Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What Are you Reading?
Lately, i really enjoyed:- Amy Lane's Christmas Kitsch - lovely! so...heartwarming, works for any season :-)
- KJ Charles' Interlude with Tattoos - awesome, awesome, awesome!
- Julie Bozza's The Apothecary's Garden - beautiful, left me feeling warm and happy and sad. This is the kind of book that will stay with me.
Na wrote: "It is a horror book! :D It gives me gooseflesh. (Not sure if it's the right expressions but... no, no, no)"It has stayed with me for years, like the best books do. This one is perhaps more horrifying than many others because we know there are places and cultures where this treatment of women isn't fiction, but facts of daily life.
KC wrote: "Lately, i really enjoyed:- Amy Lane's Christmas Kitsch - lovely! so...heartwarming, works for any season :-)
- KJ Charles' Interlude with Tattoos - awesome, awesome, awesome!
- Julie Bozza's Th..."
I Agree with the two first ones, the third must be downloaded and read soon. I haven't read one book of Julie Bozza's I didn't like.
Anne wrote: "Na wrote: "It is a horror book! :D It gives me gooseflesh. (Not sure if it's the right expressions but... no, no, no)"It has stayed with me for years, like the best books do. This one is perhaps ..."
I think this is one of the reasons that Atwood's books are so compelling and sometimes absolutely terrifying, she convinces the reader that what happens is the "natural progression of things" if certain bad choices are made, or if people become complacent, or just human, which is truly frightening.
KC wrote: "Anne wrote: "I think this is one of the reasons that Atwood's books are so compelling and sometimes absolutely terrifying, she convinces the reader that what happens is the "natural progression of things" if certain bad choices are made, or if people become complacent, or just human, which is truly frightening. ..."That's a mark of a very good science fiction writer. :) Even though the futures they paint are scary as hell to us.
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There's a lot to play around with: coming to terms with your nature & the need to change into your wolf, the accepta..."
This. Exactly. I couldn't have put it better myself.
Yeah, I'm a huge fan of shifters. I didn't used to be, though. But I can't remember what made me change my mind.
The things I don't like, however, are when things are handled wrong or in a cheap fashion. As an example, the insta-love. No way does that work in a romance novel. But the thing that really bugs me is when authors use the instant mate bond insta-love as an excuse for the characters to do nothing but have sex from page one to page nine hundred.
Otherwise, yeah, I like it.
That being said, Josh, if it's not your thing, don't write it. I like everything else you've written. You know not to write something you're not fond of yourself just because people ask you for it. There are other authors who are already handling the shifters for those of us who do enjoy them. :-)
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If you're talking about a romance novel, sure, you would probably be missing something if there was no bonding happening.
But if it's not about romance, then it wouldn't make a difference whether the bonding is there.
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I REALLY get tired of the 'mate' thing in paranormal romance. I don't like..."
There are a few that I know of where it is personal choice to start off, and then the mate-bond kicks in. I like stories like that. They do have to work hard to be together at first, the shifter has to decide how much to tell a human lover, things happen, and then when they're sure they love each other, they bond on a more personal level than ever before. If handled right, it's good.
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Now, it is weird. Because I don't mind that in my books while..."
The thing about not having personal choice in a book, where you're suddenly mate-bonded, is that you're all happy and in love with this other person. If you were looking for love, what's not to like? You're in the "perfect" relationship, where no matter what happens to you, you know your mate will always be there. You know if you're human and happen to get cancer or something, that your mate won't be running away like some RL people do. (I'm remembering the main gay couple from Angels In America, where the one left the other when he found out his partner had AIDS.) If they were mate-bonded, he wouldn't have left. I don't think.
But hey, there's an idea for someone. What would happen in a romance novel if one mate of the bonded pair left for some reason?
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I'm in agreement with this. I've read f/f, and some of it's been very good, some not so good. But I haven't been able to connect to it on the same level I do with m/m.
I have a friend who has been dying for more good f/f for years. She reads m/m, but not very much. As in, maybe she read one book last year. So she would definitely have her flag in the f/f camp if she had to choose. Doesn't mean she's against m/m. Just like it doesn't mean I'm against f/f.
I guess one could liken it to vampires and werewolves, to link in our other conversation here. Not everyone who likes to read about vampires likes to read about werewolves. And vice versa. Are you Team Jacob or Team Edward?
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I'm Team...I don't get the appeal of those Twilight books. :-D
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On one level, I understand the appeal of Twilight. I do work with teens after all and I did enjoy them for a time myself. But on another level, especially after 50 Shades came out, when I really sit down and think about what it all means on another level, no, I can't get behind them.
I won't mention how the fourth book was just her writing fanfic based on her own work, which made it horrible to read. It made me feel like a 12 year old had written something and gotten it published without anyone having told her how to properly end a story. *shivers*
But, the Team Jacob/Team Edward thing still applies to other things though.
Josh wrote: "Okay. Someone explain to me what the charm is of shifter stories? I get requests to write shifter stories and I just...what is fun about them? What is it you guys like so much about them? What is a..."Please don't take this wrong and not to doubt your abilities, but I don't think I'd want to read one by you. Unless you're bored?
Actually, I don't read much paranormal any more. Most are silly (world building is just too hard) and badly edited, the last good new shifter series I read was D.D. Barant Bloodhound Files. Jim Butcher is also good. When romance is added, it all goes to hell.
Josh wrote: "I'm Team...I don't get the appeal of those Twilight books. :-D ..."I'm on Team yawn where Twilight is concerned.
Averin wrote: "Please don't take this wrong and not to doubt your abilities, but I don't think I'd want to read one by you. Unless you're bored? ..."I agree! Concentrate on... Kit and JX!
Jordan wrote: "I'm remembering the main gay couple from Angels In America, where the one left the other when he found out his partner had AIDS."This is one of those classics I think I should read (but at least I haven't yet bought to leave it there on my shelves for some years...;-). Did you like it?Is it very depressing?
Susinok wrote: " I'm on Team yawn where Twilight is concerned."LOL! That's a good one!
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Just put Coriolanus on my reading list, since I'm going to one of the simulcast cinema screenings of the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus starring Tom Hiddleston in the title role. Eeeeee!!! :DCheck out this page to see if there's a screening in your area: National Theatre Live.
It's not only the UK. One of my Twitter friends in Canada booked up last night.
Anyway, it's not a play I've ever read or seen before, so I should study it a bit before I go.
Becky wrote: "Just put Coriolanus on my reading list, since I'm going to one of the simulcast cinema screenings of the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus starring Tom Hiddleston in the title..."FABULOUS. I saw Coriolanus with Charles Dance when I was a schoolgirl. The scene where he single-handedly storms a city, he came out of the smoke stripped to the waist and covered in blood and...to be honest, I think that may have irretrievably shaped my psyche. Mmmm. It's a difficult play at points but as a study in male power and intense bonding it's unmissable, and sexy as hell.
If Tom Hiddleston is stripped to the waist at any point they'd better have smelling salts on standby. :D
I am in the middle of Bone Rider that was recommended here by Lady M I think. A really original story and well written, I am enjoying myself :)
Becky wrote: "Just put Coriolanus on my reading list, since I'm going to one of the simulcast cinema screenings of the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus starring Tom Hiddleston in the title..."Cool!
Next time I'm in Britain I have to go to a Shakespeare play. I'd love to go to the re-built Globe, but I'd be happy just about anywhere.
I've gone to London twice and have seen 4 plays total. Evita and Pygmalion (with Peter O'Toole!) in 1984, and I saw Jesus Christ Superstar (amazing performance) and Shakespeare, Abridged in 1997.
The Globe is a wonderful venue, it's really worth it. I saw Mark Rylance's all male Twelfth Night there (he was Olivia), and a fabulous Titus Andronicus.
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The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group There is comedy in this YA novel. I like how she handles werewolves in this with a bit of humor even with tough topics.
The Reformed Vampire Support Group I think came before the werewolf book, but I didn't find it nearly as good or funny. Vampires are seen as having a very bad disease and they're very sick.
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When I'm in London in June right after the UK Meet, I'm going to see Romeo and Juliet in the Round performed by the English National Ballet company. I'm wicked excited about going!
http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/rom...
It's the main reason I'm going to London at all.
Susinok wrote: "I've gone to London twice and have seen 4 plays total. Evita and Pygmalion (with Peter O'Toole!) in 1984, and I saw Jesus Christ Superstar (amazing performance) and Shakespeare, Abridged in 1997. ..."How wonderful to have seen Peter O'Toole in the flesh! I bet he was still mesmerising. I saw Rupert Everett in his first West End play, and Rufus Sewell in Arcadia before he was famous, and I'm pleased to say that I saw their potential straight away.
Jordan wrote: When I'm in London in June right after the UK Meet, I'm going to see Romeo and Juliet in the Round performed by the English National Ballet company. I'm wicked excited about going!..."That sounds amazing.
Jordan wrote: "Susinok wrote: "Becky wrote: "Just put Coriolanus on my reading list, since I'm going to one of the simulcast cinema screenings of the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus starri..."The ballet sounds really great. As a Londoner i often lose sight of the entertainment and the cultural places we have here. It can be so easy to get lost in the daily grind and doing things can become an effort. I joined a group called 'the London Culture Seekers' to encourage myself to get out and enjoy London a bit more. So far i have been to an archeological centre that i didn't know existed and I went on a walk on the Thames foreshore looking for artefacts. I didn't find anything but i had a good time and got out and about.
K.J. wrote: "The Globe is a wonderful venue, it's really worth it. I saw Mark Rylance's all male Twelfth Night there (he was Olivia), and a fabulous Titus Andronicus."JEALOUS! :) Someday....
I heard years ago that Sean Bean was going to do Macbeth. I tried to make plans to go to see it. Yes I would have flown to London for that. Life happened and I couldn't do it though. :(
Thank you Antonella! I'd checked for it unsuccessfully about 5 minutes before, so you were quick off the mark.Happy Winter Solstice to all.
I bought and read in one go Blame It On The Mistletoe.... and I love it! So cute and happy holiday read, just perfect. Full of UST and funny as well. Haven't read anything by this author but judging by this book I want to check her out more.
Antonella wrote: "Tinsel Fish by Harper Fox is there!At least on Amazon."
I started it this morning! So far, it's good. Not very far into it. Our power was out due to ice storms and I didn't want to run down the power on my phone.
Ame wrote: "I bought and read in one go Blame It On The Mistletoe.... and I love it! So cute and happy holiday read, just perfect. Full of UST and funny as well. Haven't read anything by this ..."As soon as I finished Blame it on the Mistletoe I bought Superhero and The Trouble With Tony. She also has a freebie The Lion and the Crow that I'm looking forward to reading. I love finding a promising new author. :-)
I also recently read and LOVED Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane. I also enjoyed Sweet and Sour. Lots of good holiday stories this year.
I have been reading Christmas stories too and i really enjoyed Blame It On The Mistletoe. A Prairie Dog's Love Song is also by Eli Easton and it is very nice too. I finished Sock it to Me, Santa! and that was an adorable Christmas story set in high school. I am reading Feathers From the Sky by Posy Roberts and really enjoying it. I have Christmas Kitsch and some others to look forward to. I read some Christmas stories from last year's Dreamspinner press Christmas collection and wasn't enjoying them but I am enjoying some of this year's.
Susinok - ice storms now! If you put up a photo on your website for every extreme weather event you could illustrate a meteorology book on your own, I think.I hope things improve in time for the holiday.
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At least on Amazon."
YAY!"
Ditto yay! Got it!
Also I read and enjoyed Eli Easton books mentioned. The two holiday stories are lovely.
Yep, Ice storm. There's a REASON the world's top storm lab is in Norman, Oklahoma. We have the most severe storms on THE PLANET! (Fact!)The ice would be very pretty if we weren't worried about going without power. We're on 100% electric out here and no power means you can't flush the toilet (we have water reserves to re-fill the tank).
Valerie wrote: "Ame wrote: "I bought and read in one go Blame It On The Mistletoe.... and I love it! So cute and happy holiday read, just perfect. Full of UST and funny as well. Haven't read anyth..."For fans of Easton, I just read the m/m steampunk anthology Steamed Up, and she has a wonderful story in there as well. One of my favorites from the book.
I just finished Josh's Lone Star. I thought it was a lovely read. (I kept thinking of Web as a younger version of Robert Taylor, who plays Sheriff Longmire in the Longmire show on A&E.)
And now I can finally read Mitch & Web's Christmas coda. :D
Thank you for the lovely photo, Susinok. I'm glad that the world's meteorologists agree with my estimation of your weather based on the empirical evidence of your comments throughout the year!
Hj wrote: "I read Harper Fox's Tinsel Fish, which was excellent (no surprise there)."Me too. Harper is great writer. And as a bonus I get a setting in Great Britain, which I love.
Antonella wrote: "Hj wrote: "I read Harper Fox's Tinsel Fish, which was excellent (no surprise there)."Me too. Harper is great writer. And as a bonus I get a setting in Great Britain, which I love."
I was on holiday in Cornwall last winter, not far south of Falmouth, and Harper's descriptions of Cornwall really capture its essence. (Not surprisingly, given that she's chosen to live there now.)
Maybe you could take the train down to Cornwall from Bristol after next year's UK Meet, Antonella? It's a lovely journey, partly along the coast (at one point, just after Exeter, the train runs very close to the sea). But I should warn that Cornwall gets very busy during the summer, as it's a favourite holiday destination.
Hj wrote: "Maybe you could take the train down to Cornwall from Bristol after next year's UK Meet, Antonella?"Ive already been to Corwall a few times, but I'd like to go back. I'm totally undecided about before/after Bristol because there are so many alternatives... Cornwall, Wales, Ireland or Scotland?
The Wicked Gentlemen Coda has been posted at liveyourlifebuythebook.com!http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
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http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre..."
That's wonderful! I loved this.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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One of the best (and most depressing) books I've ever read!"
Yep...
...I haven't yet read a not-depressing Atwood book. All very good. But i think even her non-fiction lectures depressed me a bit.