Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Almost finished with Z.A. Maxfield's Fugitive Color and so far I really like it. A nice mystery. Been a long time since I was up all night reading. I learned a long time ago not to start Jordan's or Josh's stuff at night.
Patty wrote: "Next question: I have 2 days left by the water to power read. Do I read Strange Fortune or The Darkling Thrush next?"I liked The Darkling Thrush best of the two, but either is a good choice. It would depend on what sort of story you like best - a fantasy adventure or a historical mystery/tresure hunt. :D
Dash and Dingo: I don't know if there's a sequel planned, but the ending sure reads that way, doesn't it?
Andy wrote: "Almost finished with Z.A. Maxfield's Fugitive Color and so far I really like it. A nice mystery. Been a long time since I was up all night reading. I learned a long time ago not to start Jordan's o..."I am seriously going to have to pick this one back up again. I started it back in April when so sick I couldn't conscentrate to save my life and think that's what's colored the tone of the story for me. Now that things are better, need to go back and try again. You're the second person who's liked it a lot.
>_< --I have a long list of authors I need to not start reading before bed. I have no will power to 'only read until the next chapter'.
Merith wrote: "I am seriously going to have to pick this one back up again."That's how I feel about ePistols At Dawn, I stopped reading after a 100 pages. However so many people loved it that I feel I might have to give it a second chance.
FC is dark and I like that and the concept intrigues me.
Merith wrote: "I have a long list of authors I need to not start reading before bed"I found the Adrien English series late (DOAPK was due to come out when I started)
I found the combo of Fatal Shadows and A Dangerous Thing by accident on LooseID and didn't stop reading until both were done. Then I had to look into who this author was and found there was a 3rd book. It wasn't available at that time on ebook. I ordered a a copy from B&N, paid express shipping and started reading that right away. I paused long enough to eat and check Josh's LJ and he posted an excerpt of DOAPK. Naturally that spoiled THYS for me but I had faith in Josh and continued reading THYS and loved it. So I've had my share of sleepless night due to Josh and Jordan's books. Now, I try and start them early in the day.
And then I naturally email them after I've finished the book and tell them how much I loved it - I feel badly for them as those emails probably sound crazy due to my lack of sleep.
Andy wrote: "I found the Adrien English series late (DOAPK was due to come out when I started)I found the combo of Fatal Sh..."
My first Josh Lanyon was Ghost Wore Yellow Socks and had to go find other stories he wrote. Once I stumbled upon Adrien, though, the rest was history. I was exposed just before DoaPK as well.
I feel badly for them as those emails probably sound crazy due to my lack of sleep.
At least you have an excuse! I'm always afraid I come off as some teenage girl crushing her favorite pop idol.
Andy wrote: "That's how I feel about ePistols At Dawn, I stopped reading after a 100 pages. However so many people loved it that I f..."I liked ePistols, but that's about all I feel about the story. I was trying to describe ZA's various books to a friend the other day, and I could only tell her vague information about it. I did like the idea of the reclusive author, though. I could see so much potential with that, outside the stalkerish reporter.
Merith wrote: "I come off as some teenage girl crushing her favorite pop idol"Not sure how long my excuse will hold though and I always sound like a squeeing fangirl
Merith wrote: "I did like the idea of the reclusive author, though. I could see so much potential with that, outside the stalkerish reporter"Yes, it was a great concept but it just rubbed me the wrong way. I admit I am horribly picky with what I like. I had read one other story by her, I think it was called The Long Way Home? I enjoyed it, even if the characters were too lovey dovey at times imo I enjoyed the overall story and concept. I like dark. So I had high hopes for ePistols, but maybe I'll revisit it.
Josh wrote: "Interesting. Rob, why do you think you're not connecting with the character -- versus how you feel about Ethan's story. What do you think is different?"Hmm. Interesting question. With Ethan, I always know what I'm going to get--a solid story with lots of humor. At Piper's Point is different, in that it's also concerned with Cassidy dealing with his grandmother's death and being back at her home (the only place he was truly happy and loved as a child) for the first time without her there. It's a really emotional first half, but the humor is still there, always.
Blinded was my first Clare London experience, so I had no previous impressions of her style or voice. Charles never had that "Cops before breakfast" moment that gave a clue about his personality. I don't know how to explain it, really. I do know there was one scene that pulled me so far out of the story that I just set it down--where it will stay.
I'm trying to be nice, be vague, because I do realize that behind these books are real people with real emotions and fragile egos. The last thing I want to do is hurt or offend someone. (You know, unless I know them and they deserve it. Haha.)
That said, after I read another short story, I went back into the Kindle and found Footprints. I decided to give it a shot, because I needed to know if it was the writer's style or just the story I wasn't connecting with in Blinded. I'm at the 88% mark and having a good time, despite some niggles.
Andy, I quite like ZA Maxfield, but epistols didn't do much for me either. I can't really say why, other than neither character connected for me. I found the author character dull and a little pitiful, the reporter vain (but not in an interesting way...like a flamboyant man might be drawn fascinatingly /isthataword?/ vain), though I have to say that on an intellectual level, I really appreciated how she wove in the author's neuroses...That was my first ZAM book, so I didn't read more of her until I ran out of authors I preferred. Then... St. Nachos (still my ZAM favorite). And the rest is history. ^^ She's tops on my list now. Think the only other one that left me cool was Long Way Home, can't remember why now. I liked Fugitive Color quite a lot. Tortured artists and all...
Re Josh, I'm going to be really really weird and say that the English series is NOT among my favorites. Is that heresy? *ducks* Of course, recall that my least favorite of Josh's is still extremely high on the 'read tonight' list so the 'diss' isn't worth much. *g*
I think I had trouble not thinking of Jake as primarily an alpha male who had to get over himself. He was well drawn, it's just a thing I have against 'gorillas', you know? Especially gorilla cops. ^^ highly personal. Adrien was great though. A snarky beta, my favorite.
My faves are probably Snowball, the I Spys, Out of the Blue, Dickens, the Dark Farewell. Oh, and the Dangerous Ground boys. Trying to find a common theme, I can't. :) I just connected. Might be in part that classic mystery structures are meh with me. Fine, but not something to prefer over adventure or scifi.
I think I like the newer series though -- 'somebody killed his editor'. There is the alpha cop, but the humor just really made it for me.
What is interesting to me, is that I wonder if Josh might read all that and think, "but Jake and xxx that she loved were so *similar* in my mind." Because all of his men cops are pretty buff. But there must have been some small thing that constructed an image that made them very different for me. And as a person trying to write, I find that kind of interesting to think about. *ahem* As a person with a pretty strong math background, I think of chaos theory ('butterfly effect'?) but maybe I shouldn't go there... *grin*
Rob wrote: "Blinded was my first Clare London experience"Clare wrote a story for Torquere Press' Halloween Sips awhile back. It is called Perfection. It's dark and it does not have a happy ending - it's for Halloween
I really enjoyed it, it was dark and it was different. I had just read most of the other sips so it was a refreshing change of pace.And I give Torquere special praise for publishing it even though it is not HEA or HFN
Ocotillo wrote: "Andy, I quite like ZA Maxfield, but epistols didn't do much for me either. "I agree, concept good, telling not so good
I didn't really care for either character and I felt fans were being dissed. I am sure it was meant to be taken humorously but I didn't take it that way.
I enjoyed Long Way Home even thought I did have a few issues with it. I think it was the theme and the darkness of the story that drew me.
As for Jake... he had me at 'Adrien with an e' and by the end of book one I knew Jake was head over heels and that it would be a tough road for him.
I think it's the fanficcer in me, I am constantly reading between the lines. And I have to say there were times I liked Jake much more than Adrien, especially in The Dark Tide
Andy wrote: "And I have to say there were times I liked Jake much more than Adrien, especially in The Dark Tide "Oh me too! Of course, there were times, especially in THYS that I hated Jake, even if I did understand on some level.
Jake is a tribute to Josh's talent; readers can feel so passionate about a character, even when said character is viewed through the eyes of another (and his not always impartial POV).
Ocotillo wrote: "St. Nachos (still my ZAM favorite)"I love the St Nachos series, though I think Jacob's Ladder is my favorite of the 3 (so far). I can't wait for the 4th to be written. :D
My favorite of ZA's is Crossing Borders. Not a mystery or anything to do with murder, but a great contemporary piece. I loved the humor in it and how the main characters struggled to find where they fit together (though, I think they might have had to struggle a bit more, honestly).
Merith wrote: "Jake is a tribute to Josh's talent"Absolutely!
And I would love to read something from Jake's POV
Merith wrote: I love the St Nachos series, though I think Jacob's Ladder is my favorite of the 3 (so far)."Tough call for me. Of the three, I think still the first, just because I connected so strongly with the narrator. Like I *was* him on some levels.
Crossing Borders was good, yeah, tho perhaps not enough conflict for me to put it into five star territory. Again, a personal thing -- I'm pretty much a conflict addict. Especially internal conflict, e.g., St. Nacho's had that in spades. *wallow*
I've said elsewhere, but besides Josh, Jordan, Sarah Black, and AM Riley are my consistently top reads. Though I'm considering adding Astrid Amara to that...need to read a few more, I think, just to be sure (have them, *rubbing my hands with glee*).
Kind of alongside the ZAM field (like most, not all) comes KZ Snow. She's pretty solid, I like her men.
Lots of talk of ZATB up there...have to say that I was not impressed at all. Stopped LONG before the epilogue with multiple complaints... Matter of tastes, I suppose. Vive le difference, right? :)
I had Crossing Borders on my list of books to read, but now I'll have to add the St. Nacho's books. I've heard many of you mention them. You're all keeping me in books forever! :)
Merith, I'm going to start with .... I don't know! I'm going to read parts of both The Darkling Thrush and Strange Fortune tonight and try to make a choice. I'm equally intrigued by both books. And then there's Fair Game next Tuesday; not enough hours in a day!
Okay, finished Clare London's Footprints. Meh, it wasn't a hat trick for me, but a nice solid 2 assist game, I guess. I talked to someone about Blinded By Our Eyes and he (without saying anything like "Do it!") basically forced me to pick it back up and finish it, which I'm glad I did, if only because I hate leaving things half done. I can say I liked the second half a twinge more than the first half, but perhaps it's only because I was determined to finish.Andy wrote: As for Jake... he had me at 'Adrien with an e' and by the end of book one I knew Jake was head over heels and that it would be a tough road for him.
That was at Claude's restaurant right? That's where he hooked me, too. For me, Jake is one of the best characters I've ever read about. I alternately wanted to punch him and hug him, but never ever did I feel nothing for him. And the "we've been lovers for five years" bit of DOAPK? Holy hell!
I would love to read something from Jake's POV
I feel like there is so much more to learn about Jake and what led him to the decisions he's made. In fact, I think his past coming back to bite him in some way could be a fantastic plot, but what do I know? But reading from Jake's POV? That scares me a bit. Especially in the last two books, if you watch him carefully, it's all right there. I'm not sure I could do it, though.
What do you think, Josh? Would you ever write from Jake's POV?
Missy wrote: 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.
Yay! I'm glad to...see you've typed that? (Hear you say that just sounds wrong.) Have you finished it yet?
Rob wrote: "Especially in the last two books, if you watch him carefully, it's all right there."Very true, I always thought Jake was an open book. His actions and body language spoke volumes. Hmm, maybe reading from Jake's POV would ruin it, not sure
I just finished reading The Santa Mug by Partic Michael. Was a nice short story, it made me laugh, it made me sad and then wrapped it all up in a happy ending.
Rob wrote: "What do you think, Josh? Would you ever write from Jake's POV?"I thought I'd read where he'd mentioned he was working on a short story with Adrien and Jake, told from Jake's POV. Not sure if it was in comment on LJ or FB.
Andy wrote: As for Jake... he had me at 'Adrien with an e' and by the end of book one I knew Jake was head over heels and that it would be a tough road for him.
That was at Claude's restaurant right?
No, it was Rob's apartment. :D And yes, he showed his quiet humor with that.
Merith wrote: "Rob wrote: "What do you think, Josh? Would you ever write from Jake's POV?"I thought I'd read where he'd mentioned he was working on a short story with Adrien and Jake, told from Jake's POV. Not ..."
Josh has a short interview of Jake and Adrien that takes place in between DoaPK and The Dark Tide. I read it on his group page. This is one of my favorite pieces of writing about Jake because it isn't in Adrien's voice. It's totally Jake and Adrien answering Josh's questions about how they think things will end up for them. It shows a lot about how Jake feels about Adrien in his actions much more than in his words.
"We've been lovers for 5 years" in DoaPK always bothered me. Jake said that he was with Paul for a little while when he first started seeing Adrien, but that changed after they were at the ranch. Paul was just goading Adrien wasn't he? I suppose this question should shift to the discussion of a particular book area, but this whole part of Jake's life is troublesome to me.
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I think SF is a little more action-adventure and DT is more a mystery -- maybe more romance? So it depends on what you're in the mood for. SF is certainly the longer, more complex read.
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I definitely want to read ZAM's try at mystery!
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And then I naturally email them after I've finished the book and tell them how much I loved it - I feel badly for them as those emails probably sound crazy due to my lack of sleep."
It's hard to explain how important those reader letters are without sounding emotionally needy or insecure, but reader letters -- far more than reviews and sometimes even more than sales -- are what really guide an author. Those letters are a big part of how you judge whether you're on the right track or not.
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I think we live in an age where negativity and cynicism are more "valued" than enthusiasm and positivism. I think that's why, for example, when a review is a 3.5, the reviewers automatically and unanimously round down instead of up. Why? If it's really in the middle why begrudge the artist that half point? Don't want to encourage them too much? Think your opinion will be taken more seriously if it's harsher?
It's silly.
Genuine appreciation is heartwarming and encouraging.
My first Josh Lanyon was Ghost Wore Yellow Socks and had to go f..."
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Yes, I plan to lift that idea one of these days. :-D
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Absolutely. I haven't finished the book yet, but I've found it well-written so far. Of course, a reader can appreciate the writing and still not personally care for the story. That's where I think it's interesting to analyze why of two equally well-written stories one might really resonate and one might fall flat. Sometimes it's too personal to even articulate.
Of course talking about this stuff is meat and drink to me -- and I do really enjoy a good mystery, which Blinded seems to be thus far.
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Well, it makes sense to me because *I* think my characters are all different. Obviously they all share Joshisms (I think of it as the literary equivilent of Hugh Grant's stammer or Julia Robert's toothy grin -- you can't completely get away from yourself), but I take pains to make them different, to think about what motivates this guy versus that guy, consider what this guy wants, what this guy fears...so hopefully they're all different enough even if they often share similar occupations.
Jake is the only character I've created who actually, actively hated and loathed part of himself. That's a heavy thing to deal with, but in a series I had a lot of time to explore that and to show a real character arc.
Kit Holmes will have quite a character arc too, but it's not such a dramatic one -- his hangups are very different.
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I like the fact that Clare is a writer who takes chances and works hard to improve her craft.
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Poor Adrien. He's a mess by Dark Tide. *g*
Epistols was an early effort. I think ZAM might have been relying more on style than substance at that point.
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To tell the truth, it's almost easier to write a dark, bleak character like Jake than a funny character like Kit Holmes. Because Kit could easily become a cartoon or a buffoon.
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One of these days. Something short.
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Talk about funny. Astrid is one of the funniest writers out there. And yet she can do bleak too.
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Years ago I started a short story from Jake's POV, but it went very dark and I abandoned it. One day I'll try another short from Jake's POV -- it should go better as those characters have reached different places in their lives, and it would be fun to see that through Jake's eyes.
Josh wrote: "I definitely want to read ZAM's try at mystery! "It's good, predictable but good. And one big typo.
I liked the Long Way Home as well, also a mystery by ZAM.
Now I want another mystery - any suggestions?
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I'm not sure further explanation would help or hinder. I think some readers want reassurance that it was always Adrien first for Jake -- and on one level it was -- but Jake had a complex alter life at that point and he didn't just instantly drop out of it. Part of why he wouldn't want to instantly drop out of it would be the unexpected strength of his feelings for Adrien. That would be a slightly alarming thing for someone used to separating love and sex.
Josh wrote: "That would be a slightly alarming thing for someone used to separating love and sex. "Yes, I agree. That comment is said by Paul - insane Paul - it's his take on his relationship with Jake.
Jake would not see it that way. It's the 'lovers' bit, Jake would not see it that way. Because of his complex alter lifestyle, his self hatred, his growing up... He would not see his relationship with Paul as 'lovers'
Adrien is the one that changes that, it's plain as day in A Dangerous Thing
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Right. Jake would never in a million years consider what he had with Paul "love." Nor would he refer to their relationship as "lovers."
Josh wrote: I'm not sure further explanation would help or hinder. I think some readers want reassurance that it was always Adrien first for Jake -- and on one level it was -- but Jake had a complex alter life at that point and he didn't just instantly drop out of it. Part of why he wouldn't want to instantly drop out of it would be the unexpected strength of his feelings for Adrien. That would be a slightly alarming thing for someone used to separating love and sex. In my head, I understand that Jake hates himself for who and what he is and that is what drives his behavior. He wants desperately to be a normal guy with "normal urges." That internal conflict is heart-breaking. And Adrien totally, without reservation believes that God doesn't make mistakes and accepts himself. So, I get that Jake is punishing himself. His self-loathing becomes worse because his feelings are in direct conflict with Adrien's beliefs. I also understand that this worsened during his marriage because his feelings for Adrien didn't go away.
I really think my problem is that I felt bad for Jake. My own beliefs fall into Adrien's camp and I just wanted it all to be better for Jake without Paul the Creep. But, it wouldn't have been much of a series if everything had been solved in a few chapters!
Josh wrote: "Patty, I have Dash and Dingo set to read. It's another one I started, and was enjoying, when my own deadlines got in the way. I think SF is a little more action-adventure and DT is more a myste..."
I'll be interested to hear your thoughts about Dash and Dingo. Loved the characters, not the ending so much.
I finished The Darkling Thrush. I really liked it. While I was reading, I kept thinking that maybe Septimus had something to do with the 7-pointed stars since the "sept-" in Septimus means 7. I out-thought myself!
I did want to know more about Septimus and his story as I was reading. However, I'm always impressed that you can fit an entire story into a novella.
Strange Fortune is next. :)
Josh wrote: "Absolutely. I haven't finished the book yet, but I've found it well-written so far. Of course, a reader can appreciate the writing and still not personally care for the story. That's where I think it's interesting to analyze why of two equally well-written stories one might really resonate and one might fall flat. Sometimes it's too personal to even articulate.Of course talking about this stuff is meat and drink to me -- and I do really enjoy a good mystery, which Blinded seems to be thus far. "
You know, I may have more easily related to Ethan's At Piper's Point because both of my grandmothers passed away within the last year and a half, the second one just this month. The can-you-go-home-again-and-it-still-be-okay theme resonated deeply because my Piper's Point is now a half section of fallow field. I was glad Cassidy fared better.
Of course it could be that you've spoiled me for mysteries, Josh. Now I've seen how they should be, I'll never settle...! ;)
But back to Jake.... I've always had a twisted desire to see him "at work" in the club, to see what it is, exactly, he gets from it. I've worked it out like Patty said above; and I remember the "powerful need" to inflict pain (as a way to slay the demon, perhaps?). But that still doesn't compute in my head--inflict pain on the manifestation of your own hated self, yet derive sexual pleasure from it as well. Whatever. But will he ever need to go back? Or has coming out and getting Adrien overcome that need?
To be on topic: Currently reading Making Promises by Amy Lane, the sequel to her amazingly fantastic Keeping Promise Rock
Josh wrote: "Merith wrote: "I did like the idea of the reclusive author, though. I could see so much potential with that, outside the stalkerish reporter.Yes, I plan to lift that idea one of these days. :-D"
Excellent! I'd like to read what you would do with the poor hapless author. ;) unless, it's partly autobiographical?
Josh wrote: "Rob wrote: "What do you think, Josh? Would you ever write from Jake's POV?"Years ago I started a short story from Jake's POV, but it went very dark and I abandoned it. One day I'll try another ..."
Christmas with Adrien's family in England, for example. Bleak, yet hilarious.
Rob wrote: "Currently reading Making Promises by Amy Lane, the sequel to her amazingly fantastic Keeping Promise Rock"There's a sequel? Okay, must find and buy! I sure hope she's treating Crick and Deacon a little better this go round. :D They went through Hell in 'Keeping'.
Josh wrote: "To tell the truth, it's almost easier to write a dark, bleak character like Jake than a funny character like Kit Holmes. Because Kit could easily become a cartoon or a buffoon."What I meant is, we readers see Jake through Adrien's eyes, and a lot of times, Jake's attitude and mannerisms are colored by whatever Adrien is feeling at the moment. Your skill shows us who Jake is without overstepping the 1st person narrative. As an example, I knew how torn up Jake was by his hesitation upon leaving Adrien after telling him Kate was pregnant and he was marrying her. It was all seen, heard and felt through Adrien, but you just knew how conflicted Jake was.
Kit I can see being mishandled by a lesser author. His flare is bright and could easily become too bright.
Merith wrote: "There's a sequel? Okay, must find and buy! I sure hope she's treating Crick and Deacon a little better this go round. :D They went through Hell in 'Keeping'."This one is about Shane, the cop who arrived when Crick's parents came to take Benny and Parry Angel, and Mikhail the Russian dancer. I'm only at 15%, but it has captured my interest. I loved Deacon & Crick. Keeping could have gone so far wrong, but she did such an amazing job with it.
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Yes I have a feeling I might be better positioned to give insight on that one. *g*
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I do think it would likely be a Christmas story.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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I finished Dash and Dingo: In Search of the Tasmanian Tiger by Catt Ford and Sean Kennedy. It was a nice story based on the real story of the Tasmanian Tiger and the fact that it was hunted to extinction in 1936. I really, really liked the book until about the last 1/4 of the story when I felt as though someone else had taken over the reins, and I guess, maybe that could have happened. The story lost its flow, it seemed to hurry toward the climax, and the epilogue was not satisfying for me. Does anyone know if there will be another Dash and Dingo story?
Next question: I have 2 days left by the water to power read. Do I read Strange Fortune or The Darkling Thrush next?