Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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Nov 07, 2013 10:07AM
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Josh wrote: "There will probably be a Christmas coda. :-)"Ooh, that's good news! It's such a great story. I thought it was so well put together, so sharp. I had an extremely satisfying morning reading that one.
And Utah is mentioned lots -- how excited was I when my neck of the woods showed up in one of Josh's books? Very! :)
Hi everyone, I have a question. I’m listening to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s audio book of Cloak & Silence in The League series, which is about 2 previously background characters. I’m enjoying it but it’s made me start thinking about some of the “mainstream” writers who now seem to be starting to write m/m stories. I can’t decide if Sherrilyn made the love story for Maris and Ture because they were her only gay characters? Was it prompted by the big success of J.R. Ward’s book Lover At Last in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series? Or are they just wanting to expand their story characters and moving into a merging new possibly money making genre doesn’t have anything to do with it? I’m not trying to say anything bad about either Ward or Kenyon, because I love their books and they have every right to write any story they want. That they are adding the m\m stories are just an added plus for me. : ) But I really am curious about the motivations behind the change, what do you guys think?
Might some of them be following the example set by Suzanne Brockmann? She had a special reason to do it (her son is gay) but maybe seeing that her storyline went well gave them the courage to do it.
I agree, Hj. Maybe it's because others have proven it's okay and that there's actually a mainstream audience for those stories. Whatever the reason, it makes me happy. The times, they are a-changin'.How are you liking Cloak and Silence, Denise? I haven't heard much about it, but it's Sherrilyn Kenyon, so that makes it kind of a big deal. Anyone else read it?
Maybe the society is simply changing and love stories featuring mf mm ff is starting to get mainstream and acceptable.... things have changed really fast for the last 10-20 years... esp. for the last years and it is starting to show.If smoking weed is all of a sudden acceptable and no more provoking than drinking a bear shouldn't gay relationships be that as well? The world is changing.
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I don't know why mainstream authors are writing MM, I just hope they're not doing it just for the money and I hope the execution of the story is good. I don't remember which one, but a lot of MM readers were very unhappy with the way the characters were portrayed or something.
DeniseE wrote: "Hi everyone, I have a question. I’m listening to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s audio book of Cloak & Silence in The League series, which is about 2 previously background characters. I’m enjoying it but it’s m..."It could also be that the fans asked for the story. Ward definitely had fan feedback telling her to get Blay and Quinn together.
Seeing Ward's success, Kenyon may have decided to go ahead with her gay characters. Since now it's no longer hugely taboo in mainstream publishing (about damned time!) and the publisher won't categorically nix the idea, I bet other authors, who probably might have dabbled in same sex relationships if the publishers would have allowed them to do so, will take a chance.
I was talking to Aleksandr Voinov at GRL about 70's science fiction. Someone had asked me when did I get started in M/M reading and I said I had always read books with same sex relationships in them. Heinlein, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Tanith Lee (all before I graduated high school in 1982). I grew up with these SF and fantasy authors who took real risks in their writing and were successful. These days science fiction is so codified by genre tropes that it's no longer innovative at all. It's military sf, or space opera sf, or comedy sf, so many subcategories with their own rigid rules that there's no wonder to it anymore.
I wandered off topic, didn't I? Anyway now publishers are seeing the successes in the fringes and hopefully will allow their writers to take more risks and be more creative.
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Well, I think it's a combination of things, including publishers being open to giving it a shot.
Do authors sometimes write stories and characters strictly for money? Of course.
We're all always seeking new readers and m/m is largely untapped as far as mainstream authors and publishers go. It's a healthy segment of romance buying audience that are not interested in traditional fare. For authors interested in accessing these readers it's no different than trying their hand at historical fiction or fantasy.
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I'm curious about it too. How is it?
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Where I come, from drinking a bear is still pretty provoking. :-D
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I don't know why mainstream authors are writing MM, I just hope they're not doing it just for th..."
I think it's tricky. I mean, in theory, a good writer should be able to write anything. It's just a creative and intellectual challenge. But I personally think that the results of creating something simply as academic exercise are never as powerful or moving as someone writing from the heart.
And, yes, that's probably proof that deep down I'm still pretty damn naïve. :-P
Josh wrote: "Ame wrote: "Maybe the society is simply changing and love stories featuring mf mm ff is starting to get mainstream and acceptable.... things have changed really fast for the last 10-20 years... esp..."LOL I always do this, always! Such a simple word.... yet I manage time and again to get it wrong. Which is why we should all just drink vodka.... so easy to write...;)
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Alison wrote: "I agree, Hj. Maybe it's because others have proven it's okay and that there's actually a mainstream audience for those stories. Whatever the reason, it makes me happy. The times, they are a-changin..."Hj wrote: "Might some of them be following the example set by Suzanne Brockmann? She had a special reason to do it (her son is gay) but maybe seeing that her storyline went well gave them the ..."
Alison wrote: "I agree, Hj. Maybe it's because others have proven it's okay and that there's actually a mainstream audience for those stories. Whatever the reason, it makes me happy. The times, they are a-changin..."
How are you liking Cloak and Silence, Denise? I haven't heard much about it, but it's Sherrilyn Kenyon, so that makes it kind of a big deal. Anyone else read it?
Hi Alison, I’m really enjoy Cloak and Silence, Maris has always been a favorite character of mine. He combined a kick-ass attitude with a sense of vulnerability that really keeps me riveted.
Have read Styxx yet? I can’t decide if I should or not I’ve heard that there some very strong stuff in it and has caused readers not to like Acheron anymore. I don’t think I could take Ash’s halo getting tarnished that I’ve put on his head…
Susinok wrote: "DeniseE wrote: "Hi everyone, I have a question. I’m listening to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s audio book of Cloak & Silence in The League series, which is about 2 previously background characters. I’m enjoyi..."I kept waiting for Ward to put Blay and Quinn together. I would get the newest book flip through it and read all the Blay parts, hoping they would get together and then go back and read the book as a whole. I loved Blay and wanted him to have is his heart’s desire. :)
And just because I can't help myself, Lover At Last has 1,777 reviews averaging around 4.5 stars, and is still ranked at 975 in paid Kindle store. That's' twice the amount of reviews that any of her other books have gotten, and I'd venture to say it's the highest rated as well.That's so awesome!
Thanks everybody for your thoughts, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I don’t have a lot of “reader” friends and when I try to talk books with them they get this blank, glazed look. I’m going to choose to believe that authors (especially the ones I like) are now just feeling freer to tell the stories from their hearts (I pinched that from Josh but I really liked the thought) or for the betterment of their stories and character and aren’t just seeing dollar signs. I do think realistically that it’s probably a combination of things as Josh has said that everyone involved has probably made some kind of adjustment as the world changes their view.
Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listening to a favourite chapter from an audio book lately. It would be nice it this makes me dream about Jake and Adrien or Kit and J.X. or whoever. :D
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Oh, THAT look. :-)
You described it perfectly, Denise!
Johanna wrote: "DeniseE wrote: "I don’t have a lot of “reader” friends and when I try to talk books with them they get this blank, glazed look."Oh, THAT look. :-)
You described it perfectly, Denise!"
Sort of haunted, looking for an excuse to be able to leave?
Becky wrote: "Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listening to a favourite chapter f..."That's cool. Audiobooks made me go to sleep a lot of times when I first started listening to them. Conditioned response, I think. Oma used to read to me before bedtime...
Becky wrote: "Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listening to a favourite chapter f..."What sleep function? I like going to sleep listening to an audiobook as well :)
Does anyone know the title of the Suzanne Brockman m/m book?
Fehu wrote: "Becky wrote: "Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listening to a favou..."Sleep timer - there is an "Off" button at the bottom left corner of the app. (I have the iPhone app).
All Through the Night: A Troubleshooter Christmas is the book where Robin and Jules get married. The relationship started as a sub plot many book before that, however.When Tony Met Adam is an m/m short story dealing with Robin's ex.
Robin and Jules relationship started (where they met) in Hot Target which is an m/f romantic suspense. It continues as a sub plot in the other books leading up to All Through The Night.
It's a descent series, especially the earlier books, but they are mainly mainstream m/f romantic suspense with a some gay characters as a sub plot.
Valerie wrote: "Fehu wrote: "Becky wrote: "Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listeni..."Oh my god, I LOVE the sleep timer! Use it all the time and it reliably sends me off to sleep.
Susinok wrote: "All Through the Night: A Troubleshooter Christmas is the book where Robin and Jules get married. The relationship started as a sub plot many book before that, however.[book:When Ton..."
Ok, thanks. I read one or two of those but didn't continue.
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:-D
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There is the truth. If you actually sit your butt down and do the writing, you need the alcohol so much less!
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So were you happy with the way it all turned out? Did you feel Ward did justice to their story?
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That is gratifying. So far I'm not seeing it translate into big mainstream deals for unknowns, but that's coming.
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That's a nice function. I hate falling asleep with my kindle because the story just keeps playing till I finally wake up and shut it off. And then it's a pain to go back and try and figure out where I really stopped listening.
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[book:When Ton..."
My favorite is the one right before All Through the Night. I can never remember the title. The one with the boat.
Becky wrote: "Ooh, I have discovered the Sleep function on the Audible app on my tablet. It plays for a set time, or to the end of a chapter. So I've been dropping off to sleep listening to a favourite chapter f..."What is this glorious sleep function on the app you speak of?! I am going to have to investigate. :D
Also, I picked up books 2, 3 and 4 in the AE series on audio and will be diving innnnnnnnnnnnn.
Yes, just a wee bit excited, I am. ;)
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I do the same thing with my kindle. Usually when I'm trapped in a hotel room with my dad who snores like a big dragon and I realize I've forgotten my ear plugs. Then I have to turn the volume up on the audio book, attempt to sleep with ear buds in, and wake up and turn it off several chapters later. ugh.
I do have the app, but I don't use it. Maybe I should. the sleep function sounds divine!
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I read Hot Target a few years back and actually really liked it. A lot. For a M/F romance, it was really good. Sex scenes still squicked me out a little, but not as much as others I've read.
But I haven't gone back for others. Maybe some day.
I can see I've started something here. :D I have the Android app. When you're in the Now Playing view tap the menu button at the top right of the app. Sleep will be one of the options and you can choose from 15, 30, or 60 minutes, or End of Chapter or End of Book Part.
Josh wrote: " The one with the boat. ...."Force of Nature Good one.
re-Audible APP
I use my old Android phone for my audiobooks. It has web access so I can load it and use my account. I don't have to fill up my phone memory. I also prefer it when I'm moving around, so my new phone is not at risk.
I am taking a housework break now. I am starting my pre-holiday blitz today. I'm behind, since my entire household got the cold virus over the last couple of weeks. The sun is shining, my audiobooks are loaded and I am off to start
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Have fun, Reggie! Josh and his audio books have really done good for my garden and household. ;-)
Reggie wrote: "Josh wrote: " The one with the boat. ...."Force of Nature Good one.
re-Audible APP
I use my old Android phone for my audiobooks. It has web access so I can load it and use my ..."
Enjoy your cleaning stunt, it seems you are on a tear;)
Mod
Force of Nature Good one.
re-Audible APP
I use my old Android phone for my audiobooks. It has web access so I can load it and use my ..."
That's a great idea. I remember reading an article about repurposing old smart phones, turning them into regular computers and MP3 players. I'd never thought of an ereader. but I usually keep my stuff working for a few years until it's literally dead before I give it up. lol.
Josh wrote: "My favorite is the one right before All Through the Night. I can never remember the title. The one with the boat. ...."That would be Force of Nature, which is the major turning point in Jules and Robin's relationship.
Jordan wrote: "That's a great idea. I remember reading an article about repurposing old smart phones, turning them into regular computers and MP3 players. I'd never thought of an ereader. but I usually keep my stuff working for a few years until it's literally dead before I give it up. lol. ..."Even though I have a 10" tablet and a Kindle, all of my reading these days is on my phone. It's just easier to keep one item around for reading. It's the Samsung Galaxy Note II, so it's pretty big for a phone. Perfect size for a small reader though. I read more than I talk on the phone anyway. :)
Josh wrote: "DeniseE wrote: "Susinok wrote: "DeniseE wrote: "Hi everyone, I have a question. I’m listening to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s audio book of Cloak & Silence in The League series, which is about 2 previously b..."So were you happy with the way it all turned out? Did you feel Ward did justice to their story?
I’m mostly happy with it and the very end was very satisfying (when they got married) but I think my expectations where to high after waiting so long for it. I know it sounds silly but I had this vision of Qhuinn coming in and sweeping Blay off his feet, that it would all be very romantic and touching. Though there was touching parts to it, it seemed to be lacking in the romance. Also with all the subplots and side stories going on I don’t think they got their full story, especially Blay’s part, who is my favorite…
Hj wrote: "Johanna wrote: "DeniseE wrote: "I don’t have a lot of “reader” friends and when I try to talk books with them they get this blank, glazed look."Oh, THAT look. :-)
You described it perfectly, Den..."
Sort of haunted, looking for an excuse to be able to leave?
Yes exactly!! :)
But the BDB books are not very romantic for the most part. They are more visceral, even the m/f relationships. I didn't see Quinn and Blay being romantic at all, or expect it.
To add to that.... I liked that all was not resolved the minute Qhuinn decided he wanted Blay.... that he had to work for it.
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..."
I guess that's always a challenge with these huge ensemble pieces.
Reggie wrote: "Josh wrote: " The one with the boat. ...."Force of Nature Good one.
"
I just read that one last week and I really enjoyed it. It is an entertaining series. I've found the Jules and Robin storyline to be way more interesting and engaging than many of the other couples' stories.
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