Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
ns wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Jordan S. wrote: "I keep looking at Crossing Borders but isn't there a huge age difference in that book? I think that's the hang up that..."Actually - it was a book store and the 'kid' was trolling for a pick up. The cop was trying to discourage him from doing something so stupid. The cop gave the 'kid' a ticket for boarding without a helmet 3 years before. And that was their only contact - other than Tristan running from the copy whenever he was boarding without a helmet after that. Once his father died, Tristan matured very quickly and took on more responsibilities than the average 18 year old. I didn't have a problem with the age difference, because Tristan was so much more mature than others his age and older. Tristan and Michael just fit.
Josh wrote: "So in preparation for this anthology I'm doing with Astrid, Nikki and Ginn, I read the two Hell Cop anthologies from Loose Id. I really enjoyed them. Anyone else read those?"
I stumbled across Astrid's story by accident somewhere and I really enjoyed it (about the hell cop that could burn people).
Safe to say the anthologies are now on my wishlist :)
Lauraadriana wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "E you have got to read Just Hit Send."It's loooooooooong. Major copy-and-paste :-("
Nahh Babe I already did that...send me your email and I'll send ..."
Awww, you're a doll! :)
Josh wrote: "So in preparation for this anthology I'm doing with Astrid, Nikki and Ginn, I read the two Hell Cop anthologies from Loose Id. I really enjoyed them. Anyone else read those?"
I did! I LOVED them. I hadn't read much by Astrid and nothing by Ginn, but just adored their stories. What a fantastic idea for an anthology series they had.
So... what's the new anthology about and when is it projected to be complete?
I got 3 ebooks that I should read since I signed up to be a judge at Elisa Rolle's Rainbow Awards. I can't say which books are they, the only thing I can say is that the books are from authors I've never read before. What bothers me is that 2 of the books are part of series I've never heard or read before. How can I make good judgment without reading the prequels? I am not going to buy their books just to be able to judge their books more thoroughly.
I think that if there are prequels,the authors should at least give the judges the synopsis of the previous books so they can judge more accurately, particularly if we cannot understand what is going on without reading the prequels. What do you guys think?
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Jordan S. wrote: "I keep looking at Crossing Borders but isn't there a huge age difference in that book? I think that's the hang up that keeps me from buying it. The other two I haven't checked out..."That's one of my favorite ZAM books. Go for it. AFter you finish the St. Nacho's trilogy.
Merith wrote: Tristan and Michael just fit.
Agree 100%
@Manu...babe check your inbox...
Agree 100%
@Manu...babe check your inbox...
Mod
Hmm. That's a bit tricky. The assumption is that the judges have read the previous books in the series OR that the books are strong enough to stand on their own without any introduction? I don't know many/any series books that can stand without an intro.
Josh wrote: "So in preparation for this anthology I'm doing with Astrid, Nikki and Ginn, I read the two Hell Cop anthologies from Loose Id. I really enjoyed them. Anyone else read those?"
No, but I've been eyeing them, and I'll be reading them, now.
Cleon wrote: "I got 3 ebooks that I should read since I signed up to be a judge at Elisa Rolle's Rainbow Awards. I can't say which books are they, the only thing I can say is that the books are from authors I've..."I received my first 3 yesterday as well, all from authors I don't know. But, I don't think they're part of a series *crosses fingers*
If I were you, I'd ask Elisa to get a summary of the first books, so you know going in. Though, some series do not need the first books of the series to know what's happening in the following. Like LB Gregg's Men of Smithfield. Each is its own novel with interacting characters. Maybe give them a first run through, and if you're confused by what might have happened before, then ask Elisa.
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.."
The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're tasked with regulating the magical interactions between the human realms and the OTHER realms. So, for example, they pursue trafficking in magical artifacts, etc.
It's a similar idea to the Hell Cops series. The book comes out next year, although I know BEB is hoping to have sample print copies at one of the big cons. Which name escapes me at the moment.
Merith wrote: "ns wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Jordan S. wrote: "I keep looking at Crossing Borders but isn't there a huge age difference in that book? I think that's the h..."I agree, Merith. And I also have to say I know quite a few guys in their 30's and 40's who still skate.
Josh wrote: "I think that if there are prequels,the authors should at least give the judges the synopsis of the previous books so they can judge more accurately, particularly if we cannot understand what is goi..."Scratch that, ALL of the books are part of series. I am not keen on reading in the middle of the series. IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.
If you send books for judging, you should at least:
1. make sure the book can stand on its own so the judges can understand the plot/ characterization without reading the rest of the series.
2. at least send the synopsis of the prequels.
Without doing this, you are running the risk of the judges score your books low because I don't think many of them are keen on start buying your series just to be able to judge you more accurately.
Josh wrote: "The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're tasked with regulating the magical interactions between the human realms and the OTHER realms. So, for example, they pursue trafficking in magical artifacts, etc. "Oh! I like this idea! Is it terrible of me to want it to be next year already? :D
Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're ta..."This sounds really interesting...
Law enforcement of any kind is good
Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "So... what's the new anthology about and when is it projected to be complete?.."
The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're ta..."
Does this ever strike you as all very Harry Potter (with a slightly more adult theme)? It sounds interesting, though.
Cleon wrote: "Scratch that, ALL of the books are part of series. I am not keen on reading in the middle of the series. IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone."Reading in the middle of a series drives me nuts, too. OTOH, I love series. And I'm writing one. But you're making me rethink that -- LOL
Just finished Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey. Pretty good book, second book is out this year sometime. I have thoughts about this that I need to get straight in the brain, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
Anne wrote: "Does this ever strike you as all very Harry Potter (with a slightly more adult theme)? It sounds interesting, though."You mean because it sounds somewhat like The Department of Magic? I didn't get that vibe, since Harry Potter was all about a boy growing up to learn magic and save the world from a very evil man. :)
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Does this ever strike you as all very Harry Potter (with a slightly more adult theme)? It sounds interesting, though."You mean because it sounds somewhat like The Department of Magic..."
Yeah, I was referring only to the Department of Magic, I just couldn't remember the name. The other stuff from Harry Potter, not so much. :)
Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?"Nope, not alone. Though I did watch two of the movies to see what all the fuss was about.
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?"Maybe on this board, but I can attest that my son hasn't touched a Harry Potter book and has only watched the first movie of the series. :) He's very anti-Harry Potter.
Dee wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?"Nope, not alone. Though I did watch two of the movies."
Oh yes, I watched the first two movies.
Mod
Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?
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Is it terrible of me to want someone to write my story for me? :-D I'm so mentally sluggish these days.
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Yeah, I'm sure the idea of a special law enforcement branch -- magical or otherwise -- has been done a zillion times (how could it not be?) but hopefully the four of us will bring our own spin to it.
Although at the moment my spin is more tires in deep mud variety.
Mod
I haven't read it either. I'm just about to watch all the movies again in preparation for the final one -- I still haven't seen Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "Josh wrote: "The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're tasked with regulating the magical interactions between the human realms an..."I don't know if this works in the creative writing area, but it seems to work in the creative engineering area -- give somebody a really bad implementation/design. And, if they're good designers/engineers/programmers, the first thing they'll do is take a look, shake their head and go, "no, no, here's how you...". And viola!
So you should just get us all to submit some really crappy stuff to you. It will do wonders for you, honestly...
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
Yes.
Josh wrote: "Is it terrible of me to want someone to write my story for me? :-D I'm so mentally sluggish these days. "No, but it sounds like you're beginning to feel burned out. I know you're working on the first draft of Green Glass, but you need to take care. Don't want you feeling stressed and stretched again.
And you know, if you ever want encouragement, you have a whole slough of folks who'll be there to boost your spirits. And I think we might even get the mental juices going - take a firehose to that mental sludge.
Josh wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?"I haven't read it either. I'm just about to watch all the movies again in preparation for the final one -- ..."
*gasp* But.. but... you guys... You don't know what you're missing... all that Snucius, Snarry, Snupin, Snack, and Harry/Draco goodness... :-D
I admit that I lost interest in the series after the 5th book and only read the next ones to be able to keep up with the goodies from the fandom.
ns wrote: "Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
Yes."
LMAO!
As a reader, all I know is that when I really enjoy a stand-alone, I always wish there were a sequel, it's difficult to let a character you liked go. And I love mammoth books, I am a size queen in this regard :)
I don't know if there are many series because the authors feel they need more books to tell a story or because it's the readers who end up asking for it.
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
Ohhh! Disagree! I love a good series, the only downside is often you find a less than stellar first book followed by highly rated books - but you have to read the poorer one first!
And then there is the problem of the series ending when you've invested so much into it. Like Adrien English or the St. Nachos trilogy. You don't want it to end and you're left grieving.
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
I don't mind series, and I would have to disagree. What I do not like is some authors starting series after series and not getting back to the first one for years. I think this happens because the author is new, gets a bright shiny idea and writes the first book, then the idea is no longer bright and shiny. So, the author moves on to a new bright shiny.
It also bothers me that some authors have created a series on what should be a single book. There's not really a stopping place between one book in the series and the next. Rather a pause, that could be chapter definitions.
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
I haven't noticed it this much in the m/m genre, at least not like in fantasy where you have those neverending series.
Calathea wrote: "[...]at least not like in fantasy where you have those neverending series. "Like the Heralds of Valdemar or the Dragon Lance series or the Dragons of Pern or the... well, there are quite a bit of fantasy series that just never seem to stop, with new offshoots from the original. You'd think they were Law and Order or Star Trek or something.
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
I am all for good series, but come on, almost all of the books nowadays are part of the series. We have limited time and money, we can't possibly read them all. And the series tend to be more than 5 books long. Some are short novellas turn into long series. I'd feel cheated if I bought those books (which is why I never would). I feel like paying more for what supposed to be 2 or 3 books that are split into 7 - 8 novellas.
Don't get me wrong, I love many series, Adrien English, Notturno, St Nachos, Special Delivery (only 2 books anyway). What I want is the book to be able stand alone on its own, even if it is part of the series. (The exception is fantasy genre where it is not possible to cram that much into a book). ZAM's St Nachos series can be read alone. KA Mitchell's, Lynn Lorenz' In the Company of Men, a to Z series, can also be read as stand alone. That way I don't have to read all the books to enjoy the story. In fact,I read Strawberry for Dessert as a stand alone and enjoy it immensely.
Merith wrote: "Like the Heralds of Valdemar or the Dragon Lance series or the Dragons of Pern or the... well, there are quite a bit of fantasy series that just never seem to stop, with new offshoots from the original. You'd think they were Law and Order or Star Trek or something. "You're reading my thoughts! :-))
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Am I the only one in the world who hasn't read Harry Potter?"Actually, Harry Potter was the first book I read in English. A friend recommended it with the reason that it was so easy to read. It was, indeed. I only had to look up one word, a most essential word for these books: cauldron. :-))
Cleon wrote: "Some are short novellas turn into long series. I'd feel cheated if I bought those books (which is why I never would). I feel like paying more for what supposed to be 2 or 3 books that are split into 7 - 8 novellas. "That is what I dislike about some series. What really should be a book or two turns into 5 or 6. The only exception to making a series out a group of novellas is if they are stand alones in themselves. A grouping of stories that may have interacting characters (like LB Gregg's Men of Smithfield), or if the series is based on a theme (like Kim Dare's Perfect Timing series).
Now see, I think the St Nachos and the A to Z series should be read in complete to get the whole picture. There's so much to glean from St Nachos the first book, and not necessarily the backstory that follows the other 2 books (and the 4th upcoming one).
In the A to Z series, I think the reader would be terribly lost if they started with A to Z Paris, without first reading A to Z, Letter Z and even Strawberries for Dessert. Promises and Strawberries could be read without reading any of the others, but the whole Angel and Zach story needs to have the whole picture to understand where they're at and why they do what they do in A to Z Paris.
Josh wrote: "IMHO, there are TOO many series in this genre and not enough stand alone.Now this is an interesting comment.
Any thoughts on this? Agree? Disagree?"
I don't think they're too many. I read book series all the time with detective novels & fantasy novels & even romance/mystery novels like J.D. Robb series & Stephanie Plum, so I don't see that this genre has an overabundance of series. Writers in all genres write series. I think the standalone books with the same characters are also good.
I just sometimes have this irrational guilt if I decide to read the books out of order like I did with the Victor Banis, Deadly Mystery series. (But I let it go as my philosophy is guilt free reading--I can decide not to finish a book, read out of order, enjoy low literature junk food books as well as high literature etc. etc. )
Merith wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Some are short novellas turn into long series. I'd feel cheated if I bought those books (which is why I never would). I feel like paying more for what supposed to be 2 or 3 books that..."I solved the problem with Promises by reading only Promises & Strawberries for Dessert. There seemed to be a lot of people aggravated with the Letter Z and to a lesser degree A to Z. Since I don't like aggravation in my leisure time I don't feel I've missed anything by skipping those. I haven't decided about Paris A to Z yet, since that's supposed to be about Cole and Jon.
Yvonne wrote: "I haven't decided about Paris A to Z yet, since that's supposed to be about Cole and Jon. "Actually, it's more about Zach and Angel than Cole and Jon. It rather wraps up some outstanding feelings and loose ends from the previous books.
I think what aggravates people about Zach and Angel's relationship is how open it can be. At least, one-sided openness. :) Angel doesn't share but Zach gets turned on sharing. If you can look past that, the Zach and Angel story is one of the best character/relationship growth stories I've read. Which is why I'd say needs to be read in order.
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.."
The idea is there's this special branch of law enforcement called the Irregulars, and they're ta..."
The one about magic sounds good! Though I've never heard of Hell Cops. What's that about? I agree that anything Law Enforcement is cool, and Hell Cops sounds cool for sure.
Jordan S. wrote: "Though I've never heard of Hell Cops. What's that about? I agree that anything Law Enforcement is cool, and Hell Cops sounds cool for sure."Hell Cops is two anthologies with three authors, each writing two stories that interact with the other. In the first anthology, we meet the men of the Hell Cop squad, LEOs who hunt down demons and other magical or paranormals who break the law. The second anthology follows up in sequel to the first, same characters, same couples.
Merith wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "I haven't decided about Paris A to Z yet, since that's supposed to be about Cole and Jon. "Actually, it's more about Zach and Angel than Cole and Jon. It rather wraps up some outst..."
One sided open relationship, plus one of the guys being a voyeur does not seem very appealing. It reminds me of a cop who was caught secretly videotaping from a hidden closet his wife having sex with other men. It's just creepy, not romantic. Plus even the positive reviews on Amazon say that Zach & Angel are their least favorite couple. So I'll skip Paris A to Z if that's who it's about. It's too bad her last book in the series is not about her most popular couple.
So I guess I can add the right to skip books in a series as part of my guilt free reading philosophy.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
Chained Melody (other topics)The Far Pavilions (other topics)
Death in Kashmir (other topics)
The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood (other topics)
Mistress of the Art of Death (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
M.M. Kaye (other topics)Elspeth Huxley (other topics)
Lauren Willig (other topics)
Charlie Cochet (other topics)
Damon Suede (other topics)
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Anyone else read those?"
I read the first one...I really liked Red Sands, I think that was Ginn's story...