Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 40
September 24, 2014
Author Interview: Will Parkinson – Wet Paint Blog Tour and Giveaway
Author Interview: Will Parkinson
About a year ago I had the chance to ‘met’ Will Parkinson when he’d released his first novel – Pitch. So when the chance to be part of the Wet Paint blog tour came up, I took it. This time, I got him to ‘sit down’ and answer a few questions about himself, writing and of course his latest release. There’s a video trailer for the book, an excerpt and a giveaway so keep reading until the end for a chance to enter.
Welcome Will, though most people know you, why don’t you start by telling everyone a bit about yourself anyway?
I live in Milwaukee, WI with my four dogs, three cats, and one husband. For the entirety of my fifty years on the planet, I have lived within ten miles of my birth city.
When did you first start writing and what made you want to be a writer?
I began writing as a teen. As I began to understand my sexuality, I wrote stories about gay teens who fell in love with Mr. Right and overcame adversity to fall in love. I was so deep in the closet at the time, I couldn’t show them to anyone. The first story I thought I could show was about a science experiment gone wrong and a beast who ate all of my science class. If someone were to write this story today, they’d probably be arrested.
I took it to my father who, without even opening it, said ‘what are you wasting your time on this shit for? It’s never going to amount to anything.’ I was so hurt and upset, I took everything I ever wrote, threw it in a box, and stopped writing for many years. Eden Winter reminded me that stories don’t go away and need to come out.
Wet Paint, is the follow up to Pitch. Where did the inspiration for Benny and Addy come from?
Benny was Taylor’s best friend. He was the protector, the brick wall you had to get through to get to Taylor. As my friends read the story, they kept asking if Benny was going to have a tale of his own. He wasn’t supposed to. He was only going to be the straight best friend and that was it. Then Addy came onto the scene and everything changed.
Wet Paint is Benny’s story – tell us a bit about the book?
In Pitch, Benny and Taylor go to summer camp as peer counselors for abused youth. Addy is their camper. He’s surly, unhappy, and wants to be left alone. That doesn’t happen. Taylor shows Addy a new way to channel his hurt, and Addy opens up to them a little and tells them some of what happened to him at his father’s hands. Benny begins walking with Addy, prompting him to talk. Addy begins to develop feelings for Benny, and then one day he decides to tell Benny how he feels.
Addy has had a rough start to his life, what made you write about this subject?
Addy was another character who was supposed to be a one-off. He was going to be at Camp Care and get Taylor to realize some things about himself. Yet as he came onto the page, he took on a life of his own, and became someone who Benny would come to care for.
Tell us something interesting that isn’t in the blurb?
Benny is a vegan, like me. Several of the places they visit in Wet Paint are actual places in Milwaukee – Babe’s Ice Cream, Classic Slice Pizza, and the Pfister Hotel are all real and I have a connection to each of them. (Love the shakes at Babe’s, delight in the pizza at Classic Slice, and used to work at the hotel.)
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Fleshing out the characters. Finding their quirks, their talents, and what makes them real.
What’s your least favorite?
Edits. Ick.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
I write under two pen names (Will Parkinson does young adult and Parker Williams does the adult stuff). I wrote ‘Damian’s Discipline’ with K.C. Wells which comes out next month from Dreamspinner Press, and turned over a story to my editor called ‘Protector of the Alpha’, which will be a self-published tale.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
The Pulp Friction series from Laura Harner, Tom Webb, Lee Brazil, and the delightful Havan Fellows. Each of them take their characters and put them in a place (this year is Arizona) where they interact with one another. It’s fascinating watching the world unfold. Apparently I’m going to be writing with them next year.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Oddly I’ve met most of the writers I’ve gawked over. There are a few, K-lee Klein for example, I’d love to be able to sit down and talk for hours about shifters.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
I own Pride-Promotions, an LGBT book promotion service. Most days I answer mails, set up tours, do graphics, and then write. Occasionally I might go to a movie (one of the benefits of working at the hotel for 25 years is a lifetime movie pass that gets me in for a buck.)
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy? I love learning new things. One of them is making movies on my new Mac. I’m not that great at it yet, but I’m learning. My favorite one is a video for Wet Paint that can be seen here:
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
Don’t give up on your dreams. I cannot say you’ll ever achieve them, but I do know that if you stop trying for them, you’ve failed yourself. I’m grateful to Andrew for giving me an opportunity to talk with you, and hope you’ll always pass on kindness to another person who might be in need.
Blurb:
Although Addy’s heart and body bear the scars from his life before he was adopted by the Deans, he’s ached for something he thought he would never find. Until he met Benny. He isn’t sure how anyone can care for someone as broken as he is, even though he wants it desperately.
High school senior Benny Peters has his whole life planned out for him, until a chaste kiss at summer camp opens a new world of possibilities. Determined to erase Addy’s insecurities, Benny works to take away his boyfriend’s pain and replace it with love.
When Addy’s past intrudes on their future, it’s going to take everything Benny can muster to show that no matter what – or who – they face, they belong together.
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Sales Links:
E-book: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5417
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5418
Excerpt:
ADDY SAT in the car, worry creasing his brow. Not even an hour ago, he’d been so happy. Why was he so nervous now? His thoughts drifted back to his conversation with his dad. Would Benny still want him when he found out what had happened? Would he think Addy was too broken? Addy shivered. He tried to tell himself Benny would never be like that, but how could he know for sure?
“What’s up, little man? I can hear you thinking from over here.” Benny chuckled.
“Nothing, Benny. I’m okay.”
“Addy, c’mon. I can tell you’ve got something on your mind. I need to know what it is. I can’t help if you won’t let me.”
Addy took a deep breath. “I’m afraid,” he admitted. “Of what? Camp?” “No… of losing you.”
“I don’t understand. Why would you think you’d lose me?”
“Benny.” Addy sighed. “I need to tell you some stuff. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s really not going to be nice.”
Author Bio:
WILL PARKINSON believes that no matter what obstacles are thrown in the path of young love, it will always find a way to win in the end. He wants his characters to have their happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to come easily.
None of this would have happened if he had followed the advice he was given many years ago. “What are you wasting your time on that for? It’s never going to amount to anything.” He believed it for the longest time, abandoning characters he’d created in his childhood.
He picked up his very first m/m story by a writer named Eden Winters, who was an absolute joy when they corresponded. She asked him if he wrote and he told her the story. Eden explained to Will that the voices in his head would never go away and how he needed to let them out. With that thought in mind, Will put e-pen to e-paper once more. It was truly a liberating experience and one he has no intention of giving up again.
Author Contact:
Website: http://www.willparkinson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillParkinsonau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.parkinson.520
E-mail: will@willparkinson.com
Tour Dates/Stops:
9/22: Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Joyfully Jay, Velvet Panic
9/23: The Hat Party, Iyana Jenna, Rainbow Gold Reviews
9/24: Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
9/25: LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Andrew Q. Gordon
9/26: Hearts on Fire, Lee Brazil
9/29: Decadent Delights, Foxylutely Book Reviews, The Novel Approach
9/30: Jade Crystal, Wake Up Your Wild Side, MM Good Book Reviews
10/1: Cate Ashwood, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Kimi-Chan
10/2: Amanda C. Stone, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Fallen Angel Reviews
10/3: Emotion in Motion, Love Bytes
Click the Rafflecopter link for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Amazon or ARe
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check back on Friday September 26, 2014, for Lissa Kasey’s, Hidden Gem, Book Blast.
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
Cover Reveal – GRL Chicago Excerpt Book
For those of us lucky enough to get one of the coveted Supporting (me) or Featured (not me) Author places at Gay Rom Lit (GRL) – one of the perks is that we got to do an excerpt book that will be given away to all GRL participants. They can use this book to collect signatures from most of the authors in attendance.
Thanks to amazing work of of Cate Ashwood—who managed to do all the work despite not going this year AND having a just now three month son—we not only have an excerpt book for GRL, it comes with a very cool cover, which is really the point of this post.
So, with that, here is the cover(s). {Sales Note: These books are not available for sale as they are an exclusive at GRL 2014 in Chicago}
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00019]](https://andrewqgordon.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/supporting-cover_webcut.jpg)
To Chicago, With Love
Book put together by: Cate Ashwood
More than 80 of the Featured and Supporting Authors of GRL
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00019]](https://andrewqgordon.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/featured-cover-webcut.jpg)
Blurb(s):
Writing is a solitary activity, and yet authors would be useless without readers to devour the words they create. GayRomLit brings the two together; a community made up of people with different tastes and styles, from all over the world, all with one thing in common: a passion for romance.
From science fiction to urban fantasy, from historical to paranormal to contemporary, enjoy an eclectic collection of stories and excerpts from the authors attending GayRomLit 2014 in Chicago.
Tour Dates: 9/24/14
Tour Stops: Carly’s Book Reviews, Parker Williams, The Novel Approach, Angel Martinez, Amanda C. Stone, Kimber Vale, Tara Lain, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Prism Book Alliance, Andrew Q. Gordon, Cathy Brockman Romances, Jade Crystal, MM Good Book Reviews, The Blogger Girls, Foxylutely Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Queer Town Abbey, Sinfully Sexy, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Kimi-Chan, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Love Bytes, Fallen Angel Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, My Fiction Nook, SA McAuley, Iyana Jenna, Cate Ashwood
Click the Rafflecopter link below to be entered for a chance to win a $10 ARe gift card:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 23, 2014
Dakota Skies, by Taylin Clavelli – Book Tour & Giveaway
Today I get to welcome my friend and fellow Wayward Ink Publishing Author – Taylin Clavelli – to my blog. Taylin will have the distinction of having the first novel published by Wayward Ink Publishing. We’re/I’m super excited about the release so read on and learn a bit more about Taylin and her book.
Why write an American Western?
Since I can remember, I’ve loved watching westerns on TV. Champion The Wonder Horse, The Lone Ranger, and Bonanza was my Saturday morning viewing. The 1969 film True Grit was amazing, and I loved John Wayne for his ballsy acting, but mostly for his superb horsemanship. Even though I have forgotten many of the movie titles, I still remember the stars like Henry Fonda, Lorne Greene, Gene Autry, Michael Landon, Clint Eastwood, and I fell in love with Yul Brynner when I saw him in The Magnificent Seven. There are so many more I could mention, but it would end up being like a thank you speech at the Oscars where the producers would be bringing on the hook to get me offstage.
Even in the playground, I used to play cowboys and Indians instead of skipping and tag, or gossiping with the girls. In my early adulthood, I lost track of them for a while, albeit I indulged my love of horse riding. Then, Maverick came to the screen and it rekindled my love for the genre. That’s when I also watched Oklahoma and Calamity Jane. More recently, I enjoyed Cowboys and Aliens, but I was buzzing in my seat when Johnny Depp’s Lone Ranger came to the big screen. My daughter almost disowned me when the original Lone Ranger music accompanied the final sequences of the movie. I was as good as dancing in my cinema seat with a Cheshire cat grin on my face.
So, as you can see, I’ve always been a cowgirl at heart. When I started writing a few years ago, the thought of tackling a western started as a little seed, which as I spoke to my daughter about it, that seed grew and I finally started writing Dakota Skies. I’ve also been to a working ranch in Texas where I rode the trails and learned to rope and shoot.
As far as writing an American Western, it’s the only thing that made sense. I guess I could figure out a plot line for a modern day UK western but given the historical genre I didn’t even consider basing it anywhere else.
Blurb:
Born in the wrong time…
In 1875 Dakota, Sheriff Jamie Carter has to hide his interest in men, even from his gutsy twin sister, Anna. On a good day, the truth can mean a bullet between the eyes, and on a bad, one in the back.
A man on a mission…
Jamie leaves Anna in charge of Blackrock and he hits the bounty hunting trail, along with his faithful equine companion, Houston. Five territories, scores of ‘Wanted’ posters, and many bullets later, his path unexpectedly converges with that of enigmatic loner, Kit Brooks.
Two men with one soul…
Will the smoldering fire between them rage into an inferno and break down protective barriers, allowing them to find love? Or will it separate and kill them?
Beneath Dakota skies…
Jamie and Kit’s story is a sweeping saga of cowboys, Indians, persistent broads, and vengeful villains, where the cowboys aren’t always the good guys, and love can’t be taken for granted.
Book trailer:
Buy the book:
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/dakota-skies/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NHPMJ7C/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NHPMJ7C/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dakota-skies-taylin-clavelli/1120358729?ean=9781925222036
About the author:
Taylin Clavelli lives in the United Kingdom, about 15 miles south of Birmingham, and a short journey from the world famous Cadbury’s Chocolate factory. She’s married with children and loves her family with all her heart.
Her love of books has been a long standing affair, with Taylin liking nothing better than to lose herself in an imaginary world.
Until she met Lily Velden, she never considered trying her hand at writing. However, after talking ideas, Lily encouraged her to put pen to paper—or rather, fingers to keyboard. Since, with a few virtual kicks in the right place, she hasn’t stopped. Her confidence eventually led to her writing an original work for submission.
Her first published work was Boys, Toys, and Carpet Fitters, developed for the Dreamspinner Press Anthology – Don’t Try This At Home.
Now she absolutely adores immersing herself into the characters she creates, and transferring the pictures in her brain to paper, finding it liberating, therapeutic, and wonderful.
Outside of writing, her interests include; martial arts (she’s a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-do), horse-riding, all of which facilitates her love of a wide variety of movies. Her action heroes include Jet Li and Tony Jaa—finding the dedication these men have for their art combined with their skill both amazing and a privilege to watch. If pressed, she’ll admit to thinking that the screen entrance of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl, and Shadowfax in LOTR, to be the greatest screen entrances ever. Her all-time favorite movies are Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.
The simple things in life that make her day, putting a smile on her face are:
Laughter – especially that of her children.
The smell of lasagna cooking – it makes her mouth salivate.
The dawn chorus – no symphony ever written can beat the waking greetings of the birds.
Social Media links:
Website: http://www.taylinclavelli.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005234535413
Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylinclavelli
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below to be entered for a chance to win one of several prizes, including – A Paperback copy of Dakota Skies, an eCopy of Dakota Skies, 3 Dakota Skies swag packs, and a $25.00 Amazon gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ashes of Life – The Paperback
As I’ve mentioned a few times, Ashes of Life is a story I wrote for the Love’s Landscape edition of Don’t Read in the Closet (DRitC) sponsored by the Goodreads MM Romance group. It was released on July 31, 2014 and is available for download from the MM Romance Group or on my website. (Just click the ‘Free Downloads” tab above. ↑)
And now it’s available in paperback! Yep, the book is in print and available for purchase. You can still read it for free in eBook format, but for those that would like a paperback, that’s now an option. You can buy it from the Createspace eStore or from Amazon.
Buy Links:
Createspace:
Amazon:
Ashes of Life, by Andrew Q. Gordon
When Sergeant Thane asked his best friend and second in command, to go riding, he had no idea how much his life would change. Whisked away by his horse to a forest that shouldn’t exist and hears a cry for help. Answering the plea, Thane releases a phoenix—Eraq—from his centuries long imprisonment. Eraq’s first act of freedom is to claim Thane as his own. But the phoenix is more than he appears. A mage-shifter, Eraq sets his sights on the man who answered his call for help. Thane returns the interest despite learning that his act of liberation has set in motion events that will change the world. When he learns his relationship with Eraq places him at the center of events beyond his understanding, Thane refuses to abandon the man he’s come to love. Even as it hurtles him toward certain death.
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
Wayward Ink Publishing
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
Follow Andrew:
On his website: www.andrewqgordon.com,
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon,
On Twitter: @andrewqgordon,
Or just email him: andrewqgordon@gmail.com
September 22, 2014
New Release: Driving Into the Sun, by Dev Bentham
Driving into the Sun, by Dev Bentham: Book Blast & Giveaway:
Blurb:
Bad choices. We all make them, some more than others. Dusty’s choices have left him unemployed, broke and practically homeless. Despite the major issues he has with his family, his only rational choice is to sell everything and move into his parents’ basement. At thirty. Looking for a ride west, he answers a phone ad. The voice at the other end of the line flows like dark, rich honey. Finally something to look forward to—listening to Joe’s voice all the way from Illinois to Idaho.
Rather than the hip crooner of Dusty’s fantasies, Joe turns out to look more like a panhandler. Is that because Joe dresses down, or are Dusty’s preconceptions about Native Americans clouding his vision? Joe is silent more often than not. He has a complicated past and still has amends to make. But he is ready to move on. Dusty feels trapped. Two damaged men, one small car driving two thousand miles into the sun—sometimes things need to break down before they can get fixed.
Publisher: Loose Id
Cover Artist: Fiona Jaycee
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23123831-driving-into-the-sun
Sales Links:
Loose ID:
Excerpt:
When Joe finished with the hand, he put his fingers under Dusty’s chin and tipped his face toward the light. His touch was gentle, like a lover right before a first kiss. Dusty’s lips opened as he stared up into Joe’s dark brown eyes. Joe’s gaze flicked to Dusty’s mouth, then away. He wet some gauze and began dabbing at Dusty’s cheek. Dusty had forgotten about scrape on his face. Now it stung. So much for the moment before a kiss. He bit the inside of his lip to keep from pulling away.
“Don’t worry.” Joe’s voice was soft, amused. “This won’t scar your handsome face.”
Dusty rolled his eyes. Handsome was about the last thing he’d call himself tonight. Still, he found himself smiling at the thought.
Author Bio:
Dev Bentham writes soulful m/m romance. Her characters are flawed and damaged adult men who may not even know what they are missing, but whose lives are transformed by true love.
Author Contact:
email: devbentham@yahoo.com
website: www.devbentham.com
Tour Dates: 9/23/14
Tour Stops: Carly’s Book Reviews, Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, MM Good Book Reviews, Full Moon Dreaming, Love Bytes, Amanda C. Stone, Andrew Q. Gordon, Iyana Jenna, Smoocher’s Voice, Fallen Angel Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, Prism Book Alliance, Michael Mandrake, , Queer Town Abbey, Dawn’s Reading Nook, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Cathy Brockman Romances, Cate Ashwood
Click the Rafflecopter link below to be entered to win an eCopy of copies of Driving into the Sun:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check back on Wednesday September 24, 2014, when Taylin Clavelli stops by to talk about her new release, Dakota Skies.
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
A Picture is Worth . . .
Just a few pictures to get us through the month. ‘lil q turns three this month – dag, do I feel old. But she is a big girl – ask her, she’ll tell you. But baby do grow up so we bought her a new set of furniture for her room, allowed her friends to come over and play without their parents and started her on a new tumble class to help her develop her coordination. Busy month, but if you have children, you know three year olds are a bundle of energy.
Here are a few pictures from the first couple weeks.
September 21, 2014
New Release – Love and the Real Boy, by J.K. Hogan Tour and Giveaway
One of the fun things about being a Pride Promotion blog, is getting to interview authors I’ve never met before. Today is one of those days. So please welcome J.K. Hogan to the blog and find out a bit more about her and her new release – Love and the Real Boy.
Welcome, J.K., why don’t you start by telling everyone a bit about yourself.
I’m a pretty simple girl, really. I live with my husband and our almost two year old son (and our two dogs and one cat) in the rural southern ‘burbs. I love writing, it keeps me sane. I squeeze it in between toddler gym and meals with the fam, and I get my best ideas while driving. I’m also an unrepentant book whore, so I do a lot of supporting of my fellow authors! I’m a contraction in terms, being a country girl who enjoys things like horseback riding, camping, and recreational shooting (I’ve even been known to pick up a bow), I’m also an outspoken liberal democrat and marriage equality activist. People always look at me funny when they hear that stuff, but what can I say? I’m an enigma. ;-)
Talk a bit about your latest book Love and the Real Boy.
This book is about a cold, angry young man who’s been let down by everyone in his life, including the guy he thought he was in love with. The book delves into his past from his drug addicted mother to trying to survive the child welfare system. Along the way, he meets a man who sees past all of his rage and pain to the man underneath. Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
Did you need to do much research to write your book or did you have a working knowledge of sailboats before you started Love and the Real Boy?
Both, actually. I grew up on a large lake (we always lived on the waterfront) and we were constantly going back and forth to the coast. My dad being a recreational fisherman, we always had motor boats. I learned how to drive a boat when I was just a little kid, and boats have always been as much a part of my life as cars. I’m very at home on the water.
On the other hand, my family wasn’t really into sailing, although I saw it happening around me a lot living on the lake. The closest I ever got was tagging a ride on my parents’ windsurfer. I’ve been sailing several times, but just as a passenger. I’d really love to have my own sailboat someday.
The main research I had to do was about the repair and restoration of the sailboat, which the plot was centered around.
Where did the inspiration for Rich and Patrick come from?
Honestly, Rich wasn’t supposed to be anybody. He was a foil for the main character in the previous book, I Survived Seattle, and when I created him, I had no intention of him getting his own book. As I moving towards the end of I Survived Seattle, I started wondering what would cause him to act the way he did—and then he started speaking to me. I knew at that point his redemption would have to be a part of it, because no one would be able to get behind him as the hero in his own story if it wasn’t. Listening to him kind of changed the whole trajectory of the series arc.
Patrick took longer to come to me. I started dissecting Rich’s past, figuring out his behavior and what he really needed. The answer was someone didn’t depend on him, but who he could lean on—and also someone who wouldn’t take his shit like everyone else did. After that, Patrick was ‘born,’ so to speak.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
Definitely the rugby scene. Rich gets dragged to Sunday dinner with Patrick’s huge, loud Irish family—two parents, five brothers, a sister, various spouses, and kids, oh my! They end up having an impromptu rugby scrum in the back yard, and the boys are out for blood! I only had a basic knowledge of rugby so I had to enlist friends to help, but it was so fun to write.
What part made you struggle them most?
Just the overall task of redeeming Rich in the readers’ eyes. If you haven’t read I Survived Seattle, Rich did some pretty nasty things to the main characters, but I didn’t go very far into the reasoning behind it, mainly because at first even I didn’t know. I intentionally set him up to be hated, thereby creating a challenge for myself.
If I had to pick a scene, it would be the one where Rich has his big meltdown and finally allows himself to grieve over his past. I don’t want to say too much and ruin it, but it was really emotionally draining to write.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
The USS Lady Washington, one of the ships that ‘played’ the HMS interceptor in the Pirates of the Caribbean, makes a cameo in the last chapter.
I was actually able to ride one of the other ships used as the Interceptor, the HMS Bounty, on my honeymoon. She was unfortunately sunk in a hurricane a few years later.
Have you ever based characters on anyone you know?
LOL. *shifty eyes* Um, yes… No main characters, though, just secondary characters. When you have to make up a lot of random people that don’t have very big parts, sometimes it’s easier to draw from real life. Hell, I even used my own description for one of the fatalities in my first novel. It’s also a good way to blow of some steam over someone I don’t like. An unfortunate former coworker may have made a brief, annoying appearance in my third book.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Dialogue. I love slipping into the different character’s minds and figuring out how they would react in a conversation. It’s a real challenge to give each one a distinct voice and to take my own out of it. It’s fun, and I get the opportunity sometimes to ‘say’ things that I wouldn’t necessarily say in polite company. ;-) I’ve been told I’m pretty good at it, but I’ll let y’all be the judge.
What’s your least favorite?
Anything that’s not part of the actual creating of the story, like writing blurbs, and editing. I’m also not a fan of outlines, or synopses…Basically I just want to sit down and play with my imaginary friends. LOL
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
Well of course I’m working on book 3 in the Coming About series. I won’t say much about that one yet except we’ll get to see all our old friends from the first two books again in some capacity.
I’m also working on something a little different for me: it’s sort of an m/m romantic suspense crime thriller with a light paranormal element. I know it’s kind of a weird concept, there being varying degrees of paranormal, but since there are certain paranormal things that are commonly believed to exist in our real-life society—like psychics, ghosts, and such—it makes sense to me. So this story could probably be enjoyed by those who wouldn’t normally read paranormal. Keep an eye on my website http://www.jkhogan.com for more news.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
Release by A.M. Sexton (another pen name of Marie Sexton). It’s a dark, dystopian fantasy and it’s just incredibly written and so imaginative. I wish I could world-build like her!
I also just read Glitterland by Alexis Hall and it was freaking amazing.
As far as outside the m/m genre, I’ve been reading a lot of H.G. Wells lately. If you haven’t read The Time Machine or the Island of Dr. Moreau, you should.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Gah, how rude! How could I pick just one? I’ve been lucky to meet quite a few of the authors I love, especially after going to GRL.
I would love to pick Michael Crichton’s brain, or meet Peter Benchley (Jaws). I’d also love to chat with Larissa Ione, who was my inspiration while writing my m/f paranormals.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
Doing something with the hubs and the kiddo, like going to the park or taking a stroll. If I’m not writing, I’m usually mothering. LOL
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
Going to dog agility trials with my fam and friends. Hubby and I both used to compete our dogs, but since I’m usually with the kiddo now, he competes ad we watch.
If not doing that, then spending a leisurely day on the lake with my parents’ boat, or camping in the mountains.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
So last year, I went to GRL for the first time ever. I just attended as a reader so I could skulk about mingle and stalk chat up my favorite authors. My motto is ‘everyone fangirls over someone.’ This year will be my first time attending—any con actually—as an author and I’m sooo nervous. I’m painfully shy in new situations but once I get comfortable, I promise I’m a hoot! So puh-lease feel free to come up and introduce yourself whether you’ve read my books or not. I’m going to try my best not to be a wallflower!
Blurb:
How much heartache can one man take before he breaks? Rich Langston asks himself that question every day.
A Seattle advertising exec who uses his designer suit and showy car like a suit of armor, Rich refuses to let the world get to him. His traumatic childhood has ruined any faith he had in people, friendship, and love. After a meltdown that led to him alienating everyone in his life, Rich agrees to help with the restoration of an antique sailboat as a form of penance.
Roped into heading up with the boat repair by his mother, marine restorer Patrick O’Dowd finds himself having to babysit a moody, spoiled rich boy with absolutely no carpentry experience. His easy-going nature is sorely tested, but he quickly realizes that things are not always what they seem; sometimes a fancy suit is nothing but an elaborate deflection from what’s real.
Through unavoidable personality clashes and fierce attraction, both Rich and Patrick explore their hidden pain and inner demons, and they end up finding with what really matters—love.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22756605-love-and-the-real-boy
Publisher: Wilde City Press
Cover Artist: JK Hogan (KHDGraphics.com)
Sales Links:
Amazon:
Wilde City Press:
Excerpt:
Rich forced himself to relax. Why shouldn’t he give his brain a little mini-vacay? He was of a stressful nature—he had to constantly stress over work, over making enough money to keep himself in suits and expensive toys to remind himself he wasn’t homeless anymore, that he wasn’t going to end up like his mother. He stressed over the wrong people finding out he was gay, while stressing that he might just go mad from lack of companionship—and that was just the tip of the crazy-berg.
Underneath it all sat his pent-up grief, anger, and guilt from his stolen childhood, cowering like a beast in the dark, a sleeping monster. That was Rich’s biggest, most constant fear—that one day he would no longer be able to contain it. What would happen then? Would he lose his mind?
So all things considered, why shouldn’t he just let it go for one night? What was wrong with letting a big, burly Irishman take him in hand—heh—and drive the boat for a while.
Categories per the author: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Author Bio:
J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them. J.K. is hoping to one day have a little something for everyone, so she’s branched out from m/f paranormal romance and added m/m contemporary romance. Who knows what’s next?
J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives in the country with her husband and young son, a cat, and two champion agility dogs. If she isn’t on the agility field, J.K. can often be found chasing waterfalls in the mountains with her husband, or down in front at a blues concert. In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visit http://www.jkhogan.com.
Author Contact:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pintrest:
Website:
Tour Dates/Stops:
9/17: Havan Fellows
9/18: Iyana Jenna, Cathy Brockman Romances
9/19: Amanda C. Stone
9/22: Andrew Q. Gordon, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings
9/23: Prism Book Alliance,
9/24: Butterfly-O-Meter
9/25: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
9/26: Parker Williams
9/29: Cathy Brockman Romances, Nic Starr
9/30: My Fiction Nook
10/1: Romance the Night
10/2: Jade Crystal
10/3: The Hat Party
10/6: Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Regular Guys, Hot Romance
10/7: Love Bytes, Carly’s Book Reviews
10/8: Velvet Panic
10/9: Foxylutely Book Reviews
10/10: Multitasking Mommas
10/13: Queer Town Abbey
10/14: MM Good Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Link below to be entered to win an eCopy of ‘Love and the Real Boy’
Be sure to check back on Tuesday September 23, 2014, to find out more about Dev Bentham’s ‘Driving Into the Sun’
This Book Tour is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
September 17, 2014
Tidal Change, by Chris T. Kat – New Release
Andy, thank you very much for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog—again. :)
Dreamspinner Press published my new release, Tidal Change, on September 17th. Tidal Change is a shape-shifter story, but it also has fantasy/fairy tale elements because the main character, Marty, is a merman.
While I’m very fond of Marty, the book is written in third person limited, from Rick’s POV. Rick is older than Marty, with a calm, quiet nature. He is absolutely smitten with Marty, and doesn’t understand why Marty won’t take their relationship further. In a few moments of doubt, he wonders if it’s because of his limp.
After an accident, Rick has to use a cane for walking. Marty only knows Rick this way, and it never bothered him. For him, it’s no different than wearing glasses, but for Rick a lot of memories are connected to the accident. But let’s not dwell on that fact (it’s explored in the story). The cane is special to Rick because his father made it for him. Therefore, the sight of his cane always produces mixed feelings: gratefulness, but also loss.
I believe a lot of people hold an object dear because of fond memories, even if they’re bittersweet. How about you? Do you have something you can’t bear to be separated from?
Blurb:Something draws history teacher Rick Grady across the school hall to German teacher Marty Lindson. Maybe it’s their shared love of the ocean. Maybe it’s just that Marty is so hot, but maybe it’s something more—something mysterious. All Rick knows is that every time he gets close, Marty pulls away. After another cancelled date, Rick goes to Marty’s apartment to demand an explanation. And what Rick discovers blows his mind.
The ocean calls to Marty because he’s a merman. He’s been afraid to get close to Rick, not just to keep his world a secret, but because Rick is his mate. And to claim his mate would change everything about Marty. No matter how much he loves Rick, he doesn’t know if he’s ready to alter his entire life.
Buy Link:
Dreamspinner Press:
Amazon:
All Romance Ebooks:
Excerpt:
They explored the aquarium, petting the rough skin of the sharks and watching the displays of multicolored fishes. Once in a while, Rick gave Marty an uneasy glance. Was that a light humming sound emanating from him? Or maybe he was suffering from some sort of hallucinations? Hell, at one point he could have sworn Marty’s arm vibrated. But when he stared at him, Marty simply smiled and pulled him toward another exhibit, and the moment passed.
As they stood in front of the clownfish exhibit, Rick observed, “Flashy little things.”
Marty nodded but he didn’t comment on Rick’s remark. Surprised, Rick turned to his usually chatty companion and frowned. Marty’s gaze was fixed on the orange bodies striped with white as they flashed through the water, sometimes seeking shelter behind an anemone.
He nudged Marty. “Hey, what’s the wistful look for?”
Marty flinched and then tried to hide his reaction. Before Rick could address it, Marty said, “They’re pretty, aren’t they?”
“Yes, and interesting too. Did you know that all clownfish are born as males and that they’re able to change their gender to female?” Rick had been fascinated by the information he’d read on these unusual fish.
“Ah, yes, fascinating. How about getting something to eat? I’m starving.”
Rick’s stomach rumbled. He linked arms with Marty. “That’s fine. I need to sit down anyway.”
“Just no seafood,” Marty said as they made their way to the restaurant.
Rick shook his head. “Not even a bite of crab?”
Marty grimaced and pretended to retch. “Stop teasing me about it!”
“I’m not teasing you. I want to help you expand your culinary horizon.”
Marty shot him a smile. “I really appreciate your kindness, but my culinary horizon can’t take an expansion. It’s very narrow-minded and wants to stay that way.”
They had to wait to get past a crowd of people and Rick seized the moment to whisper, “How about expanding another horizon instead?”
Heat rose in Marty’s cheeks and his eyes gleamed silvery. All the sound around them receded into the background, and Rick became aware of the same odd humming he’d noted earlier. Rick bent his head, intent on kissing Marty, but Marty broke the moment with a jerk of his head.
“The restaurant is calling my name… and now there’s actually room for us to get there,” he said in a hoarse voice.
Rick sighed. He still allowed Marty to lead him through the aisles, even though his engorged cock pressed against his jeans, demanding attention. Why did Marty play hot and cold all the time? It always went like this, always. He hated that.
About the Author:
Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there’s any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks or does cross stitch.
Links:
Blog: http://christikat.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/christi_kat
GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/ChrisTKat
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisTKat
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Chris-T.-Kat/e/B008FQQH2Q
September 14, 2014
Updates, Odds and Ends and What’s Ahead
It’s been a while since I’ve done an update post, so here’s a new one.
Ashes of Life: My free read as part of the Don’t Read in the Closet event is out. So far the reviews have been good, so I’m pleased. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, it is free and available for download in PDF, ePub, and Mobi. You can get your copy here:
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/ashes-of-life-by-andrew-q-gordon/
Or you can also download a PDF version of the story from my website. Just click the Free Downloads tab above to find it.
I’m planning to use Createspace to turn it into a paperback. I hope to have it ready in a couple weeks.
Gay Rom Lit (GRL): Most of you know, but for those who don’t, I’ll be attending the Gay Rom Lit retreated as a Supporting Author. I’ve been busy trying to get a few things ready, swag, some stories to hand out, a cover of something that will be out soon and the like. What I’ve decided on is:
An •A•Q•G• drawstring bag. It will have my Avatar on it and as well as my website.
I’ve created some GRL M&Ms and I’ll have some of those at my author signing table as well.
I’ve also finished two “prequels” that I’m planning to have turned into mini books to be signed. One is for Purpose and the other for The Last Grand Master. Both will be free and will be available at my author table during the Supporting Author Book signing. Each book will have a discount code people can use to buy the book if they don’t already own it. After GRL I’ll decide how to make them available.
One thing for those who are going, the retreat is not allowing authors to sell their books directly to readers. There is a central sales vendor and I’m not planning to bring any books for ‘consignment.’ Since all of my books that are available in paperback are all from Dreamspinner Press, anyone attending the retreat who wants to get their book signed should pre-order from Dreamspinner, get the discount up front and have Dreamspinner ship it to Chicago for you. I’ll sign it there and you can take it home. Easy Squeasy Lemon Peasy. Here’s the link to pre-order:
http://dreamspinnerpress.com/blog/2014/08/15/grl-preorders/
Love Loss Laughter & Lust
New Release: (Sorta) My short story, A Closed Door, part of the Love, Loss, Laughter and Loss Anthology, will be released just prior to GRL on October 10, 2014. It will have a new cover—I’ve seen the preliminary draft and I’ll share it once it’s finalize. I’m doing a release day book blast with Pride Promotions so look for that on October 10th. I’m planning to have some post cards made with the cover that I’ll have with me at GRL.
Free Friday Fiction: For those who missed it, I am now doing Free Friday Fiction instead of Wednesday Briefs. The format for Wednesday Briefs was too restricting—must use the prompts, no more than 1000 words. Free Friday Fiction will allow me to write and post free fiction without the prompts and without an artificial word limit. Any authors who are interested in joining, contact me or email the group at freefridayfiction@gmail.com.
The first story I posted was The Price of Love. This is a fantasy short story about one man’s sacrifice to save his world and the cost on the man who loved him. This is also available for download in PDF on the site under the Free Downloads’ tab above.
What’s next:
I’m working on a few things right now.
Harp Strings: The first draft of Harp Strings is almost done, and I hope to have it out in early 2015. It will be my first contemporary MM Romance. Wish me luck.
My Guardian Angel is a Cockblocker: I stopped this to try to finish it all at once and never did. I hope to finish that come the fall. Stay tuned, I have not abandoned it.
Second Shot the Senior Year: Here too, I’ve sort of put this on hold. but I’ve started this back up. My plan is to work start a new story arc with this while I finish My Guardian Angel. Those two will give me plenty of things to post for the rest of the year.
Champion of the God’s Update: As you know, book 2—The Eye and the Arm is coming in Spring ’15. I have a prequel that I’m going to make available for the first time at GRL. It will focus on Farrell before the war started and flesh out an event mentioned in The Last Grand Master—specifically, Farrell telling his mother he prefers men and his first romance. It won’t be too long, but it will fill in a few gaps in that part of the story and give us a glimpse of Queen Zenora and Grand Master Heminaltose. Dreamspinner Press is allowing me to use the original cover and they are going to tweak the title to add the word “prequel” somewhere to distinguish it from the original.
In addition, I’ve started book 3—Kings of Lore and Legend—and I hope to have it off to Dreamspinner by Dec 1, 2014. A might ambitious, but doable I think.
Something(s) New:
Recently I’ve started hosting Blog Tours, Book Blasts and Cover Reveals for Pride Promotions. My goal is to post a list of all upcoming tours, blasts or reveals each week to let you know what’s coming the following week. Can’t say I’ll always remember to do it, but I’ll make an effort to keep up with it.
I was asked to do a monthly blog post for the Love Bytes review site. I’m beyond thrilled to have been asked and I start in two weeks. My posts will appear the 29th of each month. Look for them each month.
September 11, 2014
New Release: Dakota Skies, by Taylin Clavelli
For those living under a rock and who don’t know by now, I am part owner of Wayward Ink Publishing. Today Wayward released our first Novel—Dakota Skies, by Taylin Clavelli. Taylin has become a real part of the Wayward family. People toss that term about freely, but she really has been a true and dear friend. The fact we can be the ones who make her dream of seeing Dakota Skies, in print a reality is one of those nice moments about being a publisher. Taylin worked hard on her story and is rightly proud of the result. Please take a moment to read a bit more about the book and click one of buy links and pick up a copy of Dakota Skies today to help support Taylin with her first book.
Synopsis
Born in the wrong time. . .
In 1875 Dakota, Sheriff Jamie Carter has to hide his interest in men, even from his gutsy twin sister, Anna. On a good day, the truth can mean a bullet between the eyes, and on a bad, one in the back.
A man on a mission. . .
Jamie leaves Anna in charge of Blackrock and he hits the bounty hunting trail, along with his faithful equine companion, Houston. Five territories, scores of ëWantedí posters, and many bullets later, his path unexpectedly converges with that of enigmatic loner, Kit Brooks.
Two men with one soul . . .
Will the smoldering fire between them rage into an inferno and break down protective barriers, allowing them to find love? Or will it separate and kill them?
Beneath Dakota skies . . .
Jamie and Kitís story is a sweeping saga of cowboys, Indians, persistent broads, and vengeful villains, where the cowboys arenít always the good guys, and love canít be taken for granted.
Book Trailer
Buy the book:
Wayward Ink Publishing:
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
About the author:
Taylin Clavelli lives in the United Kingdom, about 15 miles south of Birmingham, and a short journey from the world famous Cadburyís Chocolate factory. Sheís married with children and loves her family with all her heart.
Her love of books has been a long standing affair, with Taylin liking nothing better than to lose herself in an imaginary world.
Until she met Lily Velden, she never considered trying her hand at writing. However, after talking ideas, Lily encouraged her to put pen to paperóor rather, fingers to keyboard. Since, with a few virtual kicks in the right place, she hasnít stopped. Her confidence eventually led to her writing an original work for submission.
Her first published work was Boys, Toys, and Carpet Fitters, developed for the Dreamspinner Press Anthology ñ Donít Try This At Home.
Now she absolutely adores immersing herself into the characters she creates, and transferring the pictures in her brain to paper, finding it liberating, therapeutic, and wonderful.
Outside of writing, her interests include; martial arts (sheís a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-do), horse-riding, all of which facilitates her love of a wide variety of movies. Her action heroes include Jet Li and Tony Jaaófinding the dedication these men have for their art combined with their skill both amazing and a privilege to watch. If pressed, sheíll admit to thinking that the screen entrance of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean ñ Curse of the Black Pearl, and Shadowfax in LOTR, to be the greatest screen entrances ever. Her all-time favorite movies are Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.
The simple things in life that make her day, putting a smile on her face are:
Laughter ñ especially that of her children.
The smell of lasagna cooking ñ it makes her mouth salivate.
The dawn chorus ñ no symphony ever written can beat the waking greetings of the birds.
Social links:
Website: http://www.taylinclavelli.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005234535413
Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylinclavelli
