Brandon Shire's Blog, page 19

Sexuality – Not so Black and White

Today, I have asked J. James to the blog. We’re discussing his new book, Denial, Deceit, Discovery, which tells the story of the struggles in the life of Jack Ellis, a catholic man deep in denial about his sexuality. ~B.

In a recent review So So Gay said your book was ‘a thought provoking and evocative piece of literature that we found very difficult to put down’. Do you think your book is that different from the many other similar books about coming out?

J James: I think there are a few thing...

Heteronormativity in MM Romance?

Photo Credit: Betty Postelwaite

Watching a conversation unfold on Twitter about a reader searching for ‘who is a top and who is a bottom in MM romance.’ For this particular tweeter it seemed confusing and relevant, especially when writing gay fiction.

I was surprised and delighted with the response that came back to him/her:

I just think that searching for who bottoms is like searching for who is “woman” in the relationship.

I love that, because unfortunately, in MM, all too often I see ‘roles’ w...

Thoughts on The Opera House

I hope you all had a great Christmas in the presence of your families and loved ones.

I’m glad to be able to write this guest post on Brandon’s blog. In fact, it’s been a long time coming, and I’ve thought a lot about what to say here. The official reason is of course the recent launch of my new novel, “The Opera House”, and given Brandon’s involvement in the LGBT youth and particularly homeless kids, I’m very proud to say that these issues are at the very core of my new book.

As a gay man, my...

LGBT Music Monday – Father Christmas Knows

Love this new song about a homeless kid at Christmas. Listen to the words. December proceeds from this song are donated to the Albert Kennedy Trust to aid homeless LGBT youth. Happy Holidays!

My Favorite Book – Natsuya Uesugi

I have published 4 books in the science fiction grydscaen series, with another due out next year. I think my favorite is grydscaen:beginnings which is technically the first book in the series and provides the backstory to grydscaen:retribution.

Grydscaen:beginnings tells the story of Lino Dejarre, a psychic clandestine operative of the Psi Faction and his pursuit of two escaped psychic test subjects Faid Callen, the leader of the hacker group, the Packrats, and Riuho Dejarre, Lino’s half broth...

Dear Dad – A Documentary of Black Gay Men & Their Fathers

This film comes out of Atlanta. I spent some time watching this and then thinking about it. Its premise is that of eight gay men writing a letter to their fathers. It easily crosses race, religion, ethnicity and, I think, relates to many gay men, of color or not. Watch, and see what you think. You can learn more onhttp://www.deardad.tv/

“Dear Dad: Letters from Same Gender Loving Sons” from Eight Peace Productions on Vimeo.

Love Me As I Am – Gay Nonfiction

Love Me As I Am is an anthology of 24 biographies and letters written by gay men as they reflect on the childhood experiences that shaped their lives.These experiences are something which many gay men can relate to.The stories share the common threads of invalidation, being overwhelmed by shame and the painful (but worthwhile) journey to self-acceptance.

All profits gained through sales of the book are donated to Diversity Role Models — a UK charity tackling homophobia through education.

From A...

When The Aliens Come

When I was nine, I prayed for aliens to come. I know. Religion and aliens make for awkward bedfellows, but that’s the best thing about being nine. You can believe everything. How the aliens would hear my prayer, I didn’t know. But I guess that if they had the technology to make it as far as Earth, they could probably tune right into the prayers of a random nine-year-old kid, right?

Anyway, it didn’t matter how they got the message, only that they got it. Because the aliens were going to save t...

LGBT Music Monday – Sonia Leigh

One of the headlining musicians at the 43rd Atlanta Pride Festival, Sonia Leigh has played withLoretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Eli Young Band and Uncle Kracker, just to name a few. One listen to this country gal and you’re hooked. Connect with Sonia and find all her music on her website.

Black Friday Sale for LGBT Readers

I don’t so this often, but it’s been such a spectacular year. Together we have raised over $5000 for homeless LGBT youth and sold over 10,000 books. So, I’m giving back to the readers all weekend long. That’s right, you have until Sunday midnight! But the sales don’t start until Black Friday. Enjoy, and have a great holiday season!

Gay Romance On sale at All Romance eBooks:

Gay Fiction On Sale at Smashwords

For Rainuse coupon code: EF38K

For Dust use coupon code: KR86G