Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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Upcoming stories you'd like to see from Josh?
Josh, when it comes to your work I am easy to please. Whether it's sequels, prequels, or standalones, I just want more mystery/romance; the kind of stories you have an unequaled talent in creating. Just please don't stop writing!
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That's another why it's not a super priority. I do want to revisit, but it's not one that a huge number of readers were clamoring for more. So when I'm prioritizing, it's natural to think...hmmm...huge amount of work and relatively little demand.
Although any and all demand is always flattering as hell.
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Merith wrote: "Josh wrote: "The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks will definitely have a sequel before too much longer. The spec fiction titles will also eventually have their sequels. ADT for sure, and most probably SF, t..."I second that. I loved Perry and Nick and have hoped for a sequel ever since I read it.
<<<>Not a bad title for a new book Josh....
Josh wrote: "That's another why it's not a super priority. I do want to revisit, but it's not one that a huge number of readers were clamoring for more. So when I'm prioritizing, it's natural to think...hmmm...huge amount of work and relatively little demand.Although any and all demand is always flattering as hell. "
I think I started clamoring for a sequel the night I finished it. Almost a year ago, right? I do know it was one of the very few books I read when I was sick; definitely a happy spot in that dark time. :D
I would think that now Colin and Septimus are "together", this story would have more of a following... but then, a lot of romance readers don't care for fantasy realms, despite the fact they are wonderful places to visit.
I seem to have this constant loop running - read a book, want more; read a book, want more! Icecapade is no exception to my rule :) my tummy lurched and flip-flopped so many times in this book! The lines were some of the most beautifully intense lines any of your characters have said! Robert and Noel were just sublime ! And I see the potential for more - I want the stories from 10 years prior when Robert was chasing after Noels tail ;) culminating in the New Years Eve capture !
Josh wrote: "The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks will definitely have a sequel before too much longer. Yay, I love Nick & Perry, I think it will be interesting seeing how they setle to living together as well as the potential for more adventure. I'm glad it is in sight.
Thanks Josh.
I know this is obscure, but that young student who had a crush on Adrien from "A Dangerous Thing" (Kevin?) might be a good lead in a story. Especially if he kept up with archeology. With some maturing and a really cool dig site ... I'm sure you could come up with something great for him. He was awfully sweet. :)
I love the 70s. There are a few movies that are my all time favorites from that period: Serpico, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, Mean Streets, Network, and TV series that I love to re-watch like Kojak or The Streets of San Francisco. To me it feels like it was a period of transition. When I watch those movies it seems like everything is a little bit dirtier, rougher, raw. I was born in 1973 so I am more a product of the 80s than the 70s, but the 70s sit better with me :-/Have you ever thought of writing something set in that period?
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I can see maybe a short story or something. It would be very hard to do those books NOT from AE's POV given that his internal commentary is such a major part of the stories. I agree it would be fun to get Jake's perspective, though. Especially on their early encounters.
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:-D
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I enjoy that stuff too! But, no, so far no story ideas for that time period.
Edina wrote: "I would love to see a sequel for This Rough Magic.
Brett and Neil are an unlikely pair and I would like to see how they are going to make work a relationship when it is forbidden, ..."
Edina, there will be a sequel this is the first book in A Shot in the Dark Series...Josh wrote:Yes. If Loose Id will cooperate with my change of plans for this year, I'll be doing another full length novel in this series around December or early spring.
Brett and Neil are an unlikely pair and I would like to see how they are going to make work a relationship when it is forbidden, ..."
Edina, there will be a sequel this is the first book in A Shot in the Dark Series...Josh wrote:Yes. If Loose Id will cooperate with my change of plans for this year, I'll be doing another full length novel in this series around December or early spring.
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Brett and Neil are an unlikely pair and I would like to see how they are going to make work a relationship when it ..."
I have a verbal okay on that from Loose Id, so it looks like it's a go.
Josh wrote: "
I have a verbal okay on that from Loose Id, so it looks like it's a go...."
*happy dance*
I have a verbal okay on that from Loose Id, so it looks like it's a go...."
*happy dance*
Josh wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Edina wrote: "I would love to see a sequel for This Rough Magic.
Brett and Neil are an unlikely pair and I would like to see how they are going to make work a..."
*HAPPY DANCES!!!!*
On another note...your post on FB got my SO and I all a curious with looking more into ebook pricing and author remuneration (self-published authors specifically)...we're both economists by training and are always interested in markets and how they work, so we spent and ungodly amount time last night doing some number crunching, just going on the figures you posted for Dangerous Ground...I wonder where we could get some data sets on ebook revenues?...This is what we do for fun together :O)
Brett and Neil are an unlikely pair and I would like to see how they are going to make work a..."
*HAPPY DANCES!!!!*
On another note...your post on FB got my SO and I all a curious with looking more into ebook pricing and author remuneration (self-published authors specifically)...we're both economists by training and are always interested in markets and how they work, so we spent and ungodly amount time last night doing some number crunching, just going on the figures you posted for Dangerous Ground...I wonder where we could get some data sets on ebook revenues?...This is what we do for fun together :O)
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I'll try and delve a little further into it for this column I'm doing for Jessewave. The real difficulty is only a handful of m/m writers have been willing to discuss hard numbers. Which I take to mean they're either earning significantly less or significantly more -- and I'm guessing less because I know my books do pretty well.
But it's all relative. 5K spread out over a period of years is horrific for trying to make a living -- and this is where the loss of the advance has been a terrible thing for writers. And it's a huge incentive for turning to self-publishing and collecting those earnings monthly (and in a much larger percentage).
But on the other hand, 5K for a month's work (which is how long it took me to write DG) is a decent salary. It's not far from what I used to earn in my day job. The difference being I was paid my montly salary....monthly. Not in percentages over a period of years, if you see my point.
This is partly why I have to crank books out like there's no tomorrow. The royalty income from 40 ebooks is enough to live on. The income from 1, 5, even 20...not so much.
I had to yank my retirement savings in order to finance my switch to a writing career. I have ZERO cushion if things go wrong. I'm not complaining because things have worked out for me. I'm just saying that this is the financial reality.
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If. *If* a brilliant idea for an AE story struck me, I wouldn't rule it out merely to be stubborn. But no such idea has occurred to me at this time.
Josh wrote: "On another note...your post on FB got my SO and I all a curious with looking more into ebook pricing and author remuneration (self-published authors specifically)...we're both economists by trainin..."
I had to yank my retirement savings in order to finance my switch to a writing career. I have ZERO cushion if things go wrong.
I am CRINGING...Yeah we took the numbers you mentioned and figured that the revenues where somewhere in the vicinity of $150/month over 36 months. Which is INSANE!! I don't know how many copies of books made that profit?? I mean sure, it's expected for the sales to dwindle after a few weeks and periodically pick up when a sequel of the series or a new book of yours comes out, but STILL. 5K for a month of work is good, but at the same time...you devote so much time on not just writing but taking care of your readers and that HAS HUGE values. And that should be remunerated as well.
I keep thinking about myself, I work as a private consultant for humanitarian felief orgs and get paid by the day when I work...and I compare the numbers and man, you should be making a hell of a lot more. Especially because what you do ONLY YOU CAN DO IT. Me, sure I do my job well, but in reality there are any number of others who can write a grant.
This for some reason has me riled up, I think it's just the unfairness of it. I mean frankly you could write any genre and do it well, that's a fact. But because you write a genre that is not 'mainstream' you have to live with the pressure of producing constantly, and having the financial pressure besides. I think about JR Ward and the ridiculous amount of money her publisher charges for her books and the promotional machine they roll out for her books...It sucks. One last thing your books are WAY too cheap....Seriously you need to charge more, it's only fair :O)
I had to yank my retirement savings in order to finance my switch to a writing career. I have ZERO cushion if things go wrong.
I am CRINGING...Yeah we took the numbers you mentioned and figured that the revenues where somewhere in the vicinity of $150/month over 36 months. Which is INSANE!! I don't know how many copies of books made that profit?? I mean sure, it's expected for the sales to dwindle after a few weeks and periodically pick up when a sequel of the series or a new book of yours comes out, but STILL. 5K for a month of work is good, but at the same time...you devote so much time on not just writing but taking care of your readers and that HAS HUGE values. And that should be remunerated as well.
I keep thinking about myself, I work as a private consultant for humanitarian felief orgs and get paid by the day when I work...and I compare the numbers and man, you should be making a hell of a lot more. Especially because what you do ONLY YOU CAN DO IT. Me, sure I do my job well, but in reality there are any number of others who can write a grant.
This for some reason has me riled up, I think it's just the unfairness of it. I mean frankly you could write any genre and do it well, that's a fact. But because you write a genre that is not 'mainstream' you have to live with the pressure of producing constantly, and having the financial pressure besides. I think about JR Ward and the ridiculous amount of money her publisher charges for her books and the promotional machine they roll out for her books...It sucks. One last thing your books are WAY too cheap....Seriously you need to charge more, it's only fair :O)
Just finished Come Unto These Yellow Sands... will there be more Swift? I really love these imperfect, wounded characters and we only saw a glimpse of SSS putting himself back together. So curious to see more.
Angel wrote: "Just finished Come Unto These Yellow Sands... will there be more Swift? I really love these imperfect, wounded characters and we only saw a glimpse of SSS putting himself back together. So curious ..."Imperfect and wounded characters draws me to stories and so especially Josh's stories. I simply love his flawed characters.
Jane wrote: "Angel wrote: "Just finished Come Unto These Yellow Sands... will there be more Swift? I really love these imperfect, wounded characters and we only saw a glimpse of SSS putting himself back togethe..."PS. I thought Come Unto These Yellow Sands was spectacular!
Jane wrote: "Jane wrote: "PS. I thought Come Unto These Yellow Sands was spectacular!"It was :) Swift's quiet life masking the knife edge balance he's achieved, his keen intellect that obviously needs more of a challenge than teaching barely literate students, Max's struggle not to strangle him...
It was a wonderful read.
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I think I must have missed this post earlier. Yes, the scary thing is I make way more than most writers in this business. My monthly Amazon sales average between 100 - 300+ copies a book, but my percentage of that is...well, not a lot. And varies from publisher to publisher.
In my favor is a sizable backlist.
My plan for next year is to hire an editor, a copyeditor and a cover artist and publish a couple of titles directly through Amazon. That will give me a much higher percentage and I can sort of test the waters. It's true that I can't keep this pace up any longer.
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Aw. I'm so pleased that readers love this story. But no, I have no plans to revisit Swift and Max.
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Thank you, Angel. Thank you, Jane. I love writing those kinds of characters. I try and mix it up, of course, but I love the challenge of taking a truly damaged character and convincing the reader to care about their happy ending. Perfect case in point is my upcoming Petit Mort. I LOVE this story and this character.
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Thank you, Jane. I'm proud of that book.
Ok wish list...Of the stand-alone mysteries that I wish a sequel for Snowball in Hell is definetely on top of the list. Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the tension.
Second is the Ghost Who Wore Yellow shoes because I liked Perry's and Nick's mix of characters. I mean Perry is this dreamy, artistic guy but he still has a core of something... he is determined and has guts. And then there is the focused, ready for action Nick that has his soft edges... a mothering side? Tolerant? Very intruiging mix!
Third on the list is Fair Game, because the main character Elliot stayed with me long. I really, really felt he was meant to be a crime investigator and that he had a rare gift for it. He should be a teamleader of his own FBI unit or something. I liked reading about him, his family and friends, he seemed mature in a very pleasant, rough way. I don't remember much about his partner though, the book was Elliot for me. Hmm, maybe I should switch 2nd and 3rd... :)
Of your series, the book I am mostly looking forward to is Holmes and Moriarty. I think they're both hilarious and touching. I spy and Horse seems pretty much done imo. Not mentioning DG since we will have a new release soon.
Something I would absolutely love, even if I know it is a lot of work for you, is a sequel to Strange Fortune. I am addicted to that story and I liked that the romance was never in your face, just a slight undercurrent while we were being overwhelmed by the mystery, characters and world building. Actually I would love any fantasy mystery novel. I love mysteries in a fantasy setting because it opens up new logic and new motives (even if the basic ones are the same).
Loved Vintage affair too... wouldn't mind seeing something like that, with that kind of passion. Or something with a really raw character, maybe without a clear romantic interest, but something that could grow... a la mexican heat but even more dragged out. Maybe someone who lost everything, someone who is not playing by the rules, someone who is delusioned, broken.
And finally, yes, I would love another AE. I am still picking my hair about Jake and his family. Are they going to blame Adrien? Will Jake get to see his nephews and nieces? What about Jakes brother, will he come to visit in their house? Maybe Jakes family will keep Kate and let go of Jake (I'm kidding!). I think Jake should take a gay runaway computer geek under his wing to help him with his investigations. Or he could investigate industrial espionage for one of Adriens step-dads rich friends...
Sagajo wrote: "Ok wish list...Of the stand-alone mysteries that I wish a sequel for Snowball in Hell is definetely on top of the list. Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the tension.
Second is the..."
I am 20pages from the end of the Adrien English series...hoping that love will conquer all! Jake has finally conquered Adrien..again and again! Please don't say anymore until later or tomorrow.
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Of the stand-alone mysteries that I wish a sequel for Snowball in Hell is definetely on top of the list. Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the tension.
Second is the..."
Well, most of your wishlist is in the realm of Strong Possibility. I do absolutely plan to follow up Snowball in Hell, TGWYS, and Fair Game. Series...I'm not so sure, but sequel, absolutely.
H&M, yes. Absolutely. There will be more books in the series. I love writing Kit and I have at least 2 more books planned out. His arc isn't as dramatic as Adrien's but it's still a definite character/relationship arc.
DG could end with this book though that's not my intention as I do really enjoy writing Will and Taylor. But if I get hit by a bus next month, that series at least will end on a satisfying note, I believe. ;-)
Strange Fortune...the very words make my stomach hurt. I don't think I ever worked so hard on a book in my life, so the idea of going back and revisiting fills me with terror. Could the story continue? Yes. Should it? I don't know. I'm still really doubtful about my ability to write fantasy.
AVA...I've thought about revisiting that because I actually have an idea for a kind of funny, touching follow up (at least, I think it would be funny and touching).
AE. Well, never say never. I admit that I miss Adrien.
To Lisa and Josh;Fantasy is also my mainstream genre of choice (together with mystery/thriller) so I guess thats why I favor these books. And I do understand the trouble with world buildning. I just think Josh does mystery fantasy really well and it could be a good niche. I mean, Strange Fortune was an ambitious first trial, and I do see what you mean Josh, if one considers writers like Ginn, Nicole or Jordan, who seems to spit out strange worlds with their breakfast, but a solid, tight mystery, with a consistent storyline and character build is not so common in fantasy. I mean fantasy could be something that could be used to spice up the mystery setting, to give more options for motives and plots, like you did in The Darkling Thrush.
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Josh wrote: "I do have a fantasy mystery novel in mind for next year, but I don't know if I'll have the nerve to write it. Especially after reading the Rifter!"I understand if you feel you can't write as good as Ginn Hale. But honestly? If we should feel insecure because other writers write better than us, we'll never write anything. It's like saying no one in this world shall ever write high fantasy again because Tolkien did it best. You know my background, if I have the nerve to write and submit a story when practcally everyone is better than me in everything, YOU do not have reason to loose nerve writing anything. Besides,your fantasy stories are excellent and I happen to like them.
Cleon wrote: "Besides,your fantasy stories are excellent and I happen to like them."Just to boost your confidence a bit, I'll quote this and sign under it! :DD
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Just to boost your confidence a bit, I'll quote this and sign under it! :DD"
Thank you. ;-D I shall hold you to that.
I hasten to add that I don't think Josh' fantasy is in any way inferior to Ginn Hale's. I haven't read her prominent works (only 1 short story) so I can't judge at all.
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There are many fine fantasy writers out there, but something about Ginn's work hits a particular chord with me.
I read Wicked Gentlemen a few years back and I was totally blown away...looking for another book of her to read...afraid that nothing could compare with that story...of frailty...love....in a cruel time.Yes...she manages to capture the soul...an emotional thread in her characters that is indescribable...but Josh...LOOK AT WHAT YOU DO!!! Need I say more than...
PS. Again...love Dark Tides! You exceeded my expectations!
The last sentence the last words of Jake...left me breathless!
Josh wrote: "It's not that I'm generally insecure about my writing. :-D But Ginn writes exactly the kind of fantasy I love, and would like to write myself. The Rifter series is intensely emotional, very much a..."Really, it's only fair that there's at least one author that you look at and think "I wish I could do that." There are plenty of people who think the same thing about your books.
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Talk about just amazing adventure.
Lol, just read I Spy again ... and I admit I wouldn't mind seeing the tounge-tied Mark again, though I am not sure how to continue, the Old Man connection seems played out. Maybe Mark needs to be roped in as a consultant on islamic spy studies for the US army...
Josh wrote: "So here's a story possibility on a topic I don't believe I seen anyone tackle yet -- maybe not for me but for someone. Has anyone seen the film TOUCHING THE VOID?"A story about mountain climbing?
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..."
Maybe so....
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Well, I believe I've committed to some kind of Christmas story for those two eventually, so I guess I'd better check back to this thread when the time comes. :-)
Josh wrote: "Sagajo wrote: A story about mountain climbing? ..."
Maybe so...."
Rock climbing, Josh, rock climbing. (Sorry you have to be a MST3K fan to get that really obscure reference)
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..."
Maybe so...."
Rock climbing, Josh, rock climbing. (Sorry you have to be a MST3K fan to get that really obscure reference)"
But I AM a MST3K fan!!!
what is MST3K??? (please, speak slowly for the non-American)
Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
This Rough Magic (other topics)This Rough Magic (other topics)
This Rough Magic (other topics)
A Vintage Affair (other topics)
Survival (other topics)
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I'm very happy to hear about that - I mean about ADT (I think I've already made my enthusiasm about a TGWYS sequel known).
I *really* wanted a sequel when I first read it, but I got the impression that it had a loyal but small following. The world-building was so good and so much left to explore that it would have been a crying shame not to revisit. I'd love to see more Colin & Septimus. They were so interesting.