Josh’s Comments (group member since Jun 17, 2010)

Josh’s comments from the Q&A with Josh Lanyon group.

Okay! I haven't had any additional comments from youse guys for twenty-four hours, so I've gone ahead and reorganized.

First thing: I haven't deleted anything. So if you didn't want something removed, it's still there. It might be in a different folder or it might be in one of the archive folders (if there's been no activity for over six months) but it's there. If you DID want something removed, you can still do that yourself.

Second thing: I condensed a few threads and I moved some topics to different folders. I've added a couple of new topics--for example, there's a "Friends of the Family" topic in the JUST FOR FUN folder where writer members can share their news and updates and snippets and whatever they might want to share.

Third thing: I renamed a few discussion threads and folders because I LOVE confusing people and making life difficult. Not really, and I hope the changes aren't too baffling. I tried to...refine some of the topics, as it were. And, just like publishers change covers on old books, I tweaked some of the names because I thought...that would be fun? (Actually, because once I started rearranging stuff, I got carried away.)

Fourth and final thing: The Archive Section(s) are totally out of control. I know. And eventually I'll take a look at reorganizing all of that too, to make it easier to find stuff. In the meantime, if you go in there, make sure to bring water and a flashlight. If you aren't out in a week, we'll send someone after you.

Writer members, both published and aspiring, are welcome to share their updates here!

Here's where the latest general Josh news, updates and releases will be listed. :-)

This is where we'll keep you posted on possible real life meet-ups at GRL, etc.

Josh wrote: "I picked up a couple of Tal Bauer FBI books. I've been meaning to give him a try for a while now.

Anyone reading Tal Bauer? Am I going to like these?

Oh! And on the What We're Watching Front, I..."

Also I believe the series is based on a book by Sally Andrew

I picked up a couple of Tal Bauer FBI books. I've been meaning to give him a try for a while now.

Anyone reading Tal Bauer? Am I going to like these?

Oh! And on the What We're Watching Front, I've been really disappointed in Acorn's mystery offerings this year, HOWEVER Recipes for Love and Murder is absolutely fantastic.

It takes place in a small South African town and the characters are so well done. It's funny and sad and smart and I can't say enough good things about it.

Also, don't watch it when you're hungry! ;-D

THE GREAT ARCHIVE is where all old/ended discussions can be found.

Everything will ultimately be stored here in some (hopefully) semblanced of order. ;-)

Hi Everyone!

The old What Are You Reading? thread (started by Calathea in 2016 and tottering at 16,536 posts !) had grown A BIT unwieldly, so we've archived the old messages and started a new thread that combines What Are You Reading with What are You Watching and What are You Listening To.

Basically, we want to know what you're up to at all times! ;-D

https://www.wired.com/story/jane-jens...

Jordan wrote: "Nothing better to do at the moment than to think about this, lol.

What about four major sections:

- General
- Josh news (including parties, gatherings, and giveaways that could be archived as so..."

LOL. I love (and fear) your enthusiasm! :-D

I think overall that would work. The Diana Killian stuff... Honestly, I think it's more curiosity than anything, and could probably be archived at this point. When/if I return to mainstream, it would likely be under a different pen name.

I'm still getting people chiming in on threads they want to see preserved, but in most cases, I think those will fit under General Discussion.

Marge wrote: "Josh wrote: "What do an unlucky-in-love Scrabble champion, a dog walker, and a former TV tween detective and his hapless sidekick all have in common?

They're all male protagonists in cozy mystery..."

WHO KNEW?

Jordan wrote: "I do love organizing things. Lol. While reading your newsletter, Josh, it occurred to me that we could really use one thread for ALL the Josh news, from new release updates to links to your blog po..."

We are literally on the same page. :-D

Jordan wrote: "Just throwing this idea out there. What if we combined these three threads since they're all so similar:

- What are we listening to?
- What are we watching?
- What else are you reading?

I don't..."

My thought too!

I think we retire those old threads and start a Watcha Reading, Watching, Listening To? kind of thing.

Jordan wrote: "I do think it's good, every now and then, to mix things up and make some changes. So, you know, five years down the line, we can do it again! lol"

LOL. EXACTLY.

Jordan wrote: "Hey, it probably doesn't hurt to re-introduce myself again!

My name is Jordan. I'm a librarian by trade. I LOVE reading and writing fanfiction. My current fandom is Person of Interest, which I stu..."

I LOVE this idea, Jordan!

Anyone else feel like introducing or RE-introducing themselves?

Jordan wrote: "I did at one point plan to write and publish M/M Romance, hence the one published story in the free anthology and my author account here, but I like writing fanfiction better, so there. :-D..."

Okay, well, I didn't know you'd reached that conclusion!

And of course, when it comes to creativity, nothing is absolute. You can always turn pro and I can always start writing in Pros fandom again. :-D

Honestly, I do think the first time I was dealing with burnout, interacting with the Professionals fandom was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Just writing for fun. Writing for myself again was wonderful. It helped me rediscover what I loved about storytelling.

Also, I met some really smart, lovely women in that fandom--and was even able to drag my two favorite fandom writers kicking and screaming over to "mainstream" M/M.

Jordan wrote: "I made the mistake of going to the county fair over the weekend. I'm almost never in town when the fair is so it was a nice surprise. Went on Saturday and it was PACKED. Even though I wore a mask w..."

Oh no. There's nothing worse than having to use your PTO for being sick.

At the same time you were contracting Covid, the sisters and I played the Pleasanton Highland Games. Attendence was really low, largely part to the brutal temps (101 on Saturday and 105 on Sunday). I thought for sure we were going to end up with Covid, but somehow we all skated through.

In fact, it was a pretty good gig, given that we were playing with a new bassist and hadn't really been together for more than 1 practice in three years!

Then we got home and the next night I nearly sliced my thumb off when I was (like the genuis I am) trying to open a parcel with a kitchen knife. So that was a real mess and still hurts like hell though the infection is finally subsiding and it's not hurting quite as much.

That has cut into -- OH HA! -- my plans. No swimming for one thing.

Anyway.

I'm THRILLED to hear Karen is willing to take on BOOK OF THE MONTH. Thank you so much, Karen! ♥

After Jordan told Johanna and me that she was stepping down, I was a bit doubtful about continuing the group. As youse guys know, I'm pretty scarce around here these days. Pretty scarce everywhere except Patreon, to be honest. I just don't seem to have the energy for what social media seems to have devolved into.

HOWEVER, as an author, a Goodreads presence is pretty much essential, so the group will continue and I'm going to make more of an effort to pop in once a week.

Among upcoming changes: the group is also going to go Public again. As much as I love our coffee klatch vibe, I think perhaps we've become just a little too insular?

Also, we're going to reduce/combine the number of threads and archive some of the older forums. I know when I used to check into the ginormous M/M group, I felt instantly overwhelmed and confused, so I never interacted, and I feel that perhaps we should work on becoming a little more user friendly.

So here's your chance to chime in about what changes you'd like to see moving forward.

Also, what threads or discussions do you most want to have preserved?

My goal is to make it easier for people to interact and to keep everything simple and fun for the mods as well as everyone else.

And on that note, thank you again (so much) to Johanna and Jordan. And welcome aboard to Karen!

What do an unlucky-in-love Scrabble champion, a dog walker, and a former TV tween detective and his hapless sidekick all have in common?

They're all male protagonists in cozy mystery series--and part of the GIANT cozy giveaway to celebrate World Cozy Mystery Day (aka Agatha Christie's birthday).

Want to wrap yourself in a story as comfy-cozy and charming as a soft blanket on winter's night (with maybe an Irish coffee on the side)? Then toddle over to Book Funnel via this link for a slew(th) of new authors and free books!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/cozies4a...

WHERE IS THE MEME FOR PEOPLE SHRINKING INTO THE SHRUBBERY? :-D

Pam wrote: "Hi everyone! Umm…there’s not much that could make me more self-conscious than writing the first “introduce yourself” post in a couple of years so…now you know one thing about me :)

Just discovered..."

Hey there, Pam! Welcome!

You're right about the ever-expanding TBR list.

So here's a weird thing. I find myself buying more print books again. It's not that I ever stopped, but I'm actually buying as many or more print books as ebooks now. And maybe I'm not alone.

Is anyone else experiencing a resurgence in love for print?


Also, this is a pretty good site for industry and publishing news:

https://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-n...