Renae Kaye's Blog, page 12

Guest interview - RJ Jones

Renae:  Today on my blog, I welcome back the delightful RJ Jones!  As another Perth girl, I regularly catch up with RJ for coffee, so I need to put my interviewing cap on, not my friend cap.  Today is not the day for asking, “OMG – did you see that cute waiter?”

**Yes – coffee with the two of us present frequently lowers to that level**

Today, RJ is promoting her new book, Black & Bluhe which is to be released in TWO DAYS.  **squee**  Exciting!  Yes – the 31st of July is release day.

**throws early confetti**

Blurb

Grayson Black has never forgiven himself for not saving his identical twin brother, Jet, from a savage beating at their father’s hands ten years ago. Jet’s near-death never would have happened if Gray hadn’t been so focused on his boyfriend at the time. He has sworn to take care of his brother ever since. Gray can’t afford a distraction from his self-imposed mission, the type of distraction presented by the gorgeous blond showing up at their gigs.

Kris Larson is a firefighter with the San Francisco Fire Department. Since splitting from his girlfriend, his favorite way to spend nights off is watching the Black Brothers play in the bars of the Bay Area, especially the guitarist. But it’s not until the brothers are left homeless after a fire at their apartment building that Kris has the opportunity to know the real person behind the brooding façade.

Gray fights his attraction to Kris, but with a meddlesome twin who just wants him to be happy, it’s a losing battle. Before Gray and Kris can have a lasting relationship, though, Gray must learn to forgive himself, let go of the past, and lay more than one demon to rest.

Renae:  Um, just before we get started – RJ, I really need to point out a typo to you.  Bluhe?  Shouldn’t it be spelt B-L-U-E?

RJ:  Ha! You would not believe the amount of times my bestie has begged me to change it. She seriously hates the spelling, but there is a reason for it.
Renae:  Oh, good.  Because here I was thinking that this is some sort of abuse/dub con novel...  Or is it?

RJ:  There is an element of abuse in the story which is one of the reasons for the name, but it’s off page and ten years in the past so you’re good to read it.

Renae:  This is the second book in your series which carries the same name as your first book, Out of the Blue.  Does one need to read Out of the Blue in order to understand Black & Bluhe?

RJ:  No, not at all. This can be read as a standalone.

Renae:  So do Jake and Cam make an appearance in Black & Bluhe?

RJ:  They do, but it’s a small cameo role. I have plans for a bigger scene for them in the third book. *wink*

Renae:  How many books do you have planned for the series?

RJ:  I’m stopping it at four. I think.

Renae:  I remember reading a lot of reviews about the first book which mentioned crippling angst – like I-don’t-wanna-go-on angst.  You put your readers through the wringer.  Is this what will happen with Black & Bluhe?

RJ:  I was asked this by a few people and at first I said no, but when I was doing my proofread, I had to change my answer, although I didn’t think Out of the Blue was terribly angsty, so who am I to judge? But yes, it seems I can’t write without putting a ton of emotion into it, although Black and Bluhe doesn’t have as much as Out of the Blue, but I will probably still make some people cry. One of my proofreaders told me she needed take a ‘day off’ from reading because of the emotion. She told me to put a disclaimer on my writing. LOL

Renae:  Your characters are twins, and obviously very close.  Do you have experience with twins?

RJ:  I do. My sister has twins and I know at least three other sets of twins. They kind of run in the family. The twin bond is beautiful to witness and I hope I captured that with Gray and Jet. I’m just thankful I didn’t have them.

Renae:  And Gray rescued Jet?  How does one ever repay something like that?

RJ:  Gray arrived too late to stop their father beating Jet almost to death. Poor Gray thought Jet was dead and he hasn’t been the same since. The guilt he carries with him is tangible and it affects every decision he makes. The brothers are very close, BUT there is no twincest in this, just to clear. *not touching that!*

Renae:  And Kris?  He’s newly un-closeted?

RJ:  Kris was never closeted, just bisexual. He doesn’t tell many people simply because it’s not their business, but he doesn’t hide. Most of his former lovers haven’t understood the duality so he generally keeps it to himself.

Renae:  So what’s next in the Out of the Blue series?

RJ:  Ah, now that would be telling. I’m not saying. Not because I’m being a tease but mainly because I haven’t finished writing the third book and I’m not too sure what’s going to happen.

Renae:  Where can people contact you?

RJ:  I’d love to hear from your readers. They can contact me here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robyn.j.jone...

Twitter - https://twitter.com/rjjonesauthor

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/rjjonesauthor/

Blog - http://rjjonesauthor.com

Email - rjjonesauthor@gmail.com


Renae:  Thanks for coming on my blog.  It’s been a great pleasure to have you here.  *hugs*  I can do virtual hugs *wink* 

RJ:  You sure? Kidding. We’ll make you a hugger yet. *grin*

 

 

Guest interview - Sean Kennedy

Renae:  Okay, okay  **flutters her hands**  I’m having a little bit of a moment here.  I just need to fan-girl myself out before I can speak (type) properly.  Because – OMG people! – I have Mr. Sean Kennedy on my blog.

Yes – THE Mr. Sean Kennedy.

If you haven’t read a Sean Kennedy book, WHY THE HELL NOT?  LOL.  No – seriously.  If you like the writings of Renae Kaye, then you need to be grateful for the writings of Sean Kennedy. 

Why? you ask?

  I’m embarrassing myself here in front of my hero (because Sean is going to read this) but once upon a time, a long, long time ago, I started reading MM.  I picked up stories from here and there, and then stumbled across Tigers and Devils.  I remember the picture jumping out at me first, as I thought to myself, “That’s like an Australian footy ground.”  Then I read the blurb.

Imagine if you were in the middle of Cambodia and no one is speaking English to you.  Then suddenly you hear, “Hello – can I help you?” 

This was a book set in MY country and you can bet your arse I one-clicked that baby.  And I loved the story.  Not because it was set in Australia (which was great by the way), but because it was a fantastic story.

Fast forward about 12 months, and I had this crazy idea of writing my own MM story.  The devil on my shoulder told me I couldn’t do it – who wants to read Australian?  But the knowledge that Sean Kennedy had not only written an MM novel set in Australia, but had been published and had been bloody successful with it, gave me the courage to try.

Therefore I will have to say, that without Sean, there would be no Renae Kaye.

Now, so that you can actually read what Sean has to say, (not just the mumblings of a fan-girl), I will start the interview.

Everyone – welcome SEAN KENNEDY....  **applause**

Sean:  That was quite an intro.  And it astounded me.  When you write, you don’t really think of how it could affect other people.  I mean, I have writing heroes and I laugh myself silly at the thought I could have inspired anybody in any way.  People are going to think I’ve made you up to make me look good.

Renae:  LOL.  Nah – you’ve made yourself great by writing great stories.  So thank you for coming and talking with me today.  For anyone who’s been living under a rock, I’ll quickly explain that Sean has just released the third book in his series of Tigers and Devils.  The series follows the highs and lows of Declan (a professional Aussie Rules football player) and Simon (an arty wanker).  Here is the blurb for this latest instalment, Tigers on the Run.

Blurb:
Young Australian Micah Johnson is the first AFL player to be out at the beginning of his career. Retired professional football player Declan Tyler mentors Micah, but he finds it difficult, as Micah is prone to making poor life choices that land him in trouble. Nothing Dec can’t handle. He’s been there, done that, more times than he’d like to admit. Being Simon Murray’s partner all these years has Dec quite experienced in long-suffering and mishaps. 

As usual, Simon thinks everything is going along just fine until his assistant, Coby, tells him a secret involving an old nemesis. Simon and Dec’s problems mash together, and to solve them, they must undertake a thousand-kilometer round trip in which issues will have to be sorted out, apologies are finally given, and a runaway kid is retrieved and returned to his worried parents.
Renae:  **takes a deep breath to stop fan-girling**  Take us back to the beginning, Sean.  Where did the idea for Declan and Simon come from?

Sean:  I was down in the dumps about reading gay fiction that always seemed to have a depressing ending.  It seemed like happy endings were only in YA books.  And, of course, Australian gay fiction?  Well, most of it was depressing as well.  Brilliant, but depressing.  I wanted a happy ending.  I wanted something set somewhere I knew.  I didn’t know if there were any others out there so I really quite egotistically thought I’d have to write it myself.  And they say write what you know.  So, Melbourne.  And football.  My two latest loves, and having been recently transplanted from Melbourne back to Perth I was missing them both terribly.  So Simon and Dec were born.

Renae:  Did you have any idea when you first started writing the book, that it would become so successful?  Did you write it and go, “Yep – this one has it!”

Sean:  Hahahahahahaha, no.  Completely written in a bubble.   Didn’t even think it would see the light of day.

Renae:  And we are so humbly glad that it did see the light of day.  So are you an avid football fan yourself?  Being born in Melbourne, I’m guessing that you can’t be anything else.

Sean:  I made the cardinal sin of making my character like the same football team I do.  I guess it was funny to me because the Tigers haven’t won a grand final in decades and have gotten a reputation of being adorably woeful.  It kind of suited Simon, who thinks he’s the perpetual underdog as well.

Renae:  **I won’t tell Sean that I’m a Dockers fan and I can sympathise**  **Oh, shit – he gets to read these comments doesn’t he?**  **Stop thinking, Renae**

Moving on, I know there is a lot of love around the place for Declan and Simon.  When you wrote the first story, did you have the idea for the second story?  Or did that come later?

Sean:  Nope.  I thought Tigers would be completely stand alone, and that I would never return to them.  And they could have been left there.  But Simon never left me.  And it wasn’t until bits and pieces he was telling me could form together to make a new story. 

Renae:  I know exactly how you feel.  And now you’ve written #3.  Congratulations.  Now, I haven’t read it yet  - don’t spoil it for me! – but I read a review on it that seems to suggest that there will be a #4?  Yes??? 

Sean:  Having written #3, some events have been suggested that show it continuing.  I already have ideas for #4 and #5.  And then that might be it, except for short stories.  As much as I could write them forever, sometimes it’s better to stop it before they’re amateur sleuths solving murders in their retirement village.
Renae:  Hahaha.  I’m sure that would appeal to Simon. 

The story of Tigers on the Run mentions Micah – a footballer out at the BEGINNING of his AFL career.  That must be hard for Declan.  Does he wish that he had started his career out?

Sean:  I think Dec has a very zen approach to things sometimes.  It was what it was.  If he’d been out from the beginning of his career, he might never have met Simon.   Or had Abe as a best friend.  His life might be very different to what it is now.  And as he is so happy with the life that he has, he thinks everything happened the way it did to get him there.  But that’s why he wants to help Micah so much.  He wants it to be easier for Micah than it was for him, and for Micah to then make it easier for the next gay player to come after him.

Renae:  What about in real life – do you think the AFL does enough to welcome players that are gay? Do you think it would be hard for an AFL player today to start his career out?

Sean:  I think they could do a lot more.  Just like they could do a lot more with combatting racism.  After the whole Nicky Winmar “black and proud” incident they kind of let themselves believe that racism amongst fans and on the field was a thing of the past.  Then the whole Adam Goodes thing happened.  Some people believe sledging is just a part of the game, and that you can use whatever weapon you can against the player.  Of course, these are the same people who are part of the majority and don’t know what it’s like to be slurred.  But that being said, I don’t really think it is the players who are the problem.  It’s the fans.  However, there still might be some of the old guard who show discomfort. You only have to look at dinosaurs like Jason Akermanis who said he’d be uncomfortable showering with gay team mates.  That would give any closeted gay player sober pause.

Renae:  **sighs loudly**  Amen.  You really just want to bang some heads together sometimes.  When I read the blurb to this story, my first thought was, “Road trip!”  Tell us, have you taken this trip yourself?

Sean:  Not this specific one, no.  But I love road trips, which can often be gruelling for my passengers as I have no sense of direction and can often end up taking the most circuitous route possible.
Renae:  When you’re writing, do you think you turn up the Aussie-isms, or have to turn them down?

Sean:  No, I think they come pretty naturally.  And I haven’t ever removed any.  That might make international readers a bit confused, but hey, I’m used to googling things when reading books for context.  Especially those Norwegian thrillers.

Renae:  Is there anything particularly Aussie that happens in this story?

Sean:  Some lighthearted ribbing of New Zealanders and sheep?  Oh, and an implication that Declan had a run in with Kochie in the past but thinks highly of Andrew O’Keefe.

Renae:  **encourages non-Australians to google those things because they make perfect sense to me**

If gay marriage is ever legalised in Australia (God, I hope so!) do you think you will be writing a wedding story for these two?

Sean:  I have no idea.  They would be married, but I’m not sure if I’d actually write the wedding itself.  After three books and no sign of it, I think if you did finally write something it might seem anti-climactic.

Renae:   **Thinks Sean is fooling himself**  **Shit!  Must stop thinking, because he DOES get to read these comments**  

There are a lot of relationships that are brought up in the stories (I won’t make any spoiler comments as to who), so do you think you would ever write a spin-off type book, picking up on one of these relationships?

Sean:  Well, there will be a Micah book coming out next year.  But that is more of an offshoot based around some of the GetOut kids, being released through Harmony Ink, Dreamspinner’s YA imprint.

Renae:  **Gasp**  YESSSSS!!   One of things I love the most about your books, are the snark and witty remarks.  Are you like that in real life?  (Should this fellow-Perthian be scared?)

Sean:  I’m afraid so.  I often get told off for my snark.  My sister once said I was Simon except he was more optimistic.  Which was saying something.

Renae:  LMAO!  Oh, dear.  So what are you working on now?

Sean:  Micah’s second book.  Because it picks up straight after the first ends, I’m dying to find out what happens to him.  After that, I’m not sure yet.
Renae:  Where can people contact you?

Sean:  I can be summoned directly if people speak my secret name three times… oh, wait.  You mean Facebook and such?   
https://twitter.com/sean__kennedy  
https://www.facebook.com/sean.kennedy.58511  
http://kennsea.livejournal.com 

Twitter is the best bet.  It’s where I hang the most.  I’m not that great a journaller or Facebooker-er.

Renae:  Thank you ever so much for chatting with me.  (Phew I made it!)  Congratulations on the release and I hope it does fantastically.

Sean:  Thank you so much, fellow Perthian!  See you down at the Swan River and we’ll have a spearmint thickshake!

Renae:  Deal!  **Must tweet Sean and arrange a time**  **Shit!  He’s STILL reading these comments**

Guest Interview - CM Corett

Renae:  After taking a bit of a break from guest interviews, I’m back with an interview with the lovely CM Corett.  I’m a little excited because CM is a fellow Perth-based writer, as well as a Dreamspinner author.  So welcome CM!

CM:  Thanks Renae, it’s great to be here.

Renae:  Now, you have to tell me – am I popping your interview-cherry here?  Have you been interviewed before?

CM:  No, this is a real first for me!

Renae:  I had the pleasure of catching CM for coffee recently, and it was wonderful.  She expressed to me the exact thing I felt when I first went to meet a couple of MM reviewers who live in my city – Oh, how wonderful to talk to people who understand!

CM:  Yes, it’s great to talk about something that I love and not have to explain MM or deal with the multitude of reactions to the subject.

Renae:  I guess we’d better get on and talk about your book instead of chatting for hours like we did that day.

**clears throat**  CM Corett is a debut author who has just released her first story as part of Dreamspinner’s Daily Dose 2015 package.   The story is called Bindings and Books.

Bindings and Books - blurb

James Connell is adamant—he’s not getting involved. The forty-two-year-old bookstore owner’s life is governed by respectability, order, and a dash of OCD—just the way he likes it. There is absolutely no place in his life for a way-too-young, sexy, carefree guy like Ash. What would people think?

Ash Bradley-Mills is determined—he wants James. Traveling the world testing snowboards and sports equipment has been great fun for Ash, but he’s ready for something more. He wants an adrenaline rush of a different kind, and tall, dark, handsome, and older James fits the criteria perfectly. Now all Ash needs to do is break through James’s defenses and lifelong fear of judgment. Easy! He’s got the perfect plan to push James out of his comfort zone and into his arms.
Renae:  Ooh – I got tingles.  Sounds great.  Just to check – just how young is Ash?  He’s not 18 is he?

CM:  No **chuckles** Definitely not.  Ash is 28—a grown man, but he looks quite a bit younger.

Renae:  It sounds like a 42yo’s wet dream – to have a young guy panting over him.  How come James is balking at it?

CM:  Yeah, a young, hot guy determined to pursue you—what’s not to like? Right? But James has a serious issue from the past and until he meets Ash, he thinks he’s dealt with it reasonably well. His OCD tendencies show otherwise. He’s mainly just used avoidance and developed control and coping mechanisms. James it torn between using the tried and true method of avoiding the young, sexy guy he really, really wants—and give in and enjoy it while it lasts. Because it can’t last, right?

Renae:  Does the age thing bother Ash?

CM:  Nope, not at all. In fact, meeting James has made him realise he’s been looking in all the wrong places for a serious relationship. Working in the extreme sports business, Ash leads a life of highs—high adrenaline, high adventure, and a high risk of relationship failure. Ash wants a real relationship, one with the potential for forever.

Renae: So, are there any twists or unexpected turns in the story?

CM:  Well, without giving too much away, let’s just say that events give James a major shock and he is faced with a situation he can’t control—no one can. Suddenly, the issues of his past seem insignificant and he’s left trying to solve the unsolvable.

Renae:  The subject of Dreamspinner’s Daily Dose package this year was Never Too Late – in other words, characters who were older than forty.  Did you write Bindings and Books to fit the criteria?  Or did you already have a WIP tucked away that met the guidelines?

CM:  Basically, Bindings and Books was already completed. It just needed a little editing and ‘tweaking’.

Renae:  And the story takes place on the Australian ski slopes?  Does Australia have snow??? **gasp**  I never knew!

CM:  Yes. Australia has snow!!!! Although I don’t use any names, the setting for Bindings and Books is based on Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham in Victoria, Australia. It’s my favourite holiday destination. And Bright cabin, where James stays, is real too!
An interesting sign at Mt Hotham Renae:  You’ve picked an interesting subject.  I think that a lot of the time we are all conscious of how people look at us and judge our “tastes” in a partner.  Is your message to people to stop judging, or to stop caring about what others think?

CM:  Well a little of both, but there will always be the judgers and we can’t control what strangers think. We can, however, control our own thoughts and how we react. Worrying about what may or may not be in someone else’s mind will drive you crazy and keep you from living the life you want. So… Stop worrying about what people think—and be happy!

Renae:  Now this is your first story published.  Was it exciting?

CM:  Absolutely. It’s a whole bunch of firsts. The first story I’ve written, first publisher I submitted to, first acceptance… I got an email from the USA around midnight to offer me a contract. What??? I was so excited I woke up ‘the teenager’ who mumbled “yeah, that’s great mum” and then rolled over and went back to sleep. I, of course, couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night.

Renae:  And do you have follow up plans?  More of these characters?  A different book?  Will you keep on writing MM?

CM:  I haven’t been writing for very long, but now that I’ve discovered that ‘thing’ that makes me happy, I can’t imagine I’ll ever stop. I’ve almost completed an MM historical set in Victorian era England, and I’ve started a Sci-fi/time travel novella. I know, I know… people tell me I should pick a sub-genre and stick to it, but I say—stop worrying about what other people think—and be happy. And writing, in all shapes and genres, makes me happy.

Renae:  Do you have a website where people can contact you?  Social media?

CM:  Yep. Here they are:

Website - https://www.cmcorett.com
Email – cm@cmcorett.com
Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/CMCorett

Renae:  Thanks for coming along and having fun with me.  I look forward to reading this (I try to read all Aussie MM) and also hope to see your name on the Coming Soon list again.

CM:  My pleasure, thanks Renae.

Cover Reveal: Out of the Rain... (and PS it's live)

My birthday is coming on Monday - so happy birthday to me.

I wrote this little story a while back, but it’s been sitting there.  As a birthday present to me, I’ve decided that it should be put out on Amazon.

Blurb

Mitch never knew what awaited him when he answered his elderly neighbour’s calls. Finding a stranger crying in her backyard was a new one. Little did he know that rescuing Elijah out of the rain was going to change his life.

Elijah is too young, too good looking, and too bruised for Mitch to consider falling in love with. But Elijah is soon in his house, in his bed, and in his heart.

At thirty-eight, Mitch has a lot of experience with life. Elijah is only twenty-three and just starting out. Mitch’s bedroom skills enrapture Elijah. Mitch just hopes it will be enough to make Elijah want to stay.

Click here for Amazon link



I wrote this story months ago for an anthology, but then decided it didn't fit the parameters of the submission call.  It's a short story - a little over 10,000 words. I wondered what I should do with it.  Then someone said, "Why don't you self-publish it?"  I was nervous, but agreed.


I therefore had it edited, and then a cover made by the wonderful Bawd Designs.  This is an Australian piece of work - LOL.  Written, beta'd, edited and designed by Aussie women.  (OK - my proofer wasn't Australian... didn't quite make it tru-blu).  

I want to thank them all for their help: thanks ladies.  Thanks for urging me on.  Thanks for the encouragement, the nagging and the corrections.

It's taken me over a month to get the courage to press that final "submit" button.  Courage, thy name is not Renae.

I hope you all enjoy.

Cover Reveal: You Are the Reason

Well?  Whaddya  you think?

Personally, I adore it.  Bree Archer is the wonderful artist who made this for me, and I think she does a brilliant job.

I suppose I should give you a blurb too.

Davo’s a pretty average guy. He has a decent job, owns his own home, and spends his weekends at the pub. He fully accepts that he’s gay, but doesn’t want to be one of those gays, who are femme and girly. He likes football and other masculine pursuits, and firmly avoids anything that could be seen as femme—including relationships that last beyond fifteen minutes.

Then Davo’s friend and gay idol not only gets a boyfriend, but also adopts a baby girl. Davo is seriously spooked and scuttles down to the pub in fright. That’s where he meets Lee, who is cute from her cherry-red hair, to her pretty little dress and pointy red shoes. Davo is charmed—but how is that possible? He’s gay. Isn’t he? Then Lee tells him he’s actually a guy—he just likes to wear women’s dresses occasionally. Thoroughly confused about an attraction that’s out of character for him, Davo begins the long journey to where he can accept himself without caring what everyone else thinks.

 

Scheduled to release on the 7th of August, 2015, the book should become available for pre-sale orders in a couple of days.  Be waiting for the links.

I was just doing some proof reading on this today, and do you know what?  I think it’s some of my best work.  You’re going to love it.

The Archbishop said what?

I’ll let you all in on a little secret.  This little secret is something that people who know me will choke with laughter when they hear me mention it.

I’m not exactly a shy person.

I’m not someone who will hang at the back of the crowd and pray madly that they are not picked to go up on stage and help hand out the awards.  Oh, I’m not a spotlight searcher, but if there is a message to get across to the crowd, I will shout it out.  If there is a job to be done, I will do it.  If someone needs something read out, as long as it’s not my own work, I can read it.

I will approach the stranger in our midst and strike up the conversation.  I can (if needs be) enter the crowd and find someone to chat with.

I’m also one of these people who doesn’t stand back when something needs to be done.  Recently I went to a play, and while walking down the steps at intermission, an elderly lady fell and bumped her head.  She was at least three people behind me, so I stopped to make sure that she was okay.  She was with other people, and after two minutes of watching people just gather around and look, I grabbed my bag of tissues from my handbag, and approached the lady.  She was around 70-80 years old, and was still lying face first on the floor.  I spoke with her, checked for bleeding, asked her where it hurt, checked she didn’t have any injuries apart from the bump on her head, then asked her if she thought she could stand.  The poor dear was very shaken. Some paramedics arrived five minutes later and convinced her to go and get the bump checked out, but the point is I don’t stand back and allow things to happen in front of me.
To my husband’s absolute agony and fear, I’m one of these people who will intercede in a fight between strangers in an attempt to cool tempers.  I attempt to stop bullying if I can.

So today, at my son’s football game, when a group of five 8-year-olds all began chanting at each other, “You’re gay” – “No, you’re so gay”, I immediately turned around and put a stop to it.  I reminded the boys that it was being derogatory and that the club would suspend them if they heard them use those words in that manner.

Oh, I could’ve launched into a huge speech about what the word really means, sexual orientation, name calling, political correctness, and how gay people can do anything they like, but in the end, these were a bunch of boys who probably wouldn’t listen to my impassioned speech, even if they understood it.  So the threat of suspension worked to stop it (along with a stern frown from an adult), and hopefully in a couple of years, they will come to understand it.

I’m a firm believer in that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around.  For years I was put down by my family for “being too loud” and for being too forward, and in fact, I still am today.  My family and other people like to make jokes about me, which makes me feel awful.  As a child I was on the debating team and made the lead in most of the musicals the school put on.  My family didn’t want me to do it, and tried to talk me out of it.  As an adult, I can see that it was their own insecurities coming through – they loved me and didn’t want me to be embarrassed, like they would be at having to stand up on stage – but as a child, it was confusing.

It took me a while to appreciate the skills that other people have, that I don’t.  I was in my early 20’s and attended a course that classified people’s personalities, and then explained the strengths (and weaknesses) of each one.  I still remember that course.  People were categorised and likened to a bird.  Each person had their dominant personality, and their secondary.  The birds were:
                Eagle = strong personality, loud, high energy, movers and shakers
                Peacock = showy personality, can be loud, high energy, usually sales people
                Owl = “plodder” personality, quiet energy, likes rules, doesn’t get flustered
                Dove = supportive personality, quiet energy, doesn’t volunteer, people-focused

Yeah – I was an eagle.  I have a high energy, strong personality and I get in to the ruckus.  Eagles also have a habit of being impatient, steamrollering over others, and crashing unexpectedly.

(See the full explanations here). I know I’m an eagle, and I recognise my weaknesses now, so I work on them.  It doesn’t mean that I don’t get hurt when others say hurtful things, but it means that when someone says something like, “Ask Renae.  She’s always willing to open her mouth and say things,” I don’t take it to heart.  It’s true.  I am willing to open my mouth and say things.  If someone is in the wrong, then I will correct them.  If someone is being bullied, I will protect them.  If someone is struggling, I will help.

Which is why I can’t stand around and let people mouth off against gay marriage “because of their religion.”  For those who don’t know, we don’t have same-sex marriage in Australia.  Yet.  I heard recently that 72% of Australians support same-sex marriage.  It’s a big thing in our media this month – especially with the Ireland referendum. 

Just this week a news article came out about a Catholic school giving out pamphlets at their school assembly condemning same-sex marriage.  The mother of one of the students was horrified, and very rightly so.  Especially since her older son is gay.

Today, the Catholic Archbishop of Perth released an article.  One that is obviously aimed at “damage control” and at pushing forward the Catholic Church’s view on same-sex marriage. 

(I wish to point out at this time, that it is the Catholic Church’s view, because not all churches in Perth and Australia follow this view.  I know, for example, my church has pushed for same-sex marriage for three years in a row at their yearly synod, and has been vetoed each time by the Archbishop.)

The article in today’s news quotes the Catholic Archbishop Timothy Costelloe as saying it is “unworthy to suggest that those who argue against the proposed redefinition of marriage are homophobic, intolerant or in some way lacking intellectual depth.”  And he also says, “It is unfair to suggest that they (opponents to same-sex marriage) are trying to force their views on others.”

Whoa.  Hold it!

You can write it in any article, preach it at any sermon and make it pretty however you want, but handing out pamphlets to school children saying that same-sex marriage is bad, and not presenting any other side of the argument, is pretty much the definition of forcing your view on others.  And, I’m sorry, but grouping a section of the community based on their sexual orientation, and then condemning them for it is classic homophobia. 

He considers that the church and those against gay marriage are not intolerant?  Who is it that is crying out, “We will not tolerate this behaviour”?

Oh, and then he comes out with the old one that marriage between a man and a woman is better for the children.

**Renae bashes her forehead against the desk**

Tell me, has anyone thought to ask the children?

I mean, if the only leg the Catholic Church has to stand on to oppose same-sex marriage is that children will be better in a marriage where there are two opposite gender parents, then it’s a rather shaky leg.  I can think of hundreds of items that are more detrimental to a child’s physical and mental health, yet the Catholic Church isn’t handing out pamphlets about them. 

As far as I’m concerned, the very earliest marriages listed in the bible were about property, not children.  If you’re using the bible as a platform, make sure your platform is flat.  Stable.  Solid.  You know?  Like how marriage should be between two loving people?

So I will vocally tell ABp Costelloe that while I faithfully believe in Jesus, I will also faithfully open my heart to the teachings of him.  I wonder if ABp Costelloe remembers some of the stories in the bible, where Jesus, a young man hardly old enough to be separated from his parents, went to the temple and showed the priests that although they knew the teachings, they were not following the word of God.  I wonder if ABp Costelloe feels a little uncomfortable when reading those verses in the bible?

If Jesus was around these days, he would be overturning tables in the church.  How dare these people take the love of God and apply it to only the small portion of the world that they want?  Everyone is included at God’s table.

Everyone.

Amen.

Guest interview - Nic Starr

Renae:  OMG OMG OMG – I’m so excited.  Today I have visiting me one of my favourite people on this earth.  I can hardly sit still with my happiness.  In case you didn’t know, Nic Starr isn’t just a brilliant author and beautiful person, she is one of the nicest people in the world. 

Proof of this?  When I hear that there’s a new Nic Starr novel out, I go, “Eeee!”

NIC + “E” = NICE!
Okay, okay – do you guys realise that day time for USA and Europe means the middle of the night for Australians like me and Nic?  We’re sleep deprived.

So without further ado, let me introduce Nic’s new novel, Charlie’s Hero, which releases the 17th of June.

Schoolteacher Charlie Matthews returns to his hometown, looking to regain a sense of community, reconnect with friends, and settle down. It looks like his dreams have come true when paramedic Josh Campbell attends an accident at the school. It’s love at first sight, and a romance begins.

But Josh’s reluctance to come out to the brother who raised him, puts pressure on their fledgling relationship. While Charlie understands Josh’s concerns, he can’t help growing impatient. After all, Charlie came out years ago.

It’s not until Charlie confronts his own parents and realizes he hasn’t come to terms with their rejection that he fully understands what Josh has to lose. But Josh is Charlie’s hero, and Josh will do anything to prove to Charlie that to be part of a family, he doesn’t need his parents.

Renae:  Welcome Nic Starr!

Nic:  Oh, wow! What an introduction. I’m so happy you invited me to visit. I promise to play ‘nice’. *grin*

Renae:  Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but this is your first ‘novel’?  All of your other writings were classified as ‘novellas’?  Was there any particular reason that this story took longer in the telling?

Nic:  Spot on. All my other published stories are novellas. They vary in length from approximately 20k words to about 36k words. Charlie’s Hero reached the magic word count to be classified as a novel. I had a smile from ear to ear when it was accepted by the publisher, because novel length meant it would be published as a paperback. I couldn’t resisting taking a photo of my first ‘real’ books when they arrived in the post today. Isn’t the cover wonderful? Big thanks to cover artist, Bree Archer for doing brilliant work.

Although I’m rapt to have a printed book, that wasn’t the aim when I wrote the story. The length was determined by the story itself. A wise woman once told me to not be afraid of words, and to let them flow naturally. Yes, Renae, I did listen to you and Charlie’s Hero is the result. Thank you.  *wink*

Since I completed this book, I’ve finished one other novella and two more novel length stories. So a bit of a mixture in story lengths. I think each have their place, and I’ll let the characters and plots determine where my stories end.

Renae:  And this book is the start of a series?  What is the series about, and when are you looking at having the second book release?

Nic:  The series is called Heroes and there are four novels planned. The series features characters who are heroes in their hearts, and in the eyes of those who love them.

The second book is titled Andrew’s Promise. It’s the story of Josh’s brother, Andrew. I don’t want to say too much about it because it’s best read after Charlie’s Hero, but I have a real soft spot for Andrew.

Andrew has willingly made sacrifices to raise his little brother. He’s put his own life on hold and deserves his happy ending. Andrew’s Promise will release in mid-August.

Renae:  So Charlie’s returning to the hometown where his parents still live?  The parents that rejected him?  Oh, gosh – that must be tough.
Nic:  It is tough for Charlie, but he’s willing to fight for the life he wants to lead. Charlie attended college in a larger town and worked there after graduation. However, he missed living in a place with a strong personal connections and missed his friends.

For Charlie, home is about true friendship, history and community. For him, the sense of belonging to a community, is worth dealing with knowing his family are close by and ignoring him.

Renae:  And Josh is having trouble stepping out of the closet?  Each person must make their own journey for that, but is there a particular reason Josh is hesitating?

Nic:  Andrew raised Josh, stepping up to ensure Josh had a roof over his head and family, when foster care could have been a real possibility. Andrew has made sacrifices, and is a loving brother, the only family Josh has. When Josh was fifteen, Andrew rejected a good friend, and the friend disappeared from their lives. Josh is worried the same thing will happen to him if he reveals his sexuality, and he doesn’t want to lose his family.

Renae:  Was there any particular incident that sparked your idea for this book?

Nic:  Good question, and a tough one! The timeline from first idea to published book is a long one. This book began its life nearly a year ago, so I’m not sure I can even remember where the specific idea started.

I get flashes of a story from many sources. Inspiration could be from listening to a song, hearing something on the news, reading a magazine article, or plain old people watching.

I was standing in the not-so-express lane of the supermarket checkout a while ago. There were two cute guys in the self-service section, scanning their lunch items. They were tradies, dressed in their work gear with hi-vis vests etc. Before I got to the front of the queue, I’d turned them into a couple, and started building their background. No-one is safe. *wink* Don’t tell anyone, but I even snuck a photo of them. I’d give it to you to include with this post but I think that would officially make me a stalker!

Renae:  Now, can I ask – do the guys get to play doctors and nurses during the book?  Or naughty boy being sent to the Principal’s office? *prays Nic says yes*

Nic:  LOL. Not so much role-playing, but the boys do get up to a bit of mischief. Actually, quite a lot of mischief. Mischief of the sexy, naughty kind. *wink*

Renae:  Looking at your other works, this is your fifth publication in less than a year.  Congratulations!  You’re doing so well for your first year out.  Where do you find the time?

Nic:  Thank you. It’s been a busy year and it looks like staying that way. In the last month, I’ve had three books going through edits at the same time which has been interesting (amongst other things!).

I don’t think there’s ever enough time in anyone’s day. Between family, and work, and a multitude of other obligations, it can be difficult to find quality time to focus. But it’s also easy to use ‘too busy’ as an excuse.

I try to get some words down each day. I track my word count on a spreadsheet, and I’ve participated in Nanowrimo and Camp Nano which I find very motivational. In fact, Andrew’s Promise was my Nano story last year – 50k words written on it during November.

The key for me is commitment. But I’m also lucky that I love what I’m doing. I love the writing process, the publication experience, and the wonderful m/m community we are part of. It’s so much easier when you are doing something you are passionate about.
Renae:  I’ve read all your works, and one thing that I adore about them is that I know I can pull it out on a day I’m not feeling well.  Your writing is easy, sweet and you’re not going to broadside me from out of the blue with some huge, emotionally draining, gut twisting, terrible plot twist.

Do you think this is your signature style?  Do you think that this is how you write?  Or is your writing evolving?

Nic:  Thank you for the lovely compliment

I do write on the sweeter, romantic side and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I adore a comfort/hurt theme, and giving my heroes their happy ever after. However, I do think my writing is evolving. I’d like to think my writing is improving as I work with the wonderful betas and editors on each of my books. I’ve learnt so much over the last year, and my stories are benefitting.

One thing you will notice is my later stories are a bit heavier on the sex, although not sex for the sake of sex. I’ll leave it to you to read Charlie’s Hero and let me know what you think of the developments. *wink*

Renae:  So can we expect some BDSM from you next time?  Some puppy play? *wink*

Nic:  I’d never say never. Maybe I’ll work my way up, starting with some light BDSM. J But seriously, if I was to explore that path, I’d need to do a lot of research to keep it true and do it justice. I love to read a good BDSM story myself, however I’m not sure I’m ready to write one. I’ll leave it to the experts for now.

Renae:  What other stories are you working on at the moment?

Nic:  I have a number of stories in different stages.

Andrew’s Promise is being proof read so it’s nearly finalised. I’m at the fun part – covers! I can’t wait to see what it looks like.

More Than a Friend – I’m currently doing first edits for the second book in my More Than series. This book is Scott and Tim’s story and follows More Than a Superstar. It’s due for release in Oct/Nov.

Rustic Melody – I’ve finished the first draft and it’s currently sitting with my wonderful beta readers for their feedback. This story is set in Australia so is a bit of a departure from my recent books.

I also have a number of WIPs on the go. The third story in the Heroes series, and the third story in the More Than series. Rustic Melody has a sequel and I’m writing a standalone about a guy who runs a mobile book shop.

Renae:  Has reading always been a passion of yours?  Has writing?

Nic:  Reading has always been part of my life, since I was young enough to hold a book. I grew up on a diet of romance novels and was blessed with a mother who loved to read so provided an endless supply of books.

Writing (apart from business writing) is a recent development. Or as my hubby refers to it, my midlife crisis. *wink*

Renae:  Do you think you’ll still be writing when you’re 84?

Nic:  I certainly hope so. I also hope someone wants to read it.

Renae:  Where can people find you?

Nic: 

Website & Blog: http://www.nicstarr.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Nic-Starr/e/B00MAWRRQG/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicki.nicstar
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NicStarrAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicstar000
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nicstar000/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8139967.Nic_Starr

Renae:  Thank you for joining me today.  I’ve had a lot of fun, and now we just need to count down to release day.  Congratulations again, and I hope this one shoots straight to the top for you!

Nic:  Thank you so much for having me, Renae. It’s been a pleasure, as usual.

 

 

 

My open letter to Australian Marriage Forum

I'm not a fan of "open letters" that are spread all over the internet.  But sometimes a piece of writing just needs to be shared.  Oh, it's not my best piece of writing (that's somewhere in a book, published for the world to marvel and smile over), but it is a lovely document that I must share.

The following is my letter I've sent to a not-so-nice site called Australian Marriage Forum.  They advocate not legalising same-sex marriage in Australia for the sake of our children.





Dear Australian Marriage Forum,

FINALLY – someone is speaking sense!

From your website:

We are people and organisations who are concerned at how advocates are pushing for same-sex marriage without really presenting the reality of what this means for our nation. We are disappointed with the one-sided debate which sees 'marriage equality' only in terms of adult rights, and we urge our fellow Australians to consider the rights and needs of the child as well.

This site will help people to think from the child's perspective in addition to the adults' perspective and consider what it means to normalise, with the force of law, a domestic model where a child is deprived of either a mother or a father. Further, this site will consider the implications for school education, where the normalising of homosexual 'marriage' will be used to further normalise homosexual behaviour. Finally, this site will look widely at implications for the stifling of free speech and free conscience that has been observed in overseas jurisdictions which have introduced same-sex marriage.

It's important to note that legislation to support same-sex marriage will have enormous consequences on our culture and we want an open and honest debate on this - free of the intimidation that so many defenders of natural marriage have been subject to in recent years.

But why are you stopping here? OMG – every child should be raised in a loving household with a mother and a father.  You should be supporting celibacy before marriage – with severe punishments to anyone who disobeys – and definitely compulsory sterilisation of every person who is deemed to not be a loving mother or father.  In fact, you should be putting your money into mass producing birth control that the government can oversee – a compulsory injection to stop you having children until you can prove yourself a person worthy of having a child.  Let’s crowd fund it!

And no single parents – ever.  I completely agree.  Should a spouse die or divorce, then the children should be immediately removed from the household.  Immediately.  They should not be allowed to see their single parent again, because it may be detrimental to their upbringing. Imagine! Deprived of a parent!  Who would allow such a thing?

And normalising homosexual behaviour?  Oh my my my.  We must ban ALL mention of homosexual behaviour because it will warp childrens’ brains.  Starting by taking out the all the people in history who may’ve exhibited this abnormal behaviour – and we do not want to read about the love between Samuel and Jonathan in the bible.  No no no. And of course, any animal that has ever been witnessed to display homosexual behaviour, well now, we must exterminate them.  Sheep, cows, swans...  It is all abnormal.  I hear that lions raise their young in groups where there are many female lions and only one male.  That must mean that those baby lions are not getting a true representation of their needs.  Imagine that?  Only one daddy?

And I’m SO glad you brought up the topic of school education.  I mean, really?  A lesbian couple could never get their children to school.  They would be way too busy in the bedroom.  Therefore, school education must come first with our society by stopping any child that could possibly be raised in a household where there is not a single mum and dad as the parental union.  Two mums or two dads cannot be entrusted with our precious children and their education.

Your comment about “natural marriage” however, did haunt me, and sent me to Google to have a look at natural marriage.  I’m not sure which example you are hoping to follow, so I would appreciate an email back to tell me which natural marriage example we should all be following.  For example:

·         Ancient Athenian men apparently disliked women immensely and put off marriage until they were in their late 30s, then married teen girls.
·         Ancient Egyptians married their siblings.
·         Native American Indians often took numerous wives, and could marry a person of “the third gender” who was not a man or a woman.
·         The Pawnee tribe of American Indians would often share their wives with their brothers in a polyandry union.  Young boys would also became “junior husbands” to their mother’s brother’s wife, and have sex with her until he married.
·         In the Comanche tribe, when a man died, his wife would then become the wife of his brother.  “In anticipation” of perhaps dying one day, a man would often share his wife with his brother.
·         In Australian Aboriginal culture, a man can take more than one wife at a time, and divorce is easily obtained via mutual agreement.
·         In Amazonian Zo’e culture, marriage doesn’t occur at all.  Women have children with whatever man they wish.
·         In Amazonian Yanomami culture, they practice polygamy and wives are regularly beaten to keep them docile and obedient.
·         Ancient Japanese marriage required both parties to be of equal social standing.
·         In Ancient Chinese culture, only marriage between a parent and child were banned.  All other marriages (siblings, cousins, grandfather-granddaughter) were allowed.  In some periods of China, a single woman would be married to all the brothers in one family who then shared her.
·         Traditional Jewish marriage requires a strict seven year engagement between the couples.
·         Islamic marriage can be polygamous and child brides are often chosen.
·         In ancient and present Kyrgyzstan, bridal abductions are commonly practiced, where women are kidnapped and forced into marriage.
·         The Wodabee of Niger marry their cousins in polygamous marriages.
·         In Somalia, brides can be promised in marriage before they are born.
·         The Nandi people of Western Kenya allow two women to marry, with one woman becoming the female husband.  She takes the male role in the marriage, and the wife is allowed to have children with whatever man her female husband choses for her.
·         In Zimbabwe, a girl-child is married to her paedophilic rapist.

But enough of that.  What does the bible say?  Natural marriage should come from the bible, after all.  The Islamic translation of Genesis chapters 23 and 25 confirm that Isaac married Rebecca (the mother of Jacob and Esau) when Rebecca was three-years-old, and took her to wife (ie had sexual relations).  If it’s in the bible, then it must be okay, right?

So therefore, I thank you for your fight for the rights of children and their natural marriage.  Under your guidance, parents will only need to be parents for three years until the husband takes over.  Which makes the education (and those lazy lesbians who can’t get their kids to school) a moot point.

So yes – let’s bring forth the honest debate.  Let’s bring forth the openness and stop discriminating against those who wish to keep our “natural marriages.”  We must allow all people to have their say.  Free speech for everyone!

Oh – except for those who support same-sex marriage.  We don’t want them to have a say.  Why, think of the horror?  Those men who marry other men and make the conscious, rational, loving decision to have a child?  Those men who were brought up by straight people?  Those men who have an adult right to love and care for a child?

And lesbians?  They can just move to Kenya, right?

And all those who identify as something other than homosexual or heterosexual.  Madness that they should demand to have a say in their own love life, and sexual reproductive life.

Let us not forget the perfect children that come from the union of one man and one woman.  Because without those pesky non-straight people, our jails wouldn’t be full.  Because straight people in a marriage are perfect specimens who never break the law, never abuse children, never do anything to harm children.

Bravo, Australian Marriage Forum.  Bravo.

#sarcasm

With kind regards,
Renae Kaye

Guest interview - Sloan Johnson

Renae:  Today I have another friend from my Sprint Group – the wonderful and fab-tabulous Sloan Johnson.  Come on down!

Sloan:  Hey, Renae! Thanks for letting me stop by today! It’s good to get away from the computer for a while. Oh, wait… I guess I’m still here, but you know what I mean!

Renae:  Haha!  Thanks for joining me here today.  It’s wonderful to have friends visit and tell me about their work.  Sloan wants to tell me all about her novel Dance with Destiny.

Tony DeLuca has to get to New York, nor’easter be damned. His older sister is getting married and it won’t matter to her if the entire east coast is shut down if it means she’s short a groomsman. She’s the only reason he’s willing to make the trip home to face a father who’s never forgiven him for wasting a perfectly good degree to become a firefighter. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything about Tony that his father will never accept.

Dominic Tricoli’s living his dream. He’s spent the past few years working to mesh his business degree and love of the outdoors into a thriving company, providing team building retreats for some of the country’s largest corporations. Unfortunately, there’s a price to pay for happiness, and having someone to come home to at night is the sacrifice Dominic made.

When Dominic overhears Tony’s plight, he’s drawn to help the man get to New York City. Little does Dominic know that one kind gesture will awaken a side of him he’s ignored for far too long. Against his better judgment, he gives in to his desires and Tony’s advances. Just for the night.

When destiny steps in, giving him another chance with the charismatic man who saved his hide, Tony’s willing to do whatever it takes to earn Dominic’s forgiveness and understanding. There may not be forever, but Tony’s determined to enjoy every single minute he’s given with Dominic.

You can’t fight fate. Whatever’s meant to happen, eventually will.

Renae:  Okay – tell me straight.  Does Tony make it to the wedding?

Sloan:  Of course! It wouldn’t be any fun if he never got there.

Renae:  These guys sound wonderful.  Where did the inspiration for this story come from?

Sloan:  Last year, a friend of mine was flying to a book signing in Tennessee and had issues with her connecting flight. In the end,  a group of people wound up renting a vehicle to drive from Atlanta to Tennessee. I made sure that hadn’t sparked a story for her, because it sure as heck did for me! She gave me her blessing and I took off running.

Renae:  Now, I’ve been having a quick look at Goodreads – this book was published in 2005?

Sloan:  Nope! I had been filling out paperwork for my daughter right before I added Dance with Destiny to Goodreads and put in the wrong year (my daughter was born in 2005). No matter how many times I’ve tried to get it corrected, it keeps showing 2005.

Renae:  Ahhh!  The “once it’s on the internet it’s the truth” problem.  So this was actually written in 2014.  What was your first book?

Sloan:  Unexpected Angel was my first. It’s an m/f romance with BDSM elements.

Renae:  And now you’ve exploded with a whole bunch of books and stories.  Congratulations!  You’re doing so well.  What is your favourite book you’ve written?

Sloan:  This has to be the worst question ever! I love all of my books, the same as I love both of my kids the same. If I *have* to pick, I would say either Dance with Destiny or Wild Pitch, which is coming out in June. I really love those boys!

Renae:  What do you think your writing style is?  Do you have one?  Do you just write what wants to come out?  Do you try to conform to a certain mold?

Sloan:  I have zero control in my writing. People laugh when I tell them I write what the voices tell me, but it’s the truth. I sit down and tell the story of whoever screams the loudest. Then, I get to go back and clean it up after I’m finished and have gotten to know them a bit better.

Renae:  Are there things you want to go back and fix up with this book?

Sloan:  That’s a tough one. I really do love the story as it’s written, but I think there are a few things I’d go back in and change up a little bit. 
Renae:  I’m just making sure – this story is a HEA?

Sloan:  Absolutely!

Renae:  You’ve written a lot of books between starting in 2013 and now.  Is this the career you’re pursuing?

Sloan:  It is. I floundered for a long time, doing everything from managing a pizza parlor to working in a coffee shop to analysing health insurance claims. I thought there was something wrong with me because everyone else my age was settling down into careers. Once I started writing (which was before I wrote my first novel), something clicked and I haven’t turned back.

Renae:  You have two young children – where do you find the time to write?

Sloan:  Right now, it’s easier because they’re in school. I do most of my writing between when the bus picks them up in the morning and when they get home. Then, if I’m in a groove, I might dabble my way through our evening TV shows or write after they’re in bed. That being said, summer is coming up and I’m going to be sprinting like a mad woman to get ahead so I can enjoy my time with them starting mid-June.

Renae:  What are you working on now?

Sloan:  Right now, I’m gearing up for the release of Wild Pitch, which features two sexy professional baseball players. When I’m not in promotion mode for that, I’m busy writing the second novel in the Homeruns series, Curve Ball, which will come out late this summer. It’s great because I can sit around and watch baseball all day and call it mood music!

Renae:  Where can people contact you?

Sloan: http://authorsloanj.com
https://facebook.com/authorsloanjohnson
https://twitter.com/authorsloanj

Renae:  Thank you ever so much for coming and chatting with me today.  I adore listening to author’s stories of how they came to be where they are, and where they are going.  I hope you had a lot of fun.  I’ll see you next time in the Sprint Group. **wink**

Sloan:  Thank you so much for having me! I’ll be the bleary-eyed one in the sprint group **wink**

My writing/farming analogy

One of my chooks I have to admit that I’m a little worried.  There have been signs lately that Australia’s economy is not doing as well as it was 12 months ago.  Apart from several news articles saying the exact thing, I’ve seen it right before me.

Australia (and Perth especially) relies heavily on the mining industry.  And guess what? Every second person I’ve talked to lately has said that they have been hit recently by the mining industry not doing as well as previous.  From friends on Facebook saying they’ve been made redundant, to my husband’s work struggling, to my friend who works as an accountant for a major miner telling me about their projects closing.  All are saying, “Things are not looking too good at the moment.”

So what does that mean for me?  It means that things are going to get a little more expensive for our household – petrol, groceries, overseas items.  I have growing children who require new clothing (on what seems to be on a monthly basis), but I’ve also noticed the amount of food I need to place on their dinner plates has been increasing.  My husband’s job is relatively secure, but as to how much work they will give him…?

In 2009, when things went badly pear-shaped, my husband’s employer reduced everyone to three days a week.  That meant only 60% of his usual salary coming in.  We had to cut corners.
Oranges on my tree So where will we be if it happens again?  Apart from my writing, I haven’t worked in over eight years (in a paid job).  If my husband’s hours are cut, I may need to see if I can find a position that boosts our household income.  Or then again, maybe I just need to write more books.

One thing that always surprises me, is that people seemed to have lost the skills it requires to grow their own food.  I find it one of the most rewarding pastimes.  You prepare the soil, and put a seed in the ground, then xxx amount of weeks later, you’re eating the food.  There’s always something coming out of my garden.  In terms of dollars, it’s not a huge saving.  But when things are tough, $10 extra each week helps.

In March I wrote in a draft blog:  It’s the end of a very hot summer for me.  We’ve just turned to autumn and the days are cooling off.  The soil which has been baked dry will begin to soak in the autumn rains, and the worms that tend to the soil will begin to do their work.  I will spread some chicken manure from my own hens over the soil, and let it work in.

I’ve picked a number of grapes off my vine, and gobbled them down.  Just a snack, although the vines are groaning with produce.  I also picked eggplant, tomato, capsicum and basil from the garden and put it in a pot to make a bolognaise sauce for tomorrow night.  I threw in extra tomatoes from the shop, plus some onion, zucchini and carrot, but about 30% of the ingredients were from my garden.  I flavoured the sauce with dried herbs I picked several months ago.
My carrot seeds sprouting Yesterday I collected eggs from the hens, the first orange from my tree, and about 2kgs of apples.  Tomorrow I’ll pick more apples plus some rhubarb and make a dessert.  Tonight we’re having eggs on toast for dinner – from our chooks of course.

Two months later in this late May blog I’d have to change it to this:  Today I’ve spent the day making sure the seeds are progressing fine.  The carrot seeds are up, as are the brown onion seeds, the snow peas and some of the beetroot.  The turnip seeds haven’t sprouted, which is a pain – are the seeds too old, need some more time, or did the ants steal them all?  Today I picked twelve oranges off the tree, four mandarins, and then set my 7yo son juicing the 30 oranges I have lying around waiting for someone to eat.

I cut the rest of the grapes off the vines and fed them to the chooks.  The silverbeet seedlings are going well, the eggplant and peas are growing vigorously, and the blueberry bushes have flowered. 

The strawberries are flowering against the warm wall where I placed them, the basil is going wild and I still have 30 lemons I need to work out what to do with.  The chooks gave me two eggs today, and hopefully this weekend we will be able to buy two more point-of-lay hens.  With a growing family, more eggs will never go astray. 
Rainbow chard growing There is the satisfaction of providing for your family in growing your own produce.  There is the rhythm of the world that I love to tap into – the cycle of hot and cold, the rains and the pollination, the returning of the energy to the ground in the form of compost.

I find the same satisfaction with writing.  You take nothing and create something beautiful.   The blank page is your soil, and life and your creativity is the spark that seeds that soil.  The author (farmer) needs some skill and knowledge to sow that seed.  They can’t just grow any old seed – no one wants to buy bracken and thorns at the market.  The author needs to carefully select their seed, make sure the seasons are correct, then plant that seed just right.  The farmer needs to work it – work the soil, plant the seed, fertilise, water, get rid of the weeds and watch out for vermin.  Likewise the author needs some skill – the ability to tell a story, get the grammar right, get the build up right, keep the reader’s attention.  Then comes the harvest which is just as important.  Editing must be done right.  The wheat and chaff must be sorted.  The fruit must carefully be handled to stop it bruising.  It must be transported to market in a timely manner, and to the correct market.

The consumer buys and carefully takes it home to sample.  Nothing can be rushed.  An apple that is rushed and picked too soon will not be ripe.  A mango that is not boxed carefully will be so full of bruises, it makes it inedible.  Broccoli that is not packaged correctly will be spoiled by the time a consumer receives it.

And, of course, the potatoes full of worms will leave a sour taste in the reader’s mind.  The potatoes looked good at the market, but when the reader got them home and cut into them, they were full of worms.  The farmer pocketed their money and ran, but readers have long memories.  The next time at the market, they bypass that farmer’s offering of potatoes and onions, and go for the farmer next door with the same offering, even if it is a little bit more expensive.
I get a high amount of satisfaction from writing.  I take the elements available to me, and I make a story.  I get help along the way from the editors, but I hope I bring a ripe, fresh product to the market.  Sometimes the marketplace is full of other farmers with the same product as mine, so I take a little less home, but every now and then an author will hit the market at the right time with the perfect product.

We all just hope to be that author.