Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Josh wrote: "Something that I actually get some complaints about now and then. (Though they leave me stonily unmoved.) *g* "I know you've mentioned (and I've read a few of them) readers not satisfied with Dark Farewell's ending. Have there been other stories readers have complained about? I can't think of any of your stories that have ended in such a way I'd want to complain about (other than The Hell You Say, and wanting Jake and Adrien to not have broken up. But since the whole story wasn't finished...).
That does bring up a good point, and maybe I should take it to the other Q&A forum. Yeah, I think I will.
I seem to be one of those rare people who didn't love Bareback and not because of the cheating. To be honest I just didn't care about them that much. I'm like some kind of m/m heretic to say that I know. LOL I can deal with cheating, not rampant unrepentant cheating, but if it seems to fit it's not a major obstacle for me.
With ZATB, I had heard conflicting reports about the epilogue so I simply didn't read it and imagined them living HEA with a white picket fence. :-) I don't needs hearts and flowers happy endings but I do like to believe when I'm reading that the couple at least moves forward to that point. I'm happy with leaving them after the first date in an "I like you a lot and would like to get to know you better" stage. Better that than "I've known you 15 min. I'll love you forever, let's adopt a baby." Ugh.
Merith wrote: "Rob wrote: "[...:]That said, have you read Bareback? I have to say, that was one of the most intensely emotional reading experiences I've ever had. It totally flipped me out for a couple of weeks. ..."All right you 2, knowing what I know now, could I read Bareback? I cry at Disney movies, for goodness sakes. And I was ready to kill Jake when Adrien learned that Jake was with Paul during some of the time Jake and Adrien were together and Jake was hurt by that news. I get kind of emotional about my book characters!LOL
Right now, my reading list is kind of heavy on angst, I think, with the exception of Catch Me If You Canby L.B. Gregg and Dash and Dingo: In Search of the Tasmanian Tigerby Catt Ford and Sean Kennedy. I'm going to be by a lake taking it easy- yeah- next week and I don't want to spend the week too deep in thought. But I will definitely add it to my growing TBR list- maybe(I really am a baby!)
Patty wrote: "All right you 2, knowing what I know now, could I read Bareback? "You might want to put it on the back-burner for awhile, especially if you have an angst heavy list already. Chris really builds up Tor's and Jake's relationship, from active lust to committed partners. But then things start to fall apart. You might not cry, but you will be heart broke when Jake discovers what's happening. After Chris drags your heart around in the dust (probably during one of the cattle drives), he starts building the relationship back up again.
The story ends very well, and there's even a short off-shoot involving one of the minor characters.
Tam, you blasphemer! lol Really, though? You didn't care about Jake and Tor? Any particular reason? Maybe it helps that I grew up around guys like that--farmers and ranchers--so their thought processes and issues are familiar to me, though long since in my past. Whatever it was, I really dug them. It makes me sad that you didn't!You two are going to force me to re-read the epilogue of ZATB!
Merith, I still think Tor's reasons for stepping out were lame, especially on that night of all nights. I mean, come on! That was what seriously pissed me off. It was such a slap in the face to Jake. Reading it, I just had so many questions circling through my brain--like a tornado, one could say!--and had absolutely no one to whom to ask them. Drove me stark raving mad for a bit. I even discussed it with people at work, and I never do that.
Patty, do you remember the Hallmark commercial where the old woman keeps checking her mailbox and it's always empty? One time the young mother across the street notices. The next time the old woman goes to her mailbox, there's a card inside. Yeah, totally cried over that one--a little out of guilt, I suppose, considering I didn't write to my grandmothers as I should have done.
That said...yeah, I really loved Bareback, even though it tore me up. I read all the shorts on Chris Owen's site and mostly enjoyed the sequel, Natural Disaster. I don't think you'll cry. As I said, I was more angry and devastated than hurt and tearful. It's definitely a thinker, though, so plan ahead for it. I didn't!
Okay, Rob, you and Merith have convinced me for 2 reasons: 1) Since Josh created this discussion group, we have people with whom we can discuss the books. I don't have anybody to rant about books with or on the other end of the spectrum, highly recommend a book. This is a great forum for that. 2)I grew up with horses, too, riding western (not on a ranch, though) and it's always fun to read a book that takes place in a setting in which you can relate. Thanks for the heads-up, though, I appreciate it.
Yes, Rob, that Hallmark commercial is a killer!
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I know you've mentioned (and I've read a few of them) readers not satis..."
There have been a few. I'm trying to think. I'm meticulous about tying loose ends up -- sometimes readers miss them in their rush to the finish -- but it's a thing with me to not belabor points. And I know I don't always give quite enough of the lovey dovey stuff at the end for some readers. Some readers just like it all to be reiterated a few times. Nothing wrong with that, just...not what I do.
I do want there to be enough of an emotional pay-off, of course, but I really do try and show through the course of the story how and why it will work for these two men. If it's all hinging on the final scene, well, something is wrong. Either I haven't done my job or the reader just wants a nice emotional wallow...which isn't the kind of thing I write.
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YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, HARLOT!!!!!
Er, just kidding. I'm with you, Tam. The infidelity thing is a hot button for some readers but not a big deal for me. It creates an interesting dynamic. People -- even good people who do love each other -- make BIG mistakes. Those are the interesting stories to me.
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Absolutely. I'm enjoying reading the discussions on other books. Bareback is one that's been on my list for a long time. As in I actually bought it but haven't had a chance to read.
I've read the first 2 chapters of Life After Joe. What a gorgeously written book. Matt is so sad; and talk about devastated! But don't anybody give away any parts, please! That's one great thing about an ereader. It's harder to cheat when you have one. :)
Josh wrote: "YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, HARLOT!!!!! "I'll be in that lowest circle of hell with all the other people who read the endings of books first. :-) I'll likely be in good company.
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I'll be in that lowest circle of hell with all the other people who read the endings of books first. :-) I'll likely be in good company."
No kidding! :-D
Josh wrote: "And Harper's Driftwood is coming August 17th from Samhain."You need to
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Josh wrote: "We'll have to drag her out for a guest blog or two, definitely."Yes, please!
I went to Samhain and read the blurb for Driftwood. Sounds very interesting, mutual traumatic pasts and learning to live, trust and love again.
I adored Life After Joe. I thought it was brilliant. Am eagerly awaiting Driftwood and much more.
Rob wrote: "I adored Life After Joe. I thought it was brilliant. Am eagerly awaiting Driftwood and much more."I finished Life After Joe today. Wow. I re-read parts of the story as soon as I finished it just because of the beauty of the writing and the poignancy of the story. I'm so glad it ended the way it did for Matthew and Aaron.
Rob wrote: "Hi, Patty. I like the shorts, too, especially the one with D ending up playing with the kid. It's been a while since I read ZATB, so I'm just relying on my vague memory. I think I wasn't concerned ..."It's been a while since I read it too and though I have the short stories, I haven't read them yet. ZATB is one of those books that are to blame for my habit of readingthelastfewpagesfirst (I know, I know!) I didn't do it with ZATB though, sometimes I forget or sometimes the author is one of my favorite and I can't wait. If I had, I would have kept it and waited till the next book came out so I could have a better ending. The same thing happened with And Hell Itself Breathes Out, great book but the ending really let me down. Anyone know if there is a sequel to that one?
Tam wrote: "Josh wrote: "YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, HARLOT!!!!! "I'll be in that lowest circle of hell with all the other people who read the endings of books first. :-) I'll likely be in good company."
LOL! I'll be there :)
Merith wrote: "I went to Samhain and read the blurb for Driftwood. Sounds very interesting, mutual traumatic pasts and..."Oh! This looks goood. I love an angsty book,as long as they have finished wallowing and started living by the end. It's all about that journey to the uplifting finish for me. I haven't read Harper's first book yet but it's on the list.
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More is definitely coming.
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I finished Life After Joe today. Wow. I re-read parts of the story as soon as I finis..."
Very satisfying, isn't it?
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I'm guessing we'll see a lot of familiar faces.
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Oh! This looks goood. I love an angsty book,as long as they have finish..."
I find the ending supremely satisfying. It's ultimately a joyful book.
So what is everyone reading at this moment, this fine Sunday during the last days of July? And, what do you think so far about what you're reading?I am re-reading Tere Michael's Love and Loyalty. I needed something warm and comfortable, with just enough angst to make it interesting. I've read it before and have greatly enjoyed it as well as its companion story, Faith and Fidelity.
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She's done a very nice job with it, and I'm enjoying it. I just wish I had more time to read right now.
Josh wrote: "I'm reading -- in between working on All She Wrote -- Clare London's Blinded By Our Eyes. I'm pleasantly surprised by the mystery element. I think it's her first real attempt at a mystery novel, an..."I just finished this Friday night. I enjoyed it a lot, a little different for Clare, but still so much her style. Won't say any more for now, as I'd hate to spoil anything. But would love to discuss a few things once you finish.
Josh wrote: "I find the ending supremely satisfying. It's ultimately a joyful book."Good, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Merith wrote: "So what is everyone reading at this moment, this fine Sunday during the last days of July? And, what do you think so far about what you're reading?"I'm just starting Jacob's Ladder by Z.A.Maxfield, I've had it since it was released but hadn't got around to it yet. I loved the other books in the series.
Merith wrote: "So what is everyone reading at this moment, this fine Sunday during the last days of July? And, what do you think so far about what you're reading?I am re-reading Tere Michael's Love and Loyalty...."
I started Catch Me If You Can by L.B. Gregg. I can hardly stand to put it down. I haven't read any of her other books. I'm really enjoying her characters, the mystery, the voice in her writing. Clearly i need to read her back-list.
This is the perfect book to read following Life After Joe. I wanted to mention that in LAJ, I loved the way Joe turned out to be kind of a schmuck, and Rosie was a great guy. It was wonderful the way Matthew and Aaron could cherish Rosie's memory together. It just seemed to complete the relationship between Matthew and Aaron.
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I think the oil rig scene in LAJ is just brilliant. I've never read anything like it
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ZAM's another unique voice in m/m fiction. Also really funny.
Josh wrote: "Yes! I think LB and Harper are the perfect compliment to each other. LB is so funny, but so grounded. She's perfect to read after Harper's lyrical, emotionally intense work. Still wonderful writing..."Oh yes, I hate flying, so I was already feeling sick right along with Matthew. Then the build up to find out who Rosie is, and Aaron's panic attack. I found myself gasping for breath, too. Such effective writing!
Next after Catch Me if You Can is Snowball in Hell. It is nice to alternate between the emotional and the less heavy going. But I really appreciate the quality of writing of the lot of you!
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Josh wrote: "Cait wrote: "I'm just starting Jacob's Ladder..."ZAM's another unique voice in m/m fiction. Also really funny."
I've enjoyed all of ZAM's books and so far am enjoying this one but I can see the point that many of the reviews make - JT does seem to be a difficult character to like. But we've only just met so I 'll reserve judgement :)
Cait wrote: "I'm just starting Jacob's Ladder by Z.A.Maxfield, I've had it since it was released but hadn't got around to it yet. I loved the other books in the series. "I adored the St Nacho's series, and believe Jacob's Ladder to be the best of the 3. She's planning a 4th, to include a couple that is introduced in Jacob's. Have fun with it! It's a great beach book.
Merith wrote: "I adored the St Nacho's series, and believe Jacob's Ladder to be the best of the 3. She's planning a 4th, to include a couple that is introduced in Jacob's. Have fun with it! It's a great beach book."Such a shame I am in Scotland and it's not the weather for sunbathing...I am near the beach though :)
Patty wrote: "I started Catch Me If You Can by L.B. Gregg. I can hardly stand to put it down. I haven't read any of her other books. I'm really enjoying her characters, the mystery, the voice in her writing. Clearly i need to read her back-list."LB's Romano and Albright series is going to be good and lots of fun. And yes, you need to read her other series - The Men of Smithfield. It's a fantastic, amusing contemporary series that just hits the right spot.
Cait wrote: "...but I can see the point that many of the reviews make - JT does seem to be a difficult character to like."I'm glad you're reserving judgment. JT has issues, ones a lot of folks do not have a clue about. He does eventually redeem himself for his earlier actions, but he reads true to me for the type of character he is and what he's going through.
Merith wrote: "I'm glad you're reserving judgment. JT has issues, ones a lot of folks do..."Well I'm only on page 26 so I have high hopes :)
I finished Snowball in Hell . It was great. I have a T-shirt I got from Half Price Books that says: "Books...Read the Movie." That was exactly how I felt while I was reading this book. I could see and hear the movie exactly in my head. I have just one wish: Josh, when it fits into your schedule, please write the sequel to this story so we can find out how Matthew and Nathan work things out. I know you're over-worked, but I suspect it's already in your head!
Just finished Ethan Day's new one, At Piper's Point, last night. Totally and completely adored it. Ethan has such a great sense of humor he's always fun to read. This one was a bit more serious and sentimental than his previous stuff, but I still laughed aloud a lot.Currently struggling through Blinded By Our Eyes. I'm at the 45% mark and still haven't connected with the protagonist Charles, so not sure why I should care about the murder.
Rob wrote: "Just finished Ethan Day's new one, At Piper's Point, last night. Totally and completely adored it. Ethan has such a great sense of humor he's always fun to read. This one was a bit m..."I just picked up At Piper's Point and am looking forward to reading it! Everyone who's commented on the story has nothing but good things to say about it. So, glad to hear another 'plus' for the story.
I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I'm seriously loving Chris Owen's Bareback. Aside from being one of the longest -- in a very good way -- gay reads I've found, it's just... Yeah, words are completely failing me here. It's good. Really good. Here's something I can say: Since I started writing M/M, I've often found myself reading as a writer more than a reader. I'm reading a story to study up, I guess. When I'm reading Bareback, I forget to study. I'm just a fan getting lost in an amazing story.
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That's great Missy. Cleary a story that arouses strong feeling -- both positive and negative. I think that's always a good sign: a story that can create passion in readers.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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Okay, now this story tore me up for weeks as well. I was so totally sick for days. But, you're right, it is worth it. Infidelity happens, and for many different reasons. While at first, it seems Tor's reasons for cheating are superficial, time proves it's not so. It was a story that stretched a few of my boundaries as a reader and left me if not happy, at least content with the end product.