. In a good way that doesn't happen very often. Evidently, I wrote a book that touched him in many ways, and helped him get through a very serious personal crisis in his life.
I write a lot about publishing and writing on this blog. I try to keep it positive because I don't think people want to read negativity and rants here when there's so much negativity and ranting going on in the world. Sometimes it's hard not to rant, because publishing as a business can be stressful and frustrating, and deadlines are killers.
But when I open en e-mail like the one I received this morning, knowing that I helped someone get through rough times, it makes it all worth while.
October 5, 2010
Going Purple: Preview - THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE'S WEDDING
Here's a sneak preview of the new cover for THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE'S WEDDING, the sequel to THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE. I'm happy with it. Most of the novel is set in a small village in Alaska, and I think the cover artist got the background just right, as always.
It should be out either this Thursday or Friday, and I'll post when it's released.
Going Purple this Month: In Honor of the Six Gay Boys Who Committed Suicide
This morning I received an e-mail from a friend regarding a local vigil that is going to be held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Doylestown is only fifteen minutes away from New Hope, where I live, and I'd like to support this event any way I can. The E-mail is below.
And, this blog is going purple for the rest of this month! E-pub agent, Saritza Hernandez, posted about "Spirit Day," a day set aside this month in honor of the gay men who took their lives because they were bullied. Please read her post and support this. It's important to get the message out that we aren't going to be bullied anymore.
Dear friends of Doylestown Pride,The 2010 school year just got underway - and for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth across the nation this is one of the most difficult times of the year. School can be one of the most dangerous and dreaded places for LGBTQ youth. Bullying, violence and discrimination happen daily - often ignored or encouraged by school staff. Tragically in the first three weeks of the school year at least 5 gay youth in the US have killed themselves in response to homophobic and transphobic bullying at school.Dozens of Doylestown Pride friends who have contacted us via email, phone and Facebook to share your grief, rage and deepest concern about this crisis. Together with LGBTQA area youth, we are planning a vigil/demonstration to take place in Doylestown in the next week. Stay tuned for details - we will also be posting updates on the Facebook page for: Doylestown Pride.Please contact us if you'd like to help or have ideas, questions or concerns. Please also speak up and speak out against homophobia and transphobia - and let the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/questioning youth in your life know they are valued and loved. A great resource locally is the Rainbow Room located in Doylestown - Bucks County's center for LGBTQA youth 14-21 yrs old. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppbucks/rainbow-room-28411.htm
Remember and fight for justice in honor of 5 of the gay youth who have killed themselves in the past 3 weeks: 18 yr old Tyler Clementi (NJ), 19 yr old Raymond Chase (RI), 13 yr old Asher Brown (TX), 15 yr old Billy Lucas(Indiana), 13 yr old Seth Walsh (CA), and the many other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who have taken their lives or had their lives taken from them.
Thank you.marlene Doylestown Pridemarlene pray, MEdDoctoral Candidate, Widener UniversitySocial Justice Sexuality Educator, Trainer & Organizer
** When i dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision,then it becomes less and less important whether i am afraid. ** -Audre Lorde
And, this blog is going purple for the rest of this month! E-pub agent, Saritza Hernandez, posted about "Spirit Day," a day set aside this month in honor of the gay men who took their lives because they were bullied. Please read her post and support this. It's important to get the message out that we aren't going to be bullied anymore.
Dear friends of Doylestown Pride,The 2010 school year just got underway - and for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth across the nation this is one of the most difficult times of the year. School can be one of the most dangerous and dreaded places for LGBTQ youth. Bullying, violence and discrimination happen daily - often ignored or encouraged by school staff. Tragically in the first three weeks of the school year at least 5 gay youth in the US have killed themselves in response to homophobic and transphobic bullying at school.Dozens of Doylestown Pride friends who have contacted us via email, phone and Facebook to share your grief, rage and deepest concern about this crisis. Together with LGBTQA area youth, we are planning a vigil/demonstration to take place in Doylestown in the next week. Stay tuned for details - we will also be posting updates on the Facebook page for: Doylestown Pride.Please contact us if you'd like to help or have ideas, questions or concerns. Please also speak up and speak out against homophobia and transphobia - and let the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/questioning youth in your life know they are valued and loved. A great resource locally is the Rainbow Room located in Doylestown - Bucks County's center for LGBTQA youth 14-21 yrs old. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppbucks/rainbow-room-28411.htm
Remember and fight for justice in honor of 5 of the gay youth who have killed themselves in the past 3 weeks: 18 yr old Tyler Clementi (NJ), 19 yr old Raymond Chase (RI), 13 yr old Asher Brown (TX), 15 yr old Billy Lucas(Indiana), 13 yr old Seth Walsh (CA), and the many other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who have taken their lives or had their lives taken from them.
Thank you.marlene Doylestown Pridemarlene pray, MEdDoctoral Candidate, Widener UniversitySocial Justice Sexuality Educator, Trainer & Organizer
** When i dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision,then it becomes less and less important whether i am afraid. ** -Audre Lorde
In Honor of the Six Gay Boys Who Committed Suicide
This morning I received an e-mail from a friend regarding a local vigil that is going to be held in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Doylestown is only fifteen minutes away from New Hope, where I live, and I'd like to support this event any way I can. The E-mail is below.
And, e-pub agent, Saritza Hernandez, posted about "Spirit Day," a day set aside this month in honor of the gay men who took their lives because they were bullied. Please read her post and support this. It's important to get the message out that we aren't going to be bullied anymore.
Dear friends of Doylestown Pride,The 2010 school year just got underway - and for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth across the nation this is one of the most difficult times of the year. School can be one of the most dangerous and dreaded places for LGBTQ youth. Bullying, violence and discrimination happen daily - often ignored or encouraged by school staff. Tragically in the first three weeks of the school year at least 5 gay youth in the US have killed themselves in response to homophobic and transphobic bullying at school.Dozens of Doylestown Pride friends who have contacted us via email, phone and Facebook to share your grief, rage and deepest concern about this crisis. Together with LGBTQA area youth, we are planning a vigil/demonstration to take place in Doylestown in the next week. Stay tuned for details - we will also be posting updates on the Facebook page for: Doylestown Pride.Please contact us if you'd like to help or have ideas, questions or concerns. Please also speak up and speak out against homophobia and transphobia - and let the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/questioning youth in your life know they are valued and loved. A great resource locally is the Rainbow Room located in Doylestown - Bucks County's center for LGBTQA youth 14-21 yrs old. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppbucks/rainbow-room-28411.htm
Remember and fight for justice in honor of 5 of the gay youth who have killed themselves in the past 3 weeks: 18 yr old Tyler Clementi (NJ), 19 yr old Raymond Chase (RI), 13 yr old Asher Brown (TX), 15 yr old Billy Lucas(Indiana), 13 yr old Seth Walsh (CA), and the many other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who have taken their lives or had their lives taken from them.
Thank you.marlene Doylestown Pridemarlene pray, MEdDoctoral Candidate, Widener UniversitySocial Justice Sexuality Educator, Trainer & Organizer
** When i dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision,then it becomes less and less important whether i am afraid. ** -Audre Lorde
And, e-pub agent, Saritza Hernandez, posted about "Spirit Day," a day set aside this month in honor of the gay men who took their lives because they were bullied. Please read her post and support this. It's important to get the message out that we aren't going to be bullied anymore.
Dear friends of Doylestown Pride,The 2010 school year just got underway - and for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth across the nation this is one of the most difficult times of the year. School can be one of the most dangerous and dreaded places for LGBTQ youth. Bullying, violence and discrimination happen daily - often ignored or encouraged by school staff. Tragically in the first three weeks of the school year at least 5 gay youth in the US have killed themselves in response to homophobic and transphobic bullying at school.Dozens of Doylestown Pride friends who have contacted us via email, phone and Facebook to share your grief, rage and deepest concern about this crisis. Together with LGBTQA area youth, we are planning a vigil/demonstration to take place in Doylestown in the next week. Stay tuned for details - we will also be posting updates on the Facebook page for: Doylestown Pride.Please contact us if you'd like to help or have ideas, questions or concerns. Please also speak up and speak out against homophobia and transphobia - and let the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/questioning youth in your life know they are valued and loved. A great resource locally is the Rainbow Room located in Doylestown - Bucks County's center for LGBTQA youth 14-21 yrs old. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppbucks/rainbow-room-28411.htm
Remember and fight for justice in honor of 5 of the gay youth who have killed themselves in the past 3 weeks: 18 yr old Tyler Clementi (NJ), 19 yr old Raymond Chase (RI), 13 yr old Asher Brown (TX), 15 yr old Billy Lucas(Indiana), 13 yr old Seth Walsh (CA), and the many other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who have taken their lives or had their lives taken from them.
Thank you.marlene Doylestown Pridemarlene pray, MEdDoctoral Candidate, Widener UniversitySocial Justice Sexuality Educator, Trainer & Organizer
** When i dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision,then it becomes less and less important whether i am afraid. ** -Audre Lorde
October 4, 2010
Preview: New Release - Sir, Yes Sir
This is a short story stand alone that will be released on October 15th. Here's the preliminary cover, thanks to Dalia's hard work over at Loveyoudivine.com.
I'll post more when it's released. But this one leans more toward erotica than romance. And as the cover suggests, it's for adults only.
October 3, 2010
Ah Well, Facebook Again?
It's Sunday night. I started my leaf clean up today, which is a part of my life that will last from now until December. I have trees. A lot of trees: three acres of them. And I love each and everyone and I'm by no means complaining.
But after working outside all day, I wanted to sit down, relax, and go through my news feed on facebook tonight. I haven't have much time to do much with social networks because of deadlines and new releases. And what did I find? A scathing rant about politics. And it was posted by someone with whom I've worked in e-publishing but never actually met in person.
As much as I like the guy on a professional level, I clicked onto his profile, scrolled down, and quickly defriended him from my list.
Facebook is a social network for enjoyment. I love when people post about public services, like my friend Ryan. He's always posting about animal welfare and lgbt issues. But he does it in a positive way, and I know he works hard dedicating his life to these issues.
But when I read a raging political rant on facebook, by someone I know isn't doing anything or working to make the cause he's ranting about any better, I lose patience. Facebook is not a platform, and it's not a place where people want to read negative posts or political rants. It's a place where people want to relax, learn a few things, and have fun. If you want to rant, take the time to start a blog and rant away. But don't do it in my face (smile).
But after working outside all day, I wanted to sit down, relax, and go through my news feed on facebook tonight. I haven't have much time to do much with social networks because of deadlines and new releases. And what did I find? A scathing rant about politics. And it was posted by someone with whom I've worked in e-publishing but never actually met in person.
As much as I like the guy on a professional level, I clicked onto his profile, scrolled down, and quickly defriended him from my list.
Facebook is a social network for enjoyment. I love when people post about public services, like my friend Ryan. He's always posting about animal welfare and lgbt issues. But he does it in a positive way, and I know he works hard dedicating his life to these issues.
But when I read a raging political rant on facebook, by someone I know isn't doing anything or working to make the cause he's ranting about any better, I lose patience. Facebook is not a platform, and it's not a place where people want to read negative posts or political rants. It's a place where people want to relax, learn a few things, and have fun. If you want to rant, take the time to start a blog and rant away. But don't do it in my face (smile).
October 2, 2010
In Case You Haven't Heard, Alyson Books is Going Digital
Alyson Books, an lgbt publisher with a long list of excellent books has just made the announcement they are going digital. I have been published by them many times in anthologies and I have a m/m romance novel, AN OFFICER AND HIS GENTLEMAN, on their list right now in collaboration with Ravenous Romance.
I wish them the best and I'm going to look forward to reading their new e-book list.
Below is a link to the Publishers Weekly announcement about their plans and what they hope to achieve.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/44678-alyson-books-will-restructure-as-e-book-only-house-weise-leaves.html
I wish them the best and I'm going to look forward to reading their new e-book list.
Below is a link to the Publishers Weekly announcement about their plans and what they hope to achieve.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/44678-alyson-books-will-restructure-as-e-book-only-house-weise-leaves.html
September 30, 2010
Gay Rutgers Student Commits Suicide After Being Harassed
I've been watching this story all week and wanted to post something about it. My blogging buddy, Ryan, posted about it on facebook. And because Rutgers University isn't far from where I live it caught my eye. According to aol news, "The Rutgers University student who committed suicide after two students allegedly streamed a video of his gay sexual encounter over the Internet may have reached out for help before killing himself." It's worth the time to check out the link and read the rest of the article.
Years ago, in small towns, it wasn't unheard of to learn that young men, especially effeminate young men, killed themselves for no apparent reason. It was always kept quiet by the family and always swept aside. Everyone in town knew the reason, and no one ever discussed it openly. And it's obviously still happening today, in spite of what some people choose to believe.
I've ranted about how characters in my own books have been reviewed poorly by readers who are living in social dream worlds when it comes to knowing and understanding what it's really like to be gay. In this post I tried to explain to an online book reviewer that it's not at all what you see on TV or read in magazines. Gay men, in most parts of the country and around the world, are still facing harassment and all kinds of abuse and shame. They don't all have options and choices, and some even choose taking their own lives as a way out.
Unfortunately, this Rutgers student took his own life for reasons directly related to the fact that he was gay. He didn't think he had any options or choices. He probably had no self-esteem and he couldn't accept who he was. And I know there are many others who either comtemplate or do commit suicide for reasons directly related to them being gay. Even though we've come a long way, and there are people living in liberal west coast cities who think young gay men have all the choices in the world, young gay men are still being bullied and harassed.
But there are people working hard to change this. They want to help and offer guidance to young gay people who don't think they have any choices. We just have to be louder and push a little harder, until all gay people have the same choices and options as everyone else.
Years ago, in small towns, it wasn't unheard of to learn that young men, especially effeminate young men, killed themselves for no apparent reason. It was always kept quiet by the family and always swept aside. Everyone in town knew the reason, and no one ever discussed it openly. And it's obviously still happening today, in spite of what some people choose to believe.
I've ranted about how characters in my own books have been reviewed poorly by readers who are living in social dream worlds when it comes to knowing and understanding what it's really like to be gay. In this post I tried to explain to an online book reviewer that it's not at all what you see on TV or read in magazines. Gay men, in most parts of the country and around the world, are still facing harassment and all kinds of abuse and shame. They don't all have options and choices, and some even choose taking their own lives as a way out.
Unfortunately, this Rutgers student took his own life for reasons directly related to the fact that he was gay. He didn't think he had any options or choices. He probably had no self-esteem and he couldn't accept who he was. And I know there are many others who either comtemplate or do commit suicide for reasons directly related to them being gay. Even though we've come a long way, and there are people living in liberal west coast cities who think young gay men have all the choices in the world, young gay men are still being bullied and harassed.
But there are people working hard to change this. They want to help and offer guidance to young gay people who don't think they have any choices. We just have to be louder and push a little harder, until all gay people have the same choices and options as everyone else.
