Rob Colton's Blog, page 9
June 29, 2014
Special Pride Flash! Sail Away with the Wednesday Briefers
This June, in honor of Gay Pride month, the Briefers decided to take part in the Beth Wylde special events taking place all month long. We came up with a special themed storyline, centered around a gay cruise, with a host of secondary characters we can all use to interact with our original stories and main characters. This is totally separate from our regular weekly flashes, and we have some fun stuff also going on at Beth Wylde today. You can learn more about the Briefers, chat with us, offer up some ideas and comments, AND win some prizes, including 3 $25 gift cards provided by our members.
Click the banner to visit the Beth Wylde group or go to:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/bethwylde/info
Rough Seas for Marshall
by Rob Colton
“You didn’t have to do that.”
Marshall Sprague was equally grateful, yet equally annoyed. It had been, what, fifteen years, since he’d seen Ronnie Spangler? And then he comes swooping in like a goddamned white knight to save him from that perverted weirdo Speedo-wearing stalker.
Marshall never should’ve agreed to do that auction anyway.
That damn Charlotte.
His best friend—make that former best friend—knew how vulnerable he was when she asked him to come on this cruise, where she worked on the events planning team. Then she used the excuse of needing additional volunteers for the bachelor auction. He’d been on the boat a hot minute when she practically shoved him into the middle of the ballroom floor to be auctioned off like some desperate piece of meat.
If he’d known it was all a setup to pair him off with her cousin, then he never would’ve set foot on this boat. Not after what Ronnie did.
“Sure I did, Marsh.” Ronnie shrugged.
Marshall looked at Ronnie. Really looked at him. He was different. Physically, the difference was night and day. He hadn’t recognized the man at first; it wasn’t until Charlotte spoke his name that he realized it was Ronnie Spangler.
Back in high school, Ronnie was a jock. He’d always been big and muscular. Now he’d hit his thirties, though, and time had caught up with him. His full head of brown hair was thinning on top, nearly gone at the crown. Ronnie was… fluffier around the middle, to put it nicely. His redneck lumberjack look seemed so out of place on a cruise ship, Marshall wondered if it was a costume for another of Charlotte’s stupid events.
The scraggly beard he always sported in high school had filled in at least, giving him a decidedly manly look. There. He’d found something nice to say.
Not that Marshall was all that to look at, though. After his mom died, he’d been stuck in that hell-hole small town. His boyfriend had long since bailed, leaving him with nothing but debt and anger. He then spent too much time drinking, and not enough time eating. He reached up to scratch his goatee, before he remembered shaving it off for his mom’s memorial.
But what really stuck out was the way Ronnie wouldn’t meet Marshall’s eyes.
He probably feels guilty for what he did.
God, Marshall needed a drink.
“You know, if you’re trying to make up for what you did back then, this” —Marshall waved his hand toward the auction floor— “this doesn’t cut it.”
“Cut me some slack, Marsh. I was eighteen, and scared. All I can say is I probably would’ve done things differently, knowing what I know now.”
“So was I!” Marshall had raised his voice. He immediately pulled back. “Whatever.”
If Marshall could’ve done things differently back then, he would have told his younger, dorky self the fastest way to chase off a man is to act needy and pathetic. Secondly, he would have told his younger self Ronnie Spangler was a motherfucking asshole.
“Whatever you think I did, I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry? You told all your buddies you fucked the town fag, and you’re sorry!”
“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I never told anyone.”
“You’re a damn liar.”
“Christ, when did you get so fucking bitter?”
“When did you get so fucking fat?”
* * * *
Ronnie got up from the table and left the room. He needed some air.
First some fresh air. Then, to kill his cousin.
Gripping the railing, he clenched his jaw, holding in the scream building up. The gentle rocking of the ship should have calmed him, but it didn’t.
Contrary to what Marsh thought, he never told anyone about what happened. Why the hell would he?
It wasn’t like Ronnie had forced himself on Marshall. The boy wanted it. He begged for it. But goddamn, that was good. Most people talk about their first time being a disaster. His first time with Marsh had been amazing. He still thought about it to this day.
It was at one of his football buddies’ graduation parties. Marshall had come with Charlotte. He looked so damn nerdy, so damn cute. Marsh didn’t know how sexy he was, but Ronnie did. Ronnie always noticed, just like he noticed the way Marsh used to stare at him when he thought no one was looking.
When their eyes met that hot summer night, years of pent-up sexual tension exploded between them.
And now, not only was he still pissed, but he had a hard-on to go with it.
Just fucking great.
* * * *
“You are dead ass wrong.”
Charlotte stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Marshall.
Marshall balked. “I’m dead ass wrong? What about you? You manipulated me. You manipulated Ronnie. Did you think I was just going to swoon, say ‘My Hero!’ then jump into his arms and his bed?”
“Well, yeah.”
Marshall rolled his eyes. “You’re so gross.”
Charlotte sat down at the table. She leaned in and let out a soft sigh. “Look, I know how you guys felt about each other. Something happened between you two at that party. You had this look in your eyes. Not to mention you were definitely walking funny.”
“Again. Gross.”
“When he left, I saw how hurt you were.”
“How? You were gone, too. You left me behind.” A lump caught in Marshall’s throat. “Those guys… You don’t know what it was like, trapped there with them…” His voice trailed off. If he continued on, he’d break down, and he’d already shed more than enough tears.
“But you’re not there. You’re—”
“You’re right.” Marshall looked around, taking in all of the men around him. Men like him. Right now, he was away from that miserable hell of a town. Even for a few days, he had the chance to be himself. To change his life.
He wasn’t about to waste the opportunity.
* * * *
Want to read more? The flash will be expanded into a short story with the rest of today’s flashes, and available as an Anthology ebook.
June 28, 2014
Sail Away with the Wednesday Briefers!
Tomorrow is the Wednesday Briefers day at Beth Wylde’s month-long Pride Celebration. Join us at the Beth Wylde Yahoo! group for Q & A’s, chats, and contests with awesome prizes.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/bethwylde/info
Also, there’s still time to win a copy of Enforcer over at Cia’s Stories. Check it out for an exclusive excerpt, plus a chance to win a copy of the ebook. The contest ends tonight at midnight (EDT).
http://ciasstories.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-author-rob-colton-with-enforcer.html
June 27, 2014
Enforcer Celebration and Giveaway Contest
I’m over at Cia’s Stories blog today, celebrating the release of Enforcer. Check it out for an exclusive excerpt, plus a chance to win a copy of the ebook.
http://ciasstories.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-author-rob-colton-with-enforcer.html
June 24, 2014
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 32
Here’s Chapter 32 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan. This week is short but sweet. The prompt I used is “it’s not you, it’s me”.
Be sure to check out the Wednesday Briefs web site for more free fiction from my fellow authors.
Don’t freak out.
Noah glanced over at Eli. The man had both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. Aside from the sound of the truck speeding across the asphalt road, it was silent.
Maybe Eli didn’t actually mean to ask Noah to move in. Maybe Eli was just feeling vulnerable because of his dad’s health scare. He didn’t know what he was asking.
You know he did. The man has your name permanently inked onto his body for god’s sake.
The tips of Noah’s fingers itched. Noah pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he cleared his throat. He really wished he had his notebook and a pen with him right now. He could start a pros and cons list. That would definitely help him decide what to do.
Eli’s voice cut though the silence. “We can pretend I didn’t ask, if it makes you feel better.”
Noah jumped at the unexpected sound. It took him another second to process Eli’s words, and then an additional second to process the hurt in Eli’s voice.
What was Noah afraid of? When Derek asked him to move in all those years ago, he didn’t hesitate. He’d thrown himself into Derek’s arms and kissed him like a fool. Why was he reluctant now with Eli? It was clear that Eli loved him.
And Noah loved Eli. He could admit it to both himself and Eli.
A romantic at heart, Noah always believed in finding one true love. He’d thought that Derek was that one. And after twenty years, it had exploded spectacularly like a supernova.
Was that what it was? He’d used his “one true love” up? But was it possible a person could have more?
What he had with Derek was real, no doubt about it, but people change. Derek changed. Or maybe Derek was the same man he always was, and it was Noah who actually changed. He certainly felt different, now that he was out of Derek’s shadow.
When he was with Eli, he felt confident and secure, and attractive. Heck, Eli even made him feel sexy.
Noah watched Eli… his handsome, sexy, man.
Eli gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles flexing. He wouldn’t look at Noah.
He’s bracing himself for my answer. He expects me to say no.
And that was Noah’s knee jerk response; he could admit it. The old Noah would have shouted “no” and ran. But another change Eli brought about in him was spontaneity. He didn’t need any lists, and he didn’t need any damn plans.
With Eli, the future was wide open.
Eli let out a tired sigh. “You’re about to give me the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ excuse, aren’t you?”
"Yes, Eli. Wait. I mean, no. I’m not giving you an excuse. I’m saying yes."
Eli shot Noah a sideways glance. “Yes?”
"Yes. I want to move in with you."
A grin lit up Eli’s bearded face.
"I knew you’d say yes."
"Oh, you did? And how did you know that?"
"It was all part of my plan."
Eli laughed and Noah joined in.
June 23, 2014
Guest Post: Andrew Q. Gordon
Please welcome Andrew Q. Gordon back to my site. He’s here to talk about his new short, part of Wayward Ink Publishing’s new anthology.
A Closed Door – My First Anthology Story:
A Closed Door - Part of the Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology
From Wayward Ink Publishing
First, thank you Rob for letting me commandeer your blog to talk about my newest story.
I never seem to have enough time to write—a common complaint if you hang around writers—and since I’m always so focused on the amazingly long and growing back list of stories I ‘need’ to write, short stories for anthologies haven’t made it onto my list of what to write. Until now.
For some reason, I’ve got it in my head that if I don’t use fifty thousands word or more, I haven’t properly told a story. I’m trying to change that because, with a two year old daughter, full time job, husband I don’t want to neglect and the occasion forays outside to actually run, bike, referee soccer or take ‘lil q swimming, I really don’t have a lot of time to write. Fifty thousand words takes a while to write and write well. (And let’s be real, 50K is short for me. The shortest of my books, Purpose, is 80K) If I limit myself to just stories over fifty thousand, it tends to be a while between books. The release of A Closed Door, my story in Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust, was one day shy of a year since my last book - Purpose came out.
Writing A Closed Door, I was reminded of my writing professor. She used to chide me that I was always trying to write a novel, but had no time for anything. She kept encouraging me to try to write things under ten thousand words and submit them for publication. Of all her works, and she had at least a hundred stories of various sizes published, she was proudest of her short stories. Hopefully I was a better student learning how to write than I was when it came to how long of story to write.
A Closed Door has no magic, no wizards, no swords, no shifters, and no sex. It’s about two people Orin—the main character—and Thomas—his one time best friend, come gay basher in chief—trying to cope with loss and their past. When writing this story, I found that if I focused on just the characters and not a complicated plot or world building or defining super/special powers, I could write something worth reading in less than twenty thousand words. If you get a chance to read it, I hope you’ll feel the same way.
Blurb:
Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology, by Wayward Ink Publishing.
We’ve all loved.
We’ve all laughed.
Sadly, we’ve also probably all known loss in one form or another.
And, yes, we at Wayward Ink are sure we’ve all experienced lust!
In Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust, you’ll experience one or more of the “L”s as we take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Whether you like to sigh over the sweet, cry for the broken-hearted, enjoy a good laugh, or get a little hot and bothered, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
A Closed Door; by Andrew Q. Gordon
Orin Merritt left home after high school hoping to escape the hell his life had become since he’d been outted at thirteen. When a tornado destroys his childhood home and kill his parents, Orin finds a new kind of hell. Blaming himself for failing the two people who always loved and supported him, he returns home and confronts his past in the person of his one time best friend, Thomas Kennett. Thomas not only rejected Orin when he came out, he led the group that caused him to leave. As he struggles to deal with his grief , he tried to fulfill a pledge he made to his parents before their death. In the process, Orin learns that sometimes when you leave to find something, you might have left what you’re looking for behind.
Buy Links:
Giveaway:
As part of the release of the new Anthology, Wayward Ink is holding a giveaway. Just click the code below for a chance to win a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card. Two people will also win a paperback copy of the book, and three people will win a WIP USB Extension Cord and Fridge Magnet. There are 11 ways to enter and you can earn up to 20 chances to win.
About the Author:
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day and not get the shakes.
Social Media Links:
You can find his books at
Follow Andrew on his website: www.andrewqgordon.com,
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon,
On Twitter: @andrewqgordon,
Or just email him: andrewqgordon@gmail.com
LGBT Pride: A Roundtable Discussion - Week 4
This week on my blog, we’re trying something a little different. In honor of LGBT Pride month, I am among a great group of panelists who will be hosting a month long discussion about Pride, LGBT Youth, Allies, and more. Our panelists are a diverse group of readers, writers, and supporters of gay fiction, including Larry Benjamin, Rick Bettencourt, Brandilyn Carpenter, Rob Colton, Andrew Q Gordon, Lane Hayes, Debbie McGowan, and Brandon Shire. Each week, two people will answer two questions related LGBT pride, rights, and related topics. We will also be giveaway free copies of eBooks by our participating authors and an Amazon gift card. You can enter on the RC below. There are special entries for each week of June, so don’t miss out on those.
This week’s discussion is hosted by Rick Bettencourt and Lane Hayes.
About our Panelists
Larry Benjamin: Bronx-born wordsmith Larry Benjamin, is the author of the gay novels, Unbroken, and What Binds Us and the short story collection Damaged Angels. Larry will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @WriterLarry
Website: http://www.larrybenjamin.com
Rick Bettencourt: Rick Bettencourt is the author of NOT SURE BOYS, PAINTING WITH WINE and TIM ON BROADWAY. Rick hates to cook, and can often be seen eating out. He lives in the Tampa Bay area, with his husband and their dog, Bandit. Rick will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014
Twitter: @rbettenc
Website: http://rickbettencourt.wordpress.com/
Brandilyn Carpenter: Brandilyn is the odd duck in this group. She owns an LGBTQ fiction focused review blog, Prism Book Alliance, and is the married mother of 3 young children. She is an advocate for equal rights and tirelessly promotes the gay fiction genre. Brandilyn will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014
Twitter: @BrandilynRC
Website: http://www.prismbookalliance.com
Rob Colton: Rob Colton is a software developer by day, and avid reader of romance novels at night. A romantic at heart, he loves stories that feature big, burly men who find true love and happy endings. Rob will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014
Twitter: @robcub32
Website: http://robcolton.com/
Andrew Q Gordon: Andrew Q. Gordon lives in the DC Metro area with his husband and 2 year old daughter. While he enjoys most types of fiction, his current works include MM Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary Fiction. Andrew will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @AndrewQGordon
Website: http://andrewqgordon.com/
Lane Hayes: Lane Hayes is a M/M author, 2013 Rainbow Award finalist for her first release Better Than Good, designer, reader, lover of chocolate, red wine & clever people. Lane will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014
Twitter: @LaneHayes3
Website: http://lanehayes.wordpress.com/
Debbie McGowan: Debbie McGowan is based in Lancashire, England. She writes character-driven fiction, runs an independent publishing company, and lectures in social science. Sometimes she sleeps, too! Debbie will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @writerdebmcg
Website: http://www.debbiemcgowan.co.uk
Brandon Shire: Brandon Shire writes fiction about human intimacy and interactions. He loves chocolate and is a staunch advocate for homeless LGBT youth. Brandon will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @thebrandonshire
Website: http://brandonshire.com
Giveaway
Prizes (4 winners):
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire, & eBook Not Sure Boys by Rick Bettencourt
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Painting with Wine by Rick Bettencourt, & eBook from Andrew Q Gordon’s backlist
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Unbroken by Larry Benjamin, & eBook Champagne by Debbie McGowen
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook from Rob Colton’s backlist, & eBook from Lane Hayes’ backlist
June 17, 2014
Noah's New Plan: Chapter 31
Here is Chapter 31 of my free Wednesday Briefs story, Noah’s New Plan.
Be sure to check out the Wednesday Briefs web site for more free fiction from my fellow authors.
Noah bit back a surprised gasp as Eli pulled him up and tossed him onto his back. He spread his legs eagerly as Eli settled between them.
His eyes fluttered shut when Eli’s lips touched his stomach. He was on the verge of panting, anticipating what was to come. Eli pressed a trail of kisses up Noah’s chest and neck, then his chin.
"Wrong way," Noah muttered. He gave Eli’s shoulder a gentle nudge, trying to direct him back down.
Eli’s cell phone rang again, the vibrations harsh against the smooth surface of the wooden nightstand.
They’d ignored earlier when it went off, just as Eli was coming in Noah’s mouth.
Eli lowered himself onto Noah and kissed him, his tongue sliding inside Noah’s mouth to languidly explore.
He pulled back slightly to whisper, “I can taste myself on your lips.”
Not so long ago, those words would have set Noah blushing with embarrassment. After these passionate months with Eli, it only made him hotter.
"Why don’t you taste me now?" he whispered back. He pushed his hips up, grinding his dripping erection into Eli’s fuzzy stomach while also giving Eli’s head another nudge, this time a little more insistent.
"This what you want?" Eli asked as he kissed, licked, and nibbled a trail down Noah’s neck, down the middle of his chest.
"Yes," Noah pleaded desperately. His hands moved to the top of Eli’s shaved head, applying pressure while pressing his hips up, trying to angle his dick toward Eli’s mouth.
"Someone’s hot for it tonight."
"Eli, please."
Eli snickered. He kissed Noah’s belly button. “Please what?”
The head of Noah’s dick pressed against the bottom of Eli’s chin. The sharp whiskers of his chin bit the sensitive skin and Noah shuddered. “Please suck me. I want you so—”
Eli’s phone rang again. The third time in ten minutes.
When Noah felt Eli’s weight shift, he wanted to cry. He sat up on his elbows. “No, leave it.”
Eli stretched out and picked up the phone. “It’s my mom.”
Noah sighed and flopped back on the bed. He wondered if he might die from a severe case of blue balls. Cockblocked by the mom.
"Hello?" Eli sat up, swinging his legs over the bed.
A wicked grin spread across Noah’s face. He moved up behind Eli and began kissing the back of the man’s neck. He wrapped his arms around the big barrel chest and scratched his fingers through the fur he found there.
Eli didn’t respond the way Noah was hoping. As his body went rigid, Noah pulled back.
"We’ll be there… We’re leaving now." Eli hung up the phone.
Noah slipped off the bed so he could see Eli’s face. “What’s wrong?”
It took a moment for Eli to focus on Noah. “It’s my dad. He’s had a heart attack.”
* * * *
They found Sheila Holmes waiting in the emergency room.
"Mom."
Sheila stood as Eli scooped her in his arms and hugged her tight. When she finally pulled away from Eli, Noah gave her a hug. She held onto him tightly and Noah just let her hold on as long as she wanted to.
"Have you heard anything?" Eli asked.
"No." Sheila shook her head. She sniffled, then wiped her nose with a handkerchief.
"I’ll be right back."
Noah took her hand and the two sat down.
She smiled at Noah, polite though she had no reason to be smiling right now. “Thank you for coming out.”
"Of course. Where else would we be right now?"
Noah squeezed Martha’s hand. He glanced over at Eli, talking with the nurse at the triage desk, then turned back to Martha.
Where else would he be indeed?
* * * *
It was a long wait before the doctor had the test results.
In the end it was what he called a “mild episode,” much to the relief of everyone. It could have been far worse. Still, it meant John was going to have make some changes. He needed to start eating healthier, cut back on the drinking and the cigars. With a dedicated wife like Sheila, Noah was positive those changes would be implemented and John would stick with them, whether he liked it or not.
The doctor wanted to keep Eli’s father in the hospital overnight. They all decided to head home for the night, then return in the morning.
"Stay with me tonight," Eli whispered when they got back in the truck.
Noah reached over and grabbed Eli’s hand. “Of course. No way would I leave you tonight.”
Abruptly, Eli turned and grabbed Noah’s face in his hands. His kiss was hard, bordering on desperate. When Eli ended the kiss, he made no move to break apart from Noah. Noah could feel him trembling. He wondered if maybe this was the first time Eli had come close to losing someone so close to him.
Eli’s voice cracked. “I love you, baby.”
"I love you, too, Eli."
"I want you to stay with me. Not just tonight."
"Eli… Are you asking me to move in with you?"
June 15, 2014
LGBT Pride: A Roundtable Discussion - Week 3
This week on my blog, we’re trying something a little different. In honor of LGBT Pride month, I am among a great group of panelists who will be hosting a month long discussion about Pride, LGBT Youth, Allies, and more. Our panelists are a diverse group of readers, writers, and supporters of gay fiction, including Larry Benjamin, Rick Bettencourt, Brandilyn Carpenter, Rob Colton, Andrew Q Gordon, Lane Hayes, Debbie McGowan, and Brandon Shire. Each week, two people will answer two questions related LGBT pride, rights, and related topics. We will also be giveaway free copies of eBooks by our participating authors and a Amazon gift card. You can enter on the RC below. There are special entries for each week of June, so don’t miss out on those.
Please join in the discussion in the comments. You can gain entries into the giveaway, but more importantly, you can be part of a important and fun discussion. Though only 2 panelists will be posting each week, we will all be joining the discussion.
This Week’s Discussion
What was the first gay pride event you attended? How did going make you feel?
The first gay pride event I attended was in Savannah, Georgia in 2004. Back then, my relationship with Douglas was still pretty new. What I remember most is the feeling of camaraderie. We were among friends and we were free to be ourselves. Free to hold hands in the streets and not be judged. Oh yeah, the headliner for Savannah Pride that year was none other than RuPaul! It was a weekend I’ll never forget.
Marriage equality has been achieved in 19 states and DC and 11 (now 12 with Wisconsin) more have had their bans overturned in court and are on appeal. How do you think Marriage Equality has affected the LGBT community?
On a personal note, the marriage equality wins allowed me to get married. I married my partner in Washington DC in 2013, on the day of our ten year anniversary. It was something that I never thought would happen in my lifetime. In the way that the marriage equality wins have given me and my husband hope, I think they have done the same for the entire LGBT population.
As more celebrities, athletes, and every day people come out, we are seeing more and more support from straight allies. These allies are fighting for our rights just as strongly as we are. Though we certainly have a long way to go until we have complete acceptance and equality, I feel the LGBT population has never been bigger, and never been stronger. We’ve come together for equality and we won’t stop until our marriages are recognized across the entire United States of America.
About our Panelists
Larry Benjamin: Bronx-born wordsmith Larry Benjamin, is the author of the gay novels, Unbroken, and What Binds Us and the short story collection Damaged Angels. Larry will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @WriterLarry
Website: http://www.larrybenjamin.com
Rick Bettencourt: Rick Bettencourt is the author of NOT SURE BOYS, PAINTING WITH WINE and TIM ON BROADWAY. Rick hates to cook, and can often be seen eating out. He lives in the Tampa Bay area, with his husband and their dog, Bandit. Rick will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014
Twitter: @rbettenc
Website: http://rickbettencourt.wordpress.com/
Brandilyn Carpenter: Brandilyn is the odd duck in this group. She owns an LGBTQ fiction focused review blog, Prism Book Alliance, and is the married mother of 3 young children. She is an advocate for equal rights and tirelessly promotes the gay fiction genre. Brandilyn will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014
Twitter: @BrandilynRC
Website: http://www.prismbookalliance.com
Rob Colton: Rob Colton is a software developer by day, and avid reader of romance novels at night. A romantic at heart, he loves stories that feature big, burly men who find true love and happy endings. Rob will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014 Twitter: @robcub32 Website: http://robcolton.com/
Andrew Q Gordon: Andrew Q. Gordon lives in the DC Metro area with his husband and 2 year old daughter. While he enjoys most types of fiction, his current works include MM Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary Fiction. Andrew will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @AndrewQGordon
Website: http://andrewqgordon.com/
Lane Hayes: Lane Hayes is a M/M author, 2013 Rainbow Award finalist for her first release Better Than Good, designer, reader, lover of chocolate, red wine & clever people. Lane will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014
Twitter: @LaneHayes3
Website: http://lanehayes.wordpress.com/
Debbie McGowan: Debbie McGowan is based in Lancashire, England. She writes character-driven fiction, runs an independent publishing company, and lectures in social science. Sometimes she sleeps, too! Debbie will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @writerdebmcg
Website: http://www.debbiemcgowan.co.uk
Brandon Shire: Brandon Shire writes fiction about human intimacy and interactions. He loves chocolate and is a staunch advocate for homeless LGBT youth. Brandon will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @thebrandonshire
Website: http://brandonshire.com
Giveaway
Prizes (4 winners):
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire, & eBook Not Sure Boys by Rick Bettencourt
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Painting with Wine by Rick Bettencourt, & eBook from Andrew Q Gordon’s backlist
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Unbroken by Larry Benjamin, & eBook Champagne by Debbie McGowen
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook from Rob Colton’s backlist, & eBook from Lane Hayes’ backlist
June 11, 2014
Enforcer: New Book Release!
Enforcer: Timber Pack Chronicles Book II is now available in eBook and Paperback!
Jed Stone suffers in silence, damaged and poisoned from his fight with the rogue wolf. But he puts on a smile and does his duty, making sure his Timber Pack mates are safe.
Buzz Hinske belongs to a traditional lycan pack. Challenges and violence seem to be their way of life. Forced into hiding his true nature and feelings, Buzz obeys his alpha without question.
When they come together at the annual Lycan Conclave, Jed is elated to find his destined mate. Unfortunately, Buzz has already been promised to another…
If Jed wants to build a life with Buzz, he’ll have to overcome power-hungry challengers, hunters, and rival packs. But first, he has to convince his scared and confused mate two men can be destined to spend their lives together.
Timber Pack Chronicles Book 2
Published by Rob Colton
First Edition ©2014
204 Pages
Cover Art by Slumberus
Available in eBook from:
Amazon.com and Kindle Store
BarnesAndNoble.com and Nook Store
Google Play Books App and Store
Kobo Books Store - coming soon
Available in Paperback from:
Amazon.com (includes free ebook version with Kindle MatchBook)
June 9, 2014
LGBT Pride: A Roundtable Discussion - Week 2
In honor of LGBT Pride month, I am among a great group of panelists who will be hosting a month long discussion about Pride, LGBT Youth, Allies, and more.
Our panelists are a diverse group of readers, writers, and supporters of gay fiction, including Larry Benjamin, Rick Bettencourt, Brandilyn Carpenter, Rob Colton, Andrew Q Gordon, Lane Hayes, Debbie McGowan, and Brandon Shire. Each week, two people will answer two questions related to LGBT pride, rights, and related topics.
We will also be giveaway free copies of eBooks by our participating authors and a Amazon gift card. You can enter at the RaffleCopter link below. There are special entries for each week of June, so don’t miss out on those.
This week, Larry Benjamin and Brandon Shire answer questions on their blogs. Please check them out and comment for a chance to win!
Larry Benjamin: http://authorlarrybenjamin.blogspot.com/2014/06/gay-pride-month-virtual-roundtable.html
Brandon Shire: http://brandonshire.com/challenges-for-the-future-of-lgbt-rights/
About our Panelists
Larry Benjamin: Bronx-born wordsmith Larry Benjamin, is the author of the gay novels, Unbroken, and What Binds Us and the short story collection Damaged Angels. Larry will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @WriterLarry
Website: http://www.larrybenjamin.com
Rick Bettencourt: Rick Bettencourt is the author of NOT SURE BOYS, PAINTING WITH WINE and TIM ON BROADWAY. Rick hates to cook, and can often be seen eating out. He lives in the Tampa Bay area, with his husband and their dog, Bandit. Rick will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014
Twitter: @rbettenc
Website: http://rickbettencourt.wordpress.com/
Brandilyn Carpenter: Brandilyn is the odd duck in this group. She owns an LGBTQ fiction focused review blog, Prism Book Alliance, and is the married mother of 3 young children. She is an advocate for equal rights and tirelessly promotes the gay fiction genre. Brandilyn will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014
Twitter: @BrandilynRC
Website: http://www.prismbookalliance.com
Rob Colton: Rob Colton is a software developer by day, and avid reader of romance novels at night. A romantic at heart, he loves stories that feature big, burly men who find true love and happy endings. Rob will be hosting the discussion starting 16 June 2014
Twitter: @robcub32
Website: http://robcolton.com/
Andrew Q Gordon: Andrew Q. Gordon lives in the DC Metro area with his husband and 2 year old daughter. While he enjoys most types of fiction, his current works include MM Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary Fiction. Andrew will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @AndrewQGordon
Website: http://andrewqgordon.com/
Lane Hayes: Lane Hayes is a M/M author, 2013 Rainbow Award finalist for her first release Better Than Good, designer, reader, lover of chocolate, red wine & clever people. Lane will be hosting the discussion starting 23 June 2014 Twitter:
@LaneHayes3
Website: http://lanehayes.wordpress.com/
Debbie McGowan: Debbie McGowan is based in Lancashire, England. She writes character-driven fiction, runs an independent publishing company, and lectures in social science. Sometimes she sleeps, too! Debbie will be hosting the discussion starting 2 June 2014
Twitter: @writerdebmcg
Website: http://www.debbiemcgowan.co.uk
Brandon Shire: Brandon Shire writes fiction about human intimacy and interactions. He loves chocolate and is a staunch advocate for homeless LGBT youth. Brandon will be hosting the discussion starting 9 June 2014
Twitter: @thebrandonshire
Website: http://brandonshire.com
Giveaway
Prizes (4 winners):
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire, & eBook Not Sure Boys by Rick Bettencourt
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Painting with Wine by Rick Bettencourt, & eBook from Andrew Q Gordon’s backlist
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook Unbroken by Larry Benjamin, & eBook Champagne by Debbie McGowen
$ 10 Amazon GC, eBook from Rob Colton’s backlist, & eBook from Lane Hayes’ backlist
