Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Christopher, I hope I'm not late to lend you some moral support! Rugby players, yum! In 2002 I visited Paris and at the airport I saw these mountain-men arrive, with a lot of people of their entourage that, if compared to them, looked like midgets. When I came home, I told my boss - who is an ex-rugby player - that I thought I saw a national rugby team, given the size, with green uniforms with a splash of orange/yellow. He wanted to kill me: how could you not recognize South Africa????!!!! They were in France for a test-match.
They were really huge. Wouldn't they be a major distraction when exercising?
I finished Yakuza Pride. I gave it 4 stars even if there were some major flaws, in my opinion, and unnecessary torture. The setting was incredible though. Japan was not a label to give you a sort of idea of the setting, the author made me feel I was really there."
Not too late. Still accepting all sympathy! ;-)
I actually have past form on major distractions when exercising.
A few years ago I was on the treadmill when this totally outrageously hot guy (black curly hair, strong features, green eyes, body of Adonis) got on the one next to me. I was so distracted trying to watch him out of the corner of my eye that I completely missed my stride and went flying off the end of the treadmill and landed in an undignified heap on the floor.
What's worse is that I was lying there, dazed, then the guy comes over to me to ask if I was ok! I can remember sort of gaping at him from the floor as he stood over me. God knows what I said.
Peyrac wrote: "I'd rather have two characters be really aware of safer sex, have tests done, and find themselves some nice alternatives until the results are in than use The Almost Needless Condom. Intercrural sex is hot, frottage can be done very sexily, masturbation as well, so it's not as if dental-dam-free rimming and condomless BJs and facials are the only solution.
Alternatively you can go bareback and have them acknowledge the risk or talk about it. "
I have to disagree with this.
The sort of sex that KA Mitchell writes about is much closer to the norm for sexually active guys than what you're advising.
I mean, no facials, no rimming, and no blow jobs without latex? If a guy I was hooking up with listed those rules he'd get a smile and a 'this isn't going to work out' from me and from practically everyone else I can think of.
Especially blowing someone with a condom on. That's one of the most unerotic things I've heard of and in the few hundred guys I've had sex with in my life it's never come up, even when I've had sex with guys that I know are hiv positive (I'm negative and get tested regularly)
Being responsible about sex means using condoms for anal sex (since that is where the overwhelming majority of infections take place), getting tested, being honest, and taking the normal risks (and accepting the potential consequences) of a sex life.
It's not rationalisation, it's a rational analysis of the risks involved.Unprotected oral sex is a low risk activity. Of course it's possible to contract hiv from it, but nevertheless it is very unlikely to happen. And that is how the majority of non-partnered sexually active people approach their sex lives. Even paramedics (speaking from personal experience on that one).
Everyone as a right to weight the risks in their own way and decide on their own behavior of course, but most guys I know approach this in the same way. The sort of sex you're describing as not 'readily believable' is in fact the norm.
You don't have to have sex in a haz-mat suit to be responsible.
Christopher wrote: "It's not rationalisation, it's a rational analysis of the risks involved.Unprotected oral sex is a low risk activity. Of course it's possible to contract hiv from it, but nevertheless it is very ..."
I normally lurk but I have to chime in here. Paramedics and emergent care doctors tend to have very realistic ideas of exactly how likely a disease is to spread in most situations. From what I've seen they mostly take the risk.
Thanks Chris. I have read several stories where the guys use protection for oral sex. I kinda stop reading to question and shrug. It is probably rare, like you said. Getting HIV from a burst condom is more probable. This is why the lubricant/lotion of choice is so important. More people put themselves at risk with Vaseline Intensive Care lotion and other products that contain mineral oil. But in regards to personal tastes in reading-- we all have personal experiences that guide our reactions to what we want to read. I was talking to some other m/m readers and they didn't ADORE Josh's writing. SHOCK--I wondered if I could still talk to them!! LOL I managed to get over my horror and coninue to converse.
Josh is soooo right we all react differently.
Thanks all for sharing and this interesting discussion.
edit: roughdraft 2
Reggie wrote: " I was talking to some other m/m readers and they didn't ADORE Josh's reading. SHOCK"Exactly, not possible, I wonder if they're reading an imposter :)
Reggie wrote: "But in regards to personal tastes in reading-- we all have personal experiences that guide our reactions to what we want to read. I was talking to some other m/m readers and they didn't ADORE Josh's reading. SHOCK--I wondered if I could still talk to them!! LOL I managed to get over my horror and coninue to converse. "I find that difficult to believe? How can anyone not love Josh's work?!!!!
Peyrac wrote: "Christopher wrote: "It's not rationalisation, it's a rational analysis of the risks involved.Unprotected oral sex is a low risk activity. Of course it's possible to contract hiv from it, but ne..."
I know we weren't talking just about hiv. But at the end of the day you can get oral herpes from a kiss and crabs from cuddling someone without a shirt on.
I don't see debating this issue as a personal attack of some sort. I'm sorry I gave you that impression. I just think that what you're saying about KA Mitchell's work being unbelievable in terms of sexual practice is off the mark.
Christopher wrote: "I find that difficult to believe? How can anyone not love Josh's work?!!!! "I know!!! It was a mind bending moment. Luckily, I've come to grips with the moral that people have the "right" to be wrong! ;-D
It has made my life much more peaceful! LOL
You know, I can't help wondering if KA Mitchell got some similar comments on Collision Course, because her follow-up, No Souvenirs (one of my personal favs) dealt more consciously with safe-sex issues.
Peyrac wrote: "Currently reading Natural Law by Joey Hill (enjoying it quite a bit so far) and about to start The Dandelion Clock by Jay Mandel and Gents by Warwick Collins. All have been warmly recced to me, so ..."I really liked Natual Law. In fact Rough Canvas was the first m/m book I read. I haven't heard of the other books you mentioned- I'll check them out.
Sorry for your loss. STDs are real and their effects are devastating. It is good that your circle is taking care of each other. Sounds like a good place to be.
Y'know, I've gone both ends of the spectrum, from "condom? what condom?" to a computer geek hero hacking into the medical records of his potential boyfriends (yes, plural -- he was checking on other test results entirely, but while he was there... ;-p)...Romance isn't real life. Romance is the fantasy. No one should ever pick up a romance novel/la/lette expecting it to read as non-fic how-to. Just like I wouldn't read a BDSM book for directions on how to do a sounding, I wouldn't read a vanilla erotic rom for guidance on safe sex.I'm okay with books that give the how-to. But I'm okay with books that don't. Each is perfectly cool with me, as long as they fit the spirit of the story.
Also, FWIW, loads of sex is 100% cool by me. Obviously, being that I write stories with TONS of sex in them, LOL. I see nothing at all wrong with lots of sex. If handled well (meaning there's an actual point to that sex scene and it isn't just gratuitous boning), hey, sign me up. A book doesn't have to a nonstop sex-scapade to catch my eye, no, but I'm not going to turn my nose up at lots of smexin, either.
Kari wrote: "Y'know, I've gone both ends of the spectrum, from "condom? what condom?" to a computer geek hero hacking into the medical records of his potential boyfriends (yes, plural -- he was checking on othe..."I don't think I am turning my nose up at anything. There are so many elements in that book I really enjoyed, the writing is good, there were phrases and expressions that had me laughing out loud, I loved the MC and their stories, but what made me not fall for it, was that I would have liked more focus on the relationship, the conflicts were rushed, everything was solved with sex. In other words, I would have liked her to write a different book. ;)That is of course stupid of me, she writes the books she writes, they are not what I am looking for, so I read something else in stead that gives me what I want. Simple as that.
Anne wrote: "Kari wrote: "Y'know, I've gone both ends of the spectrum, from "condom? what condom?" to a computer geek hero hacking into the medical records of his potential boyfriends (yes, plural -- he was che..."Oh, I apologize. I didn't mean you specifically or even the book you were talking about, for that matter. I was speaking about safe sex & lots vs. little sex in general.
LOL re the Magic Penis. :D
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I bought Natural Law awhile back, but I'm hesitant to read it, mostly, I guess because it's Het romance. But it still looks good. If it's that good, maybe I'll make it my next read.
Lou wrote: "I've seen instances where readers complained about the lack of condoms in a story set in the seventies. ..."Remember Josh was forced to work condoms into a story (Snowball in Hell) set in the forties.
Liade wrote: "Remember Josh was forced to work condoms into a story (Snowball in Hell) set in the forties."Uh, I didn't know or I suppressed the memory from my brain: too much is too much...
Peyrac, thank you for the detailed answer.
Liade wrote: "Remember Josh was forced to work condoms into a story ([book:Snowball in ..."That's correct. However, Josh's revised ebook edition, that came out in 2011 from Carina Press, removed all references to condoms.
Just got The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir. If any of you haven't yet seen the related Planet Green series, "The Fabulous Beekman Boys," do try to catch it when the new season starts. It's really delightful. (And by the way, Josh Kilmer-Purcell's earlier memoir, I Am Not Myself These Days, is one of the best autobiographical works I've ever read.)
A while ago I read an enthusiastic review and I was seriously thinking of buying ''I Am Not Myself These Days'', and then... there are just too many good books!Anyway quite an interesting person this other Josh: he describes his life at the time as advertising art director by day and drag queen "Aqua" by night. I suggest a Google research for pics of ''"Aquadisiac" ;-).
It's a wonderful book, Antonella! Not only is his story both hilarious and poignant, but his voice is utterly unique.Yes, he was quite an unusual drag queen :-) but a stunning one. There's a pic embedded in this review: http://www.dallasvoice.com/truth-in-d...
Anne wrote: "I just finished Collision Course and I have to admit that even if I think the writing was good and the story interesting, there was way too much sex for my taste. "I like K.A. Mitchell, but I can totally see why a lot of people don't. There certainly is a ton of sex. Collision Course was pretty typical of her work, so if you didn't like it, my guess is she isn't for you.
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Jordan wrote: "I'm just finishing up a nonfic book about the dog and the legacy of Rin Tin Tin. Gosh, there's so much there that I didn't know about, and it's awesome to finally learn the story, and to see how fa..."Sounds like a fun change of pace.
...what's the name of the book? =D
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It was a fun change of pace. It kept me up late the last two nights.
The next book I'm reading will be a fun teen/tween fiction number, but I'm really wanting to get back to adult romance! Grrrr. lol. One more book to go. Then I can read something else.
I am in the middle of the Rifter, which I enjoy immensely, but I need to take breaks once in a while in order not to OD on one author :) So I have just finished Comfort and Joy that someone recommended to someone else on the M/M romance group. A lovely story, a little unusual style but sweet. I had to order it used from Amazon, so this is one of the few paper books I have read recently :). I also read The Left Hand of God in a Norwegian translation (a friend left it at my house). This is fantasy and not a romance at all, very dark and twisted with a yes - dark and twisted sense of humour. And since it now is February, I shall soon start on Don't Let Me Go for the monthly read on this group. I had a sneak preview when I downloaded the Kindle sample, and I really look forward to delving into it and to discuss it later this month.
I'm reading the last book of the Hunger Trilogy, Mockingjay. I'm a bit disappointed. I absolutely adored the first book, it had an edge that was lost in the following installments.I'll probably start Driftwood tonight. High hopes for this.
Emanuela, I enjoyed Driftwood quite a bit. I'm actually starting Winter Knights by her tonight.
And I liked Winter Knights a lot :D
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Greetings from Basawar! I've not been able to leave John and friends for a long period of time, so I've only taken breaks from The Rifter to go to work (a lot) and to sleep (very little). I'll finish the ninth one The Iron Temple tonight and then I'll only have the last one left... I'm grieving already... sniff...
Don't grieve, be brave, you'll be rewarded! ;-)And join the further discussions on Ginn's works here:
A Shot of Ginn
Johanna wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am in the middle of the Rifter, which I enjoy immensely, but I need to take breaks once in a while in order not to OD on one author :)"Greetings from Basawar! I've not been able to..."
Isn't that a great world she has built? :)
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After this, my plan is to read Natural Law to get it off my coffee table, plus, now I've got a real hankering to read it, too.
and then I have to read the book group book, which I started last night on the bus. The beginning is interesting, so I can't wait to catch the rest!
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And join the further discussions on Ginn's works here:
A Shot of Ginn"
Thanks for the tip, Antonella! I joined the group immediately! :)
Anne wrote: "Isn't that a great world she has built? :)"
Oh man, I don't even know from where to begin with all the praising I have in me... so I'll just say that if there still is anyone in this site that hasn't read these books, you really should do it as soon as possible. Ginn Hale's writing is utterly beautiful, the love story between these two wonderful, mythical men has gotten me on my knees and the way we get to travel trough time and between worlds make my head spin.
This series has left me speechless and when I'm through (only 150 pages left!) I think I just want to stay in Basawar forests and towns for a while strolling and pondering what exactly happened. :)
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You can get them from Weightless Books. Be sure to by all ten books at once (that way you get discount) - you'll want to read them all anyway. :)
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I totally feel you. And that would be me *raises hand* who hasn't read Special Forces yet. And I know that I should do it like, right away. :)
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Johanna, well, at least we're somewhat in the same boat!
Special Forces is just another book/series that can't be put down.
Johanna wrote: "so I'll just say that if there still is anyone in this site that hasn't read these books, you really should do it as soon as possible..."It's on my list but I'm not gonnna start until I have a clear slate because I know I'll stop everything.
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It's on my list but I'm not gonnna start u..."
That is exactly how I feel about Special Forces and why I haven't read that series yet.
And yes, you will forget all about Canada and real life the moment you'll enter Basawar. ;)
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Jordan wrote: "I'll probably dive in and not come out until it's done, so I need to make sure there's time for that! ..."That's what happened to me: Ten books literally gobbled up in nine sleep-deprived days. Fun, but I did come out just a little worse for the wear. There were a couple of post-Rifter-withdrawal days where I couldn't think what to do with myself. The wait between books as they were coming out last year would not have been pretty.
John wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I'll probably dive in and not come out until it's done, so I need to make sure there's time for that! ..."That's what happened to me: Ten books literally gobbled up in nine sleep-..."
I gobbled them in 5 sleep deprived days. LOL. So glad I read them AFTER they're complete.
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Jordan wrote: "Oh, post-book withdrawal sucks! I've definitely had that happen before. Whoopee! I get to experience it again. lol."The big debate in my head was, "well, do I re-read now or wait a decent interval". Holding the re-read card does get me through these things and I know there'll be a fallow week or two this summer when I'll need to play it.
John wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Oh, post-book withdrawal sucks! I've definitely had that happen before. Whoopee! I get to experience it again. lol."The big debate in my head was, "well, do I re-read now or wait a..."
He he, that is always the way I comfort myself when I have finished a book I don't want to end - I can always re-read later.
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That book was Ruth Simm's The Phoenix.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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In 2002 I visited Paris and at the airport I saw these mountain-men arrive, with a lot of people of their entourage that, if compared to them, looked like midgets. When I came home, I told my boss - who is an ex-rugby player - that I thought I saw a national rugby team, given the size, with green uniforms with a splash of orange/yellow. He wanted to kill me: how could you not recognize South Africa????!!!! They were in France for a test-match.
They were really huge. Wouldn't they be a major distraction when exercising?
I finished Yakuza Pride. I gave it 4 stars even if there were some major flaws, in my opinion, and unnecessary torture. The setting was incredible though. Japan was not a label to give you a sort of idea of the setting, the author made me feel I was really there.