Writing Questions for Josh Showing 851-900 of 4,753

[Calathea]

My "Dear Author" letter was picked by Neil Plakcy. I'm so happy! Can't wait to read his story! :-)

[Jordan]

Hmmm... lurking... that's hard to do at work... but I'll certainly give it a shot!

Calathea, that's exciting!!! Congrats!

[Anne]

Calathea wrote: "My "Dear Author" letter was picked by Neil Plakcy. I'm so happy! Can't wait to read his story! :-)"

That's SO COOL!!!!

(running off to see what kind of picture motivates Neil Plakcy)

[Anne]

Okay, Calathea -- the picture is hot, but I think you had a really good author letter: gave enough detail to give guidelines, but you didn't restrict the author too much. Kudos. :)

[Calathea]

Anne wrote: "Okay, Calathea -- the picture is hot, but I think you had a really good author letter: gave enough detail to give guidelines, but you didn't restrict the author too much. Kudos. :)"

*lol* You're sweet! :-)

[Calathea]

Jordan S. wrote: "Calathea, that's exciting!!! Congrats!"

Thanks! It's really cool! :-) And there are so many interesting, hot stories to look forward to in this "Hot July Days" thingy.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Anne: you got a freaking HAWT picture, OMG, I'm drooling and that's very unladylike and my thoughts too ;-)

I didn't detail my letter to the Author very much, because I like when things go to a totally different direction that (or than?) what I expected. My pic with three guys playing in the water was chosen by A.J. Llewellyn. I loved the Christmas anthology because it made me want to read authors that I didn't know before. I'm looking forward to reading everybody's story :) *doing the happy reader dance*

[Kari]

Emanuela, I loved the unveiling of 1-2 stories day by day with the December antho. A little surprise for me (hey, I'm still a reader!) every morning. :D And I too found some new authors via the December Stocking Stuffer event so, if you look at it as purely a promo thing, I think this kind of event is full of win for everybody.

That said...I don't like the idea of anyone doing a story just as a promo tool. That feels so wrong to me and whorish. I don't often participate in the M/M group by posting or whatnot (there are only so many hrs in the day & at some point, I need to, y'know, write, LOL), but I love the group, lurk a lot, & have met compadres there. To me, events like this are my chance to say hey to readers, you guys are awesome -- let's have some fun without the business-like pall hanging over head. (Yes, I am business-like. I just present myself in a way that's different than how a lot of other authors tend to. But yeah, there's a method to my madness.) Anyhoo, taking away the fun factor by focusing on the look-at-me promo of it...Well, to me, it defeats the purpose & totally misses the point. Thankfully, I don't think many authors jump on it with both feet as a business move. We all had so much blasted fun with it last time...We're all mostly in it for the big sloppy kiss to readers & the fun. ;-)

[Jordan]

Kari, no way. Sure, I'm looking at it as a way to promo my name, but I'm also imagining how much fun I'm going to have with it!

I'm looking at two pics, wondering if I can use the same sci-fi universe I'm planning for my next m/m novel to be written in November. We'll see. But gosh, this is a lot of fun!

[Jordan]

I know we talked about this a week or two ago, but I've got a question about writing a short story in the same universe as a novel I'm planning to write. I'm looking at doing the m/m romance hot July reads thing, and wondered if I could write a short story with different characters but set in the same universe as a novel I'm planning to write and get published someday. None of the characters will be in both, or if they are, they'll be in the distance because they're rulers, they'd have to be there, even if they're not central to the story. This will be a different story too, though it will involve men falling in love, duh! lol.

I just want to make sure this is ok before I forge ahead and start world building. That was the other thing I was thinking, that this would be good for a little world building, since it'll be sci-fi.

Thoughts? Comments? All are welcome! Thanks guys!

[Kari]

Jordan S. wrote: "Kari, no way. Sure, I'm looking at it as a way to promo my name, but I'm also imagining how much fun I'm going to have with it!

Oh no, no, no! I didn't mean anybody here would be doing it as a just a business maneuver rather than the fun of it. Didn't mean to come across like I thought that at all!!! Swear to God, I didn't. With a jacked up sleep schedule & in need of more coffee...Was just thinking aloud and my thinking isn't at all sharp due to the sleep/no-sleep thing. Whatever, I wasn't talking about anyone here.

Crickees, I need to reset my body clock's sleep pattern. Bad.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

@ Kari: I do hope the majority of the authors are doing this for fun, I like to think that when one sees the right pic, they'll have the unquenchable thirst for telling that story. I also think that if the author does it only for promotion, without that little fun spark, it'll show.

I wonder if it's also a way to see what readers are asking for (even if it's not the right way to do a statistically correct research).

[Jordan]

Emanuela, that's an interesting thought about what readers are asking for. I have to agree, some of them are quite interesting!

Kari, lol, no worries. I was half asleep when I posted too, so maybe we're both even. I doubt anyone here would write just for promo too. We're all awesome people who love writing for the sake of writing, for the awesome stories and characters, and for giving the reader a good read!

[Jordan]

Ooohh, that's a neat idea LC! I rather like it!

[Jordan]

LOL... a fetish for toe jam, that's great!

[Jordan]

Ah, ignore my last question. I found the post with the answer I was looking for... hmmm... I might have to rethink my sci-fi idea for this short story.

[Cleon Lee]

The challenge is a way to force me to write. lol. Since there is a deadline and people who expect a story from me, I must write. Plus the picture & plot I picked is so romantic.

[Anne]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Anne: you got a freaking HAWT picture, OMG, I'm drooling and that's very unladylike and my thoughts too ;-)

I didn't detail my letter to the Author very much, because I like when things go to a ..."

I loved your picture, I just couldn't see myself writing M/M/M (or were there 4?). It reminded me of Australia. And a bunch of hot Australians men naked and wet with those hats on? Yum.

I prefer the less detailed letters, personally. I was impressed with Calathea's because she gave more detail but it still seemed open-ended.

[Anne]

Kari wrote: "Emanuela, I loved the unveiling of 1-2 stories day by day with the December antho. A little surprise for me (hey, I'm still a reader!) every morning. :D And I too found some new authors via the Dec..."

Wow, Kari, thank you. You're really helping me feel less pressure about the whole thing. I can just write the thing, I don't have to 'represent'.

My cop is HAWT. And he's a naughty, naughty boy.

[Cleon Lee]

If anyone is interested, my prompt is still open: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5... !

[Anne]

Jordan S. wrote: "I know we talked about this a week or two ago, but I've got a question about writing a short story in the same universe as a novel I'm planning to write. I'm looking at doing the m/m romance hot Ju..."

Once you sign a contract, there will probably be a Right of First Refusal clause, meaning your publisher gets to look at everything you write that's part of the same series. But until you sign the contract, you're under no obligation. Also, just being in the same universe isn't the same as a sequel or series.

You could even (possibly) use it as a selling point, saying you have x-thousand downloads of a story in the universe already.

I am sure, if Nicole is lurking, she will have better advice. And Josh, of course, but we know he's lurking. :)

[Anne]

Kari wrote: "Jordan S. wrote: "Kari, no way. Sure, I'm looking at it as a way to promo my name, but I'm also imagining how much fun I'm going to have with it!

Oh no, no, no! I didn't mean anybody here would be..."

I think if you are looking at it as purely promotional, your story could suffer. It's better to see it as fun with a side of promotional (or, promotional with a side of fun?).

Don't sweat it, Kari, we understood you. :)

[Anne]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "I wonder if it's also a way to see what readers are asking for (even if it's not the right way to do a statistically correct research). "

Oh, good point. So what if it's anecdotal? So far, my observation is that a lot of the readers who've posted pictures so far are into some level of BDSM.

[Anne]

Sorry, hijacking this discussion --

If I name my cop from the M/M group challenge Helmut, is that too ZAM? And if his name's Helmut, where would his parents be immigrants from, exactly? I was thinking Germany, but my Northern European knowledge is weak.

[Jordan]

Thanks Anne! I just found the post Nicole had made about not having anything posted on the author's website before submitting a book to pub, so I'll have to figure something else out, I guess. But, I love the pic I chose, and I really think there are multiple plot lines that could work with it!

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Anne wrote: "So far, my observation is that a lot of the readers who've posted pictures so far are into some level of BDSM."

It seems so. At Christmas I had the impression there was more paranormal, but I don't know if it's seasonal.

Personally, as much as I love romance, I'd really like to read about a beautiful and passionate
one night stand, where two men - I picture them in their late 40s - in a very short time share a lot of emotion and truth about each other, and then they part with very little regret. I don't care if they're cheating, I just want them to have something beautiful to remember. I think I'll never read it - and if someone has read it, please tell me :)

Anne wrote: "And if his name's Helmut, where would his parents be immigrants from, exactly? I was t..."

The first Helmut that comes to my mind is Helmut Kohl, who was the West German Kanzler in the late 80s, early 90s.

[Jordan]

Oh, Emanuela, that actually sounds really beautiful! Gosh, I'd love to write something like that, but I'm not sure I could do that justice.

[Blaine]

Anne wrote: "Sorry, hijacking this discussion --

If I name my cop from the M/M group challenge Helmut, is that too ZAM? And if his name's Helmut, where would his parents be immigrants from, exactly? I was t..."

Helmut is definitely German (though Austria or Switzerland is possible as well)

[Cleon Lee]

L.C. wrote: "Anne wrote: "So far, my observation is that a lot of the readers who've posted pictures so far are into some level of BDSM..."

I noticed that too. In my dear author letter I made one request tha..."

When you read too much BDSM, it feels like BDSM is the norm and not something that is outside the box anymore... Now, vanilla is the new BDSM. LOL.

[Calathea]

Cleon wrote: "If anyone is interested, my prompt is still open: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5... !"

That's really such a sweet picture. Makes you dream. :-)

[Calathea]

Anne wrote: "If I name my cop from the M/M group challenge Helmut, is that too ZAM? And if his name's Helmut, where would his parents be immigrants from, exactly? I was thinking Germany, but my Northern European knowledge is weak. "

Please, don't! *whining*
Yes, Helmut is a german name, but it's a name from my grandfathers generation (actually, it is the name of my late step-grandfather). You won't find any hot guys around named Helmut.
If you want me to, I could come up with some suggestions... But, please, no Helmut or Klaus or Hans. *more whining*

[Cleon Lee]

Josh posted an excellent article about self publishing here: http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201... .

[Blaine]

Calathea wrote: "Yes, Helmut is a german name, but it's a name from my grandfathers generation (actually, it is the name of my late step-grandfather). You won't find any hot guys around named Helmut.
If you want me to, I could come up with some suggestions... But, please, no Helmut or Klaus or Hans. *more whining* "

LOL you're right :) It's like Henk, Klaas, Jan, Kees en Hans in Dutch ...

I have to admit I have no idea what popular German boys' names would be now ...

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

L.C. wrote: "That sounds a little like one of my current WIPs. Its set just before Christmas, but they're mid/late 30s and the parting of ways is bittersweet."

Let me know when it's available :)

[Kari]

Anne wrote: "Once you sign a contract, there will probably be a Right of First Refusal clause, meaning your publisher gets to look at everything you write that's part of the same series. But until you sign the contract, you're under no obligation. Also, just being in the same universe isn't the same as a sequel or series."

Please, ladies (and gentlemen), PLEASE read your ROFR clauses very carefully. With a magnifying glass, a copy of Black's Law and the guy you dated in high school who's now a contracts attorney on speed-dial.

ROFR (Right of First Refusal) is not at all the same as ROFO (Right of First Offer). An ROFO, you can turn down and take your toys elsewhere if you don't like the offer. ROFR? Not so. You can accept the offer or wait until the term of the first contract expires. That's it. Some ROFRs limit to specific sequels, some to any story inside that particular world...Read. It. Carefully. If you don't understand it? Don't sign it. If you don't like it, ask for changes and if they won't change it -- walk away.

Just a note of caution here. Extreme caution.

[Anne]

Calathea wrote: "Anne wrote: "If I name my cop from the M/M group challenge Helmut, is that too ZAM? And if his name's Helmut, where would his parents be immigrants from, exactly? I was thinking Germany, but my Nor..."

I want an H name, and I sort of like the idea of him being a blond cop with a very, um, German name. You know? I'm open to suggestions. I thought about Heinz, but that's not working at all.

ETA: I see names from my granparent's generation becoming more and more popular. We have a Ruby on our street, Henry is really common, there are Pearl's and Clare's and Emmett's at my kids' school. I thought Helmut might work in that way, but if it's going to make someone feel squicky....

Thanks for the input, everyone, I appreciate it.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Hademar Hadewin Hadrian Hagen Hajo Hanjo
Hannes Hanno Hanns Hans Hansdieter Hansdietrich
Hänsel Hansi Hansjoachim Hansjoseph Hansjürgen
Harald Hard Hardi Hariolf Harm Harmke Harold
Harro Hartlieb Hartmann Hartmut Hartwig Hartwin
Hasso Haubert Haug Hauke Heilko Heilmar Heilmut
Heilwig Heimbrecht Heimefried Heimeran Heimo
Heineke Heiner Heinfried Heini Heino Heinrich
Heintje Heinz Heise Helge Helle Hellmut Hellmuth
Helmbrecht Helmfried Helmke Helmut Helmuth Helmward
Hemerich Henke Henneke Henner Henning Herbert
Heribert Herman Hermann Herms Herrmann Hertwig
Herward Herwig Herwin Hias Hieronymos Hilarius
Hildebert Hildefons Hildeger Hildemar Hildemut
Hilderich Hilger Hinrich Hinz Hiob Hippo
Holdeger Holdo Holger Holm Horst Hosea Hubert
Hubertus Hugbald Hugbert Hugbrecht Hugdietrich
Hugo Humbert Hunfried Hunold Hupp Hyazinth

:D

[Anne]

L.C. wrote: "Anne wrote: "So far, my observation is that a lot of the readers who've posted pictures so far are into some level of BDSM..."

I noticed that too. In my dear author letter I made one request tha..."

I'm glad you did that. I'm not sure I can handle 62 BDSM stories in a month.

[Jordan]

Thanks for the info Kari! I'm nowhere near that stage, but when I get there that will be good to know.

[Blaine]

So, this Hot July Days..M/M Style I've been reading about ... how does that work?
I read the post, but I'm still puzzled.
Can anyone join? Or are there requirements you have to fulfil?

Cause I've seen this pic that I think might make a nice little story ...
and I've found one I'd like someone to write a story about, but I'm still kid of on the fence (and nowhere near a published author

[Anne]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Hademar Hadewin Hadrian Hagen Hajo Hanjo
Hannes Hanno Hanns Hans Hansdieter Hansdietrich
Hänsel Hansi Hansjoachim Hansjoseph Hansjürgen
Harald Hard Hardi Hariolf Harm Harmke Harold
Harro Hartlieb H..."

What do you guys think about naming him Hard?

ROFL

[Anne]

Blaine D. wrote: "So, this Hot July Days..M/M Style I've been reading about ... how does that work?
I read the post, but I'm still puzzled.
Can anyone join? Or are there requirements you have to fulfil?

Cause I've..."

Anyone can join, and you don't have to be a published author, so go for it!

[Calathea]

Anne wrote: "I want an H name, and I sort of like the idea of him being a blond cop with a very, um, German name. You know? I'm open to suggestions. I thought about Heinz, but that's not working at all."

A german name with 'H' for a guy in his thirties (or how would you guess his age)could be Holger, Henning or Hendrik. They are quite similar to dutch names like Blaine mentioned because their origin is in northern regions.

Most favourite(or common) names for a guy this age would be Christian, Michael, Stefan, Andreas, Thomas, Markus, Matthias, Sven, Jan, Alexander or Thorsten. (The guy in the picture looks like a Christian to me. *lol*)

Names for boys born in the last decade otoh are Lukas, Leon, Maximilian, Julian, Finn, Felix and so on.

I hope that helps a little. :-)

[Calathea]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Hademar Hadewin Hadrian Hagen Hajo Hanjo
Hannes Hanno Hanns Hans Hansdieter Hansdietrich
Hänsel Hansi Hansjoachim Hansjoseph Hansjürgen
Harald Hard Hardi Hariolf Harm Harmke Harold
Harro Hartlieb H..."

Yikes! There are a lot of old men in there... (to my eyes at least). ;-))

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Hard is too too easy, lol. Boy, that guy's packing something ... meaningful...

Hartmann gives me this impression of Hard Man, but I don't know how modern it is.

My favorite German name has always been Jürgen.

[Anne]

Calathea wrote: "Anne wrote: "I want an H name, and I sort of like the idea of him being a blond cop with a very, um, German name. You know? I'm open to suggestions. I thought about Heinz, but that's not working at..."

So, in Germany is the 'J' in Julian pronounced as in English, or is it our 'Y' sound?

These are all very helpful, thank you..

[Anne]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Hard is too too easy, lol. Boy, that guy's packing something ... meaningful...

Hartmann gives me this impression of Hard Man, but I don't know how modern it is.

My favorite German name has always..."

I know, but I couldn't resist. :)

[Calathea]

Blaine D. wrote: "So, this Hot July Days..M/M Style I've been reading about ... how does that work?
I read the post, but I'm still puzzled.
Can anyone join? Or are there requirements you have to fulfil?

Cause I've..."

You want to post a letter, right?
Just create a new topic in the "Hot July Days..M/M Style" folder with the header "Dear Author - Blaine D." Post the picture and write a few lines to give a clue about the story.
If an author likes the picture they can claim it to write the story.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

J is pronounced like Y in English.

[Blaine]

I'm kind of partial to Tobias or Andreas :)
Though, I like Horst as well, don't know why.

That said, Calathea's suggestion of Henning sounds good, and I like the other names she suggested as well (except Jan)