It’s always nice when a fellow author blogs about my books. Author Jaime Samms blogs about what’s on her mind, and more…check it o out here!
http://dontkickmycane.livejournal.com/134336.html
Also, to find out more about author Jaime Samms, check out her website at:
Breathless
Corey Shaw has been trained as a paranormal detective, developing abilities such as telepathy and telekinesis. He is summoned to Provincetown during the annual Mates weekend, a huge leather gathering, when the naked body of a young man is found. The victim had been tied up before being strangled. The police say cold-blooded murder but Corey thinks it is more than that. He suspects that a BDSM scene got out of control. Touring the town’s dark dungeons, looking for a murderer preying on young men, he becomes immersed in the local scene and discovers a never before explored side of himself. In a sea of muscular leather masters and slaves, he realizes hidden urges in an environment where every fantasy can be fulfilled. He must set aside his sadomasochism desires and use his powers to locate someone who takes the bdsm to the extreme before he kills again.
Can Corey find him before becoming a victim to the ultimate BDSM fantasy of execution?
The painting was literally like nothing painted on Earth. But can the mystery behind it really save Peter’s relationship?
Peter’s an artist, but even his success can’t blot out the physical pain he has to endure. He’s sinking into despair and there’s nothing his lover, Aaron, can do except watch. But then a strange legacy from a distant Uncle on a far-off planet changes everything. As Peter pieces together the mystery behind the painting and the journal, he also uncovers a passionate love story that crosses boundaries, time and space.
Author Nix Winter offers us a sneak-peek into the world of Cain & Shelly with this week’s special guest blog!
Side bit to Cain and Shelly
by Nix Winter
copyright 2008
all rights reserved
Excerpt
Sunlight filtered through the lace, mottling over Shelly’s hair, over the white shirt he wore. The door to his room closed, but his response was just the slightest move of slender fingers, under soft and layered lace. Well-tailored black slacks concealed and informed the firm lines of his body. It was late morning. Anyone of real status would be asleep still. The servants were focused on preparing for the evening’s party.
“Shelly.”
“Oliver,” Shelly replied, smiling over his shoulder, blond waves framing his face. “I was hoping you’d arrive early.”
Oliver grinned, short dark hair neat around his face, side burns neatly trimmed. Black slacks, white tuxedo shirt, he twirled a long stemmed rose in one hand. Dark eyes glittered wickedly. “I brought rose wine.”
Shelly let his shirt slip from one shoulder, revealing strong and well built body, healthy and pale. “Are you saying you need to get drunk to want me?”
Oliver turned the key in the lock and pulled it out. Very familiar with his lover’s room, he set both the key and the wine on the floor at the foot of Shelly’s bed. “The only thing I need to desire you is breath.”
Shelly took a step back from the window, as much as he loved the sunshine, he wanted just a touch more privacy with his lover. Oliver traced his fingers slowly down Shelly’s bare shoulder, leaving goosebumps. “I want you, Shelly.”
“How badly do you want me,” Shelly asked, turning, letting his shirt slip from both shoulders and down, soft cotton and lace caressing over sensitive skin as it fell. “How badly do you want me?”
Oliver licked his lips, trembling fingers, pushing Shelly’s shirt the rest of the way free. Fingers traced slowly back up Shelly’s arms, shivering so lightly, their eyes locked, searching each other’s soul, until his strong hands grabbed hold. Pulling his lover to him, Oliver joined them, lips caressing lips, diving deep into forbidden intimacy with his love. Shelly melted open, pressing up, drinking his love down as if this might be the only moment they might have.
The world around them was decadent, gilt, but tainted with the end of Mr. Lincoln’s War. What promises forbidden love could give came to little more than what kisses held the moment. Oliver growled into the kiss, his tongue caressing Shelly’s tongue, cherishing him. His kiss moved to Shelly’s throat, kissing down towards his shoulder.
“Today. I want… today.” Shelly’s voice was breathy, light. One slender leg hooked around Oliver’s, pulling him closer, groin to groin.
“Are you sure?” Oliver whispered, kisses low enough to be warm and wet against Shelly’s nipple. “I’m happy with your mouth.”
“More,” Shelly moaned, hands working under Oliver’s shirt. “Now. I want it now.”
“Wicked boy,” Oliver growled, hands undoing the buttons of Shelly’s pants. “I love you, Shelly. I really love you. We’ll go together, to San Francisco, so far away. We’ll live together.”
“Together,” Shelly promised, a hand sliding over the front of Oliver’s pants. “You do want me.” 
“Of course I want you,” Oliver said, hands now cupping Shelly’s bare ass cheeks, lifting him up. His own pants fell, letting him step easily free of them so he could carry Shelly to the bed. “I’m nervous too, you know. It’s not like I’ve ever, before, you know.”
“Touch me,” Shelly begged, scooting back on the bed, knees bent. “Just touch me. We don’t have do anything you’re not ready for.”
They’d studied together for years, come of age together. Both had reached their majorities with in months of each other. First love, only love, deepest secret, and Shelly tipped his head, chin to his chest, soft rosy lips flush full of life.
“You are so beautiful,” Oliver whispered. “At night, in my room, I close my eyes and think of you, only you.”
“Do you think of touching me,” Shelly asked, long slender fingers reaching between his legs to touch the soft rosy pucker, so private and intimate, “Here.”
“Yes,” Oliver said, blush darkening his cheeks. “Right there.” His fingers were thick, the fingers of an engineer, a builder from a proud bloodline. Shaking, a finger circled slowly around the offered entrance. “Oil?”
“I knew you were coming,” Shelly said, his blush making his eyes bluer, his hair seem fairer, “I got some. It’s in the crock, just under the bed.”
“You think of everything,” Oliver said, appreciatively. “It’s only one of the reasons I love you.”
“We’re really going to be together forever,” Shelly asked, holding his knees, watching as Oliver’s slick finger trailed slowly along Shelly’s groan, back towards the sweet secret rose.
“Forever, Shelly. Whatever we have to do, that’s what we’ll do. I’ll never be parted from you,” Oliver said, pressing his finger forward into the heated sheath, opening the tender virgin ring. “Always.”
“Always,” Shelly agreed, inching forward a little, taking Oliver’s finger deeper. “It’s good. I like it. It’s so wicked, so good. Everything feels so vividly.”
“Artist boy,” Oliver teased, smiling. “I’m not sure it’s really big enough for my cock.”
“Finger worked fine. Let’s try.”
“Wine. First. I went to a lot of trouble to get it, you know.”
“Okay,” Shelly agreed, sitting up.
Oliver backed away a little, rising and peeling off his shirt. “Definitely wine. What if I hurt you?”
“You won’t hurt me. Do you want to? I mean, you don’t have to.”
“Are you kidding,” Oliver said, pulling the cork from his bottle of wine. The scent of roses filled the room, wafting slowly, creating an aura of otherworldliness. “Of course, I want to be inside you. Isn’t that what all men want? To be inside the one they love.”
“I’m a man, just fine, but what I want is you in me. Does that make me less of a man?”
“No,” Oliver hastily rejected. “You are a brilliant man, poetic, artistic, mouthy, and everything I have ever wanted.”
Oliver crawled up over the bed, bringing the bottle of wine with him. “You are the flower of all that I could desire. Does that make me less of a man? That I shiver and cry out for you in my bed? That my cum spills as I think of my hands in your hair?”
“Who is to say what a man is,” Shelly said, coming back up from where he’d reached for the oil, hand slick and dripping. “I want to drink… you.”
Shelly took the bottle with one hand and the other hand took hold of Oliver’s cock, stroking oil over the thick length.
“You really want me to do it?”
“Yeah,” Shelly said, smiling so brightly his eyes closed for just a moment. “I do. We’ll be one person.”
“Yeah,” Oliver agreed, voice low, in awe. “Till death do us part” he whispered, invoking powerful ritual magic.
“Yeah,” Shelly agreed, stroking his lover’s hardness. Trembling in fear and desire, he scooted closer, refusing to back down. “Now, take me now.”
“Have you been reading those ladies novels again?”
“Maybe,” Shelly said, all blush and shifting eyes.
“Lay back,” Oliver said, taking another long drink of the wine. “I want to look at you, my virgin husband. Do you think we’ll burn in Hell?”
“How could that be,” Shelly said, “We’re built for this too, aren’t we? When you touch me everything that’s good comes out in me.”
“Angel, my angel,” Oliver swore, laying himself over Shelly, just low enough that he’d find his way into his love. “You will tell me if it hurts?”
“How could it hurt? I’m waiting for you, longing or you,” Shelly said, legs open.
Oliver’s hands sought out Shelly’s fingers lacing together. Hearts beating hard, heard enough that Shelly was sure he could feel the pounding of Oliver’s against his chest. “Is this like in the books?”
Shelly groaned, legs reaching to wrap around Oliver. “Do it like us.”
“Crazy bastard,” Oliver whimpered, a hand slipping between them to encircle Shelly’s passion, stroking, slow, knowing well the needs of his lover. The head of Oliver’s cock pressed eagerly to a now slick virgin entrance. Heat and love, need that pulled through his belly, need so powerful that mingled with wine and drove him forward. The first joining push spread Shelly’s relaxed and willing entrance, testing the boundaries of fear and acceptance. “You’re magic.”
“Oh god,” Shelly whimpered, the thick shaft of his lover opening him, filling him with more sensation than he could have imagined. So sensitive, feeling every movement, the heat and hardness, he panted, sweat breaking out over his forehead. “More, take me all the way so it can never be taken away.”
Oliver froze. “You’re pale! Does it hurt?”
“Deeper! All the way!”
“Oh hell,” Oliver growled, thrusting deeper, his cock slicked with oil and secreted into the body of his love, the keeper of his heart, he could hardly think, “All the way, Cumming!”
The deepest point brought a flash of pleasure in Shelly, white light behind his eyes as some part of his body was touched that he’d never knew could exist. To him it wasn’t a prostate, but love, passion, a promise of forever. “Yes,” he cried out, arms going around Oliver, clutching him tight. “Do it again!”
Not releasing crossed Oliver’s eyes with strain, but he held back, balls tight, and he drew back just a little, then forward again, shaking in Shelly’s embrace. “What? Are you okay?”
“Good, good, feels good, do it again!” Shelly cried out, louder than a secret lover should be even in his own family home.”
“I’m cumming,” Oliver begged, apologized, weak in Shelly’s arms as he tried to stroke his lover’s pleasure, tried to hold off and failed, his passion boiling out of him, spilling decadent proof of their love into Shelly’s body. “Shelly!”
Shelly’s body jumped to its peak as well, spilling liquid heat between them. Oliver’s hand covered Shelly’s mouth, hiding the cry as orgasm tightened and held, hiding the secret of their love as much as he could.
Clinging to each other, softness welling up around them, comfortable in each other, in the promise of the future. Oliver, now on his side, pulled Shelly close, tucking him safe in his arms. “Did it hurt?”
“Only at the start, but then it was really, really good, felt wonderful,” Shelly said, dazed. “Forever.”
“Forever,” Oliver promised. “We will go to San Francisco. You’ll paint pictures and I’ll build fine buildings.”
“Going to sleep now,” Shelly purred, fingers interlinking with Oliver’s.
“For a little while,” Oliver agreed.
Everything was perfect. Such a perfect day.
Want more? Check out Nix Winter’s website:
Editing the Perfect Novel
I recently finished editing my new novel, Surrender Love, due from Loose Id on February 17, 2009. It’s erotic M/M Science Fiction Romance. When I finished it — that is, prior to my editor getting her first look — it was over a hundred and forty thousand words. We had to cut it to a hundred and twenty thousand for it to fit the outer edges of Loose Id guidelines. Twenty thousand words. My first thought was, “But it’s perfect! I can’t take out anything!” How do you cut that many words you’ve sweated to produce?
Michelangelo was once asked how he could sculpt such beautiful pieces of marble into lifelike creatures. Paraphrasing his words, his response was that if you want to carve a horse from a huge block of marble, you simply chip away anything that didn’t look like a horse. In writing, you chip away any words that don’t portray exactly what the reader needs to enjoy and understand the story.
Easier said than done? Too, too true. I followed a few steps I’d learned from previous books and soon cut it down to the right size. I can’t take all the credit. My editor, Hollie Hollis, guided me and provided excellent ideas on where to cut, but the actual snipping and trimming was mostly my own. It went back and forth between my editor and me several times, before going to another level, the line editor, back to my editor, and then to me. Each time, I cut more, polished more. So, what exactly did I cut? Here’s a basic list any author can follow and apply.
A) Look for sub-plots that don’t move the story forward, or can be developed in a sequel or another book. My strong suggestion is that you never cut anything more than a sentence or two without saving it to a document called Ideas for _______ , using the series name, or “other books”, etc.
B) Passages I particularly loved but didn’t fit for whatever reason went into Cuts I Love.doc. These were passages that could be adapted for any book I wrote, whereas the Ideas document is strictly for story-related material. An example from the Cuts doc is “Let yourself want it. Let yourself enjoy the lust, the heat. Let yourself rest in my arms while I pleasure you.” I cut this from another book because it didn’t work for my beta hero, but would be great in an alpha love scene.
C) Characters not necessary to the story. In Surrender Love, Luc had a dungeon in his penthouse, nearly an entire floor with rooms designed with every type of pleasure and punishment in mind. When he meets Izzorah “Rah” Ceeow and falls for him, he knows immediately the way to Rah’s heart is not through pain, but with a gentle hand. I wrote a scene where he calls in a designer and orders everything on that floor ripped out, and changed over to a private nightclub and areas for Rah’s rock band, Kumwhatmay, to practice and record. The designer also held appeal for another minor character, and I knew I couldn’t let them get together or sparks would fly. There wasn’t going to be time to chase that bunny trail, but it could end up launching a new book. I decided to cut and save it, eliminating several pages and nearly two thousand words.
D) Look for words that end in “ing”. This ending is proper for words used within a passive framework, but not for active. An example from Surrender Love is when the alpha hero is the passive recipient, and “ing” helps reveal that.
Luc shook his head, throat too tight, panting so hard he couldn’t speak.
“You’re starving for it, t’hahr. I can taste your hunger. Let me give myself to you.”
Luc didn’t trust his voice. Can’t lose control now. Can’t. Can’t. He shook his head, fighting for mastery of his emotions.
If you find “ing” words where the scene should be active, it’s easy to change to active. Here is the same passage, altered from passive to active. Note the slight change in wording.
Luc shook his head, throat too tight. He panted, speech past him.
“You’re starving for it, t’hahr. I can taste your hunger. Let me give myself to you.”
Luc didn’t trust his voice. Can’t lose control now. Can’t. Can’t. He mastered his emotions and shook his head.
The first paragraph is fifty words; the second is forty-seven. Three words doesn’t sound like much, but multiply that by eliminating three words per page in a three hundred page document, and you have nine hundred words. Averaging two hundred fifty words per page, you’ve cut almost four pages.
The key point is that “ing” words often reveal passive phrases. Hunt them to sharpen the action and reword to make the sentence stronger. Small reminder: not all such words are going to help, i.e., thing, sing, string, during, something, anything, ring (noun), and so on. If you look, however, you’ll find plenty of places to change structure and write in a more active tense, often saving words.
These are the fastest way to cut, and there are many more. I’d love to hear ideas from you!
The book I referenced in this article is Surrender Love, coming from Loose Id on February 17, 2009. http://loose-id.com
Cowboys’ Christmas
By Carol McKenzie
As of today, Friday, December 19th, 2008, Cowboys’ Christmas is ranked the #1 best seller at Fictionwise for loveyoudivine, it is the #1 best seller for loveyoudivine at All Romance Ebooks and ranks #15 at AllShortStories.com
It is the first story to be released for the coming print anthology in 2009, Men On Holiday.
Ebook ISBN / Price: 978-1-60054-283-1
Length: 56 pages / 14,400 word count
Genre: M/M
Category: His and His Kisses
Rating: Shooting Star
Price: 3.75
Buy link: http://tinyurl.com/4u2yz8
Video Trailer: http://tinyurl.com/59anuw
About
Cowboys’ Christmas
The First Release from MEN II: On Holiday from Carol McKenzie - DEC 1st
It’s December and it’s cold. Blake’s back aches from busting broncs and he wants to settle down, maybe do some ranching. Blake loves his sister, who doesn’t know he’s gay. But he loves Riley, too. If he breaks the news, will his sister accept Riley into the family?
Thirty-year-old Blake finishes his obligations on the rodeo circuit for the year. It’s December and it’s cold. He calls his sister, Katy, in Rufus, Oregon, and tells her that he is getting too old to bust broncos. His back and bones ache. He mentions he may come home for Christmas. Katy ís delighted because she needs help with the Kinglsley Ranch; it’s falling apart, and her boyfriend is too much a tenderfoot to help.
Blake can’t wait to meet up with his “friend” in their usual camping area. Katy doesn’t know about his flame, Riley S. Campbell. What will she say or think when she finds he’s taken Riley, a man, as his lover? Will Riley’s family accept Blake?
Excerpt:
Blake Kingsley pulled his truck and fifth wheel into a vacant island of Huck’s Gas Mart in downtown Longview, Washington, and stopped the engine. He climbed out and put his gray Stetson on his head. Heavy, cold rain beat down on the overhang and the air smelled of gasoline. He lifted the nozzle, pressed the mid-grade button and pumped forty dollars worth of gas into his tank, mumbling his displeasure the whole time. When he finished, he put handle back and ambled toward the pay station, the soles of his boots smacking in puddles.
A sleepy-eyed, brunette attendant behind a counter looked at him over her gold-rimmed glasses and blinked long, curling lashes.
Tipping onto his toes, he drew a couple of wadded bills from his tight jeans’ pocket and placed them on the steel counter.
The attendant took them without a word.
“Thank you, Ma’am,” he said and returned to his truck.
He climbed into the cab, closed the door and within the minute, drove toward Kalama, Washington, taking the interstate north. Pangs of loneliness entered his system again. He thought about his family; those alive and dead. I need to make a call. He retrieved his cell phone from the center console. Without swerving off the road, he dialed his sister in Rufus, Oregon.
“Katy, this season’s done. Thank God.”
“I hope you come home.” Her voice sounded creaky. He imagined her soft, freckled face and auburn, curly hair. “It’s been quiet here since mom and dad’s died.”
A picture of their parent’s crumpled automobile, with blood on the seats the day after their head on collision in Medford played in his mind. The horrible call from the emergency room had come announcing their demise. He gulped air in his sadness.
His sister sighed, bringing him back to the here and now. “Things are fallin’ apart around this ol’ place. Frank’s not into ranchin’. He can’t even ride a horse.”
Blake wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and the remembrance ended. He clucked his tongue, recalling her tenderfoot boyfriend, Frank. “I’ll bet.” A misplaced smile quirked at the corners of his lips. It’s best I change the subject, or she’ll cry. “What do you want for Christmas, sis?”
“Just get here safely. We’ll have a nice holiday, if you come. I’m invitin’ you, you know.”
“I’ll spring for the turkey, if I was to come,” Blake said and placed his Stetson on the passenger seat.
“So, how are you doin’ otherwise, little brother?’”
“It’s best you not ask, ’cause right now, I’m in a piss poor mood.”
“Why’s that?”
“These friggin’ gas prices suck. They’re high as hell. It costs too much drivin’ the circuit anymore. I’m twenty-eight and gettin’ too old for bustin’ broncs.”
“Get a different job, then. Stay home, settle down. Maybe get a job as, I dunno, be a cop.”
“I’ve done ruint my back.”
“Maybe it’s time to quit.”
“I’ve got to think about it. See you.”
“Tell your buddy hi. Oh, and call when you get close.”
“Will do.”
Once he put the cell phone back in the case and closed the console lid, he took a left onto a different highway and began thinking about what Katy didn’t know—his ideas on sexual preferences. It’d shock her to death. He thought about his job situation, too. Maybe I’ll work the farm. Or become a cop. At a stoplight he lit a cigarette and slid the Bic back into the pocket of his blue western shirt. Right now, all I do is get out there and risk life and limb…for what? To give the audience thrills, and all I get is a few measly dollars. Shit. I must have rocks in my fuckin’ head. What the hell am I goin’ to do? Should I rodeo another year, or quit? Cops’ lives are always in danger. Maybe my back ain’t in good enough shape to do that kind of work.
He coughed, took another drag off his Benson & Hedges and glanced at the speedometer. The dial read he was going five miles per hour over the speed limit. He raised his foot a bit on the gas pedal until the needle stopped just over sixty-five. An elongated sigh left his lips.
He passed several dense, vast forested areas. The dark green fir trees alongside the road forked upward toward a gloomy, cloudy sky. Rain splattered on the windshield as the wipers thump-thump-thumped. When he stopped at a sign, he flicked his cigarette out the window into a mud puddle. He turned the satellite’s radio knob to a country-western station and hummed along with George Strait who sang Easy Come, Easy Go.
As he started driving, his thoughts turned to a better subject. Yeah, I’ll park this thing and take a rest. Gettin’ a mess of Riley will make me feel better. The U-Shine Car Wash caught Blake’s eye. Maybe I should unhook this thing and wash the road dust off my pickup. He decided to keep on trucking, wanting to get to his destination before dark and get a space rented. I’ll wash it tomorrow.
Mid-afternoon, driving along on I-5, he gazed out upon the sparkling Columbia River near his exit. Slow barges made their way north and west; a breathtaking sight.
Once off the interstate and in town, he drove down the main drag looking for the old, peeling sign that read Campground–Marty’s Trailer Spaces–Weekly and Monthly Rates. Blake passed the launderette and the post office. He traveled two blocks past the totem pole, the Lone Pine Cafe and made a right just like he had at previous season’s end.
I’ll rest. Maybe spend part of the winter with my ol’ buddy.
He pictured his pal, Riley S. Campbell, when he last saw him over a year earlier. He stood five ten and had a slim, strong build. Blake never thought to ask his exact age, but he guessed it to be around twenty-eight. He’d worn hand-tooled boots and a belt that sported a silver Texas longhorn buckle. Riley’s onyx gaze seemed to penetrate his soul and mind. Worn jeans, most of the time faded, encased a well-shaped ass. Blake began to feel the slide of him coming inside his body. Damn, I’ve missed him. He’ll be a sight for sore eyes.
This week I welcome multi-published author, Amanda Young, as Guest Blogger!
One of my favorite things about writing M/M romance is the ability to write outside the box. The characters don’t have to be the typical alpha male found in other genres.
In my opinion, the idea of physical beauty in this day and age is a little skewed. Instead of smooth, flawless skin and gym-toned bodies, I’ve always been drawn to a different sort of man. The kind of man who’s built like a brick sh*thouse and covered in hair. That’s right—Bears. There’s nothing sexier to me than a hairy chest and a solid masculine body. Michael Angelo’s David be damned, I want to explore the allure of brawny men who can bench-press their own weight plus that of their partner.
For my next series, I’m planning to focus on big strapping men with even bigger hearts. There will be Bears, and Otters, and Wolves—oh my. For those of you who don’t know the terminology, I thought I would share some definitions (as I understand them) with you.
What would you, the reader, like to see more of in erotic M/M romance? Maybe more overweight characters, or “Average Joe” type heroes. How about little known fetishes, like sploshing or water sports? For every kink you can dream up, there’s someone out there who’s interested. I’d love to hear what readers would like to see more of.
Author Bio:
Amanda Young writes in multiple subgenres, including M/F, M/M, and paranormal romance. The only thing she guarantees is hot ride and a happy ending. To learn more about Amanda’s books, please visit her website: www.AmandaYoung.org
I’m J.M. Snyder, author of gay erotic and romantic fiction. I began in self-publishing, but am now working with e-publishers Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, and Torquere Presses. My short stories have appeared online at Ruthie’s Club, Tit-Elation, and Amazon Shorts, and in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain Press, and Cleis Press.
This month, I have four paranormal releases just in time for Halloween. They are:
A More Perfect Union
* A More Perfect Union, published 10/12/08 by Amber Allure Press
http://jmsnyder.net/books/bstates/union.html
Book 3 in Between States a historical paranormal series set during the American Civil War. This is novella is the last story in the series, and all three will be released in a paperback collection in January 2009.
Once a Yankee soldier, Brance Brenneman has left behind the War Between the States and gone into hiding with his lover, former Confederate Caleb Chilson. Deserters intent on keeping to themselves, they find a nice, sparse acre of land where they can finally settle down. Life falls into domesticated routine for both the brooding Yank and the excitable Rebel. Together they struggle to create a more perfect union forged of love and their shared shapeshifting secret.
But the discovery of another bobcat encroaching on their territory brings out the possessive alley cat in Caleb, eager to defend his home and his mate. Will the newcomer destroy what they’ve worked so hard to attain? Or is there room enough for the three of them deep in the wilderness of Pennsylvania?
The Arc Position * The Positions of Love Book 11: The Arc Position, published 10/19/08 by Amber Allure Presshttp://vic-and-matt.com/positions/pol-11.html
Book 11 in The Positions of Love, a contemporary series about lovers Vic Braunson and Matt diLorenzo. Every time they make love, Matt inadvertently gives Vic superhuman powers. There are a total of 12 stories in this series, which will be released in a paperback collection in December 2008. *** It’s Halloween, and Matt’s coworker Roxie has invited him to a costume party on that spookiest of nights. He’s afraid he’ll have an uphill battle convincing Vic to tag along, but to his surprise, his lover jumps at the idea. Matt chooses a pair of police uniforms for them to wear, and looks forward to a little sexual role-playing once the party is over. Nothing like a pair of handcuffs and a game of good cop/bad cop to get the blood pumping. A Haunted Love But Roxie calls with a pool emergency an hour before the party starts. Because Vic isn’t in costume yet, Matt goes on ahead alone. When his lover shows up for the party, Matt’s surprised to find he’s not dressed as a cop. Instead, Vic’s latest superhuman power has created a costume of its own, with comic results.
* A Haunted Love, published 10/31/08 by Aspen Mountain Presshttp://jmsnyder.net/books/haunted.html
A Haunted Love
This novelette originally appeared in the e-book anthology, Cupid’s Arrow, also published by Aspen Mountain Press. Nick works as a re-enactor at a Colonial America site. One foggy night he meets David Henry, just about the sexiest man in colonial garb Nick has ever seen. Because Nick’s missed the last bus into town, David invites him to stay the night with him at the colony’s inn. Though there’s definitely a spark between them, David is gone when Nick wakes. When David’s claim of working as an apprentice at the glass shop doesn’t pan out, Nick begins to wonder about the guy he’s met and the ghost stories circulating around the colony, stories he always believed untrue …
* One of Use, published 10/31/08 by Torquere Presshttp://jmsnyder.net/stories/st_oneofus.html
The Sip...
This short story appears in my self-published collection, Shorts, and was also published online at Ruthie’s Club.
Connor Allen is a young man who sports a nasty bite that seems to grow worse during the full moon. A former classmate, Rand, tells him it’s a werewolf bite. At first Connor thinks he’s joking, but as the moon rises, he finds himself undergoing a painful transformation. Rand knows just how bad it can be the first time a man changes, so he distracts Connor in a way that pleases them both.
For more information on these releases, please visit my website at http://jmsnyder.net or click on the links above. I host monthly contests to five away free copies of all new releases (http://jmsnyder.net/contest.html), and I give away additional freebies through my Yahoo! group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmsnyder/)
Thank you, Jon, for hosting me today!
Any time, J.M! Keep keep us informed as the holidays approach… Thank you for sharing your latest releases with the readers of my blog.
If you have a question for J.M Snyder, current or past releases, please post then here for response…
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Nex week, I have a very special “treat” for you - or is that a “trick”??
Gremlins are coming…check back next week as Gremlin’s author/graphic cover artist Anastasia Rabiyah chats about her new release, appearing in the print anthology, Gremlins - from loveyoudivine.com
Monday, September 8th, 2008
(Interview with Jon Michaelsen)
Reprinted with permission; copywright Dark Diva Reviews; Sept 2008 http://darkdivareviews.blogspot.com/
Hi Jon, welcome to the Divas! When did you start writing M/M fiction and which authors - M/M specifically - appealed to you the most when you started writing your stories?
I have been writing stories as long as I can recall. I began writing M/M fiction sometime in my late teens and wrote my first novel at seventeen. Authors that appealed to me at this age were Patricia Nell Warren and James Kirkwood. In my early twenties, I discovered the writings of Michael Nava, Felice Picano, Armistead Maupin and Andrew Holleran.
2. I am intrigued that you describe yourself as an author whose characters ‘just happen to be gay’. Do you see a difference between this and books that state themselves as M/M fiction?Yes and no. I guess my answer depends on the targeted audience, material or which author. Some of my favorite novels do not contain a single gay character (or perhaps they get the obligatory cameo role), yet I find that I read many stories as if the protagonist is “gay” – so what if he/she has a love interest of the opposite sex! Why limit ourselves, I ask? I’ve been gay as long as I can remember, but it took years of personal growth before I began to speak so candidly about it. I don’t think my sexuality defines who I am – so why should it define my characters?
3. You mention one of my favorite authors Felice Picano as being an influence. I only recently discovered him and was over the moon about a short story of his, The Married Man that I read in an anthology called New York Sex. I could talk to you about him all day but what is it about his work that you particularly admire?
OMG! I discovered Felice Picano about two years ago. He released Like People in History, to date my favorite novel of his. I couldn’t believe that I never came across his titles before. Perhaps because most mainstream bookstores at the time didn’t carry gay-themed titles as much as they do currently, albeit a very limited selection. I searched online and ordered four more titles of his work right away: The Lure, The Book of Lies and Onyx. What intrigues me most about Picano’s writing is his uncanny gift of absorbing the reader into his characters’ lives. You don’t ever want his stories to end! I’m also intrigued by his versatility in his writing; he doesn’t stick with one genre.
4. I must mention something here about your personal life. I know you have been with your lifelong partner for 22 years. Congratulations! How do you sustain a relationship that long in this crazy world?
(Laughs) I’m always amazed when people – even close friends – seem shocked at the number of years I have been with my partner. We got together during the mid-80s and the rage of AIDS was not yet realized by our community, and indeed the world. I’d like to say we met at the right time, the right place, but our introduction was far less dramatic. Sustain, you ask? I think any relationship takes hard work. Our partnership is no different than a marriage between a man and a woman, with exception of obvious legal exclusions.
5. What are the three things you love most about him? Quick…first things off the top of your head…
His loyalty, honesty and enduring love.
6. What is your life like in Atlanta and have you found it to be gay friendly? Do you have a writerly ritual, like a fave coffee shop hangout?
Atlanta is very gay friendly! At least, within the city limits and some of the immediate suburbs. Once you get outside the city, outside the interstate perimeter I-285 (locals called it “OTP” or outside the perimeter), acceptance and tolerance lessens the further away from town one drives, but the boundaries of acceptance keep expanding each year.
My favorite haunt to pound out a few words in my laptop while enjoying a great cup of joe, friendly staff and excellent music is Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse http://www.outwritebooks.com/ which is in the heart of Midtown, the gay mecca of Atlanta. In fact, I wrote scenes from my current e-book, Voyeur, while seated at a favorite table near to the window and glancing out at the tall buildings of Midtown. Outwrite is located at the corners of Tenth and Piedmont, a popular spot that manages to find its way into the pages of several of my stories, including my current work-in-progress; a murder/suspense novel releasing sometime early next year.
7. Have you considered getting married in California and can I come to the wedding??
No and Yes! We’ll wait for marriage to become legal in Georgia before going that route. When that happens - or we move to a state that legalizes marriage between same-sex couples, absolutely!
8. I promise not to embarrass you or spit at anybody, unless they ask me to, of course…Okay Jon, dish. You say you have three monstrous terriers. What are their names and how bad are they, really?
Have you ever owned a terrier?
AJ says: I have a golden retriever. In her puppy days when she chewed everything and tried to kill the cats, I threatened to turn her into a throw rug. The dog understood and has been a Stepford Dog ever since…but do go on…
LOL. Well, we have terrors, er terriers (!), but we love them dearly. You can’t threaten them; they’re up for the challenge! Each is unique in personality and smart as a whip. Their names in order of age are Gracie, Monte and Morgan and they are the of the same breed, Lakeland Terrier. I’m exaggerating some, but any terrier owner will tell you to keep an eye peeled in their direction at all times as they get bored and get into trouble at the drop of a dime.
9. If you were a Disney character, which one would you be, and why?
Hands down, Nemo! I love the ocean and plan to retire hear the water one day. My family lives in Florida. I would love to travel the currents and see the “underworld” like Nemo.
10. Do you read a lot? What books do you enjoy the most?
I read all the time. When I’m not writing or editing my own work, I’m reading and/or reviewing another author’s writing as part of an online writing workshop I’m involved in. I usually read two or three novels simultaneously; one sits in my car, one bedside my bed and another near where I happen to relax for the evening in the house. I love to read! In order to keep the story lines from merging, I’ll try to read different genres. For instance, currently I’m reading Rick R Reed’s psychotic serial killer thriller, IM.
AJ Says: Hold it right there. He is my new favorite author. He scares the pants off me! I loved IM!
Wow, what a thriller! Have you seen the cover of his new release set for October 2008, Dead End Street? OMG! The cover of the novel sends shivers up my spine! I can’t wait to read it. I’m also reading The Mistress and the Mouse by J.J. Giles, an erotic soap-opera that would make hardcore Dallas and Dynasty blush! The third book I’m re-reading at the moment (yes, re-reading since I read all stories prior to publication during creation) is the all male, erotic romance anthology titled, Men, from Loveyoudivine, which includes my story, Voyeur.
11. I have asked other M/M authors this and it continues to enthrall and baffle me. Why do you think so many women have become increasingly drawn to M/M fiction over the last couple of years?
I honestly do not know. No one was more shocked than me to learn that most of the people buying my e-book, Voyeur, are women. That holds true for the recently released print anthology, Men.
12. Can you personally tell if a woman (passing as a man) is writing M/M fic and what is the difference in your mind?
A difficult question to answer. I believe it can depend on the author, perhaps their experience to some degree. There is some m/m fiction where I can peg the difference on the spot, similar to if I tried writing m/f fiction – I don’t have the experience or knowledge in some areas of m/f couplings that would lend credibility to the story. I feel the same holds true in some m/m fiction written by women sometimes. But, I’m often proven wrong. Take Anastasia Rabiyah, for instance. She’s a wonderfully gifted writer who recently released, The Blindfold, another story in the Men anthology. If I’d read the story without knowing the author was a woman, I’d swear a gay guy penned it! Just goes to show, can’t judge the greatness of a novel by the gender of the author alone.
11. What are you working on now and please describe your writing process.
I’m in the editing stages of a murder/suspense novel that should go to my publisher by the end of the year centered on a closeted gay-homicide detective in Atlanta, Georgia; the first in a series. I have at least three novellas in the hopper that I hope to submit before the end of the year, and a selection to be included in Men II, which is set for release in early 2009.
My writing process? Scattered! I work on the story that I’m in the mood for at the moment, what ever jumps forward. I can move back and forth, work on a short-story or my novel based on where my muse takes me. I carry a micro-cassette recorder (remember those?) with me in the car at all times. I’m usually recording scenes, dialog or story ideas while tooling down the highway.
12. I was fascinated to see that on your website, you described Michael Crichton as a literary influence. Is this where you get your ‘twisty’ inspiration for your books?
Some, yes. Others include Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, M. Night Shamalyan, John Grisham and David Baldacci – and a recent discovery, Max Griffin.
13. I just ran your name through the Vampire Name Generator. It’s pretty cool, actually. This is what came out: The Great Archives determine you to have gone by the identity:
Emperor of Scandanavia
Known in some parts of the world as: Father of The Steely Moon
The Great Archives Record: A child of the Moon Goddess - Cold, determined, but of the light in the night.Wow, you’ve put me on the spot! How about, that I can move among the living even during daylight hours, a rarity of my heritage borne centuries ago.
Now imagine that you, Steely Moon, have just landed with a thud in Atlanta. Georgia in the gay ‘hood. What one special, unusual vampire trait do you have?
14. Cool Answer…Now, forgetting you’re not single just for a moment, if you could conjure up any outfit and any man in the world you, Steely Moon, wanted for a hot night on the town, what you wear and who would your date be? And how long would it take for you to put out?
Hands down, my date would be Christian Bale. We’d dine at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead in formal tuxedos, before heading out for the evening later in black jeans, dark boots and t-shirts. To “put out”? Depends on when he’s called into action in his bat suit.
15. Oh you have a great sense of humor. I love it!! So, what is next after Men II?
My goal? Lots and lots of writing! Men was just released this month, and before I know it, Men II will be here. I need to finish editing my murder/suspense novel, Pretty Boy Dead, and start on the second book in the series, as well as other projects throughout next year. Also, I have an idea for a ghost story.
16. One final question while I still have you under the harsh spotlight of the interrogator’s death beam…am I the sexiest guy to ever interview you?
Well, of course!!
On behalf of Dark Diva Reviews, I would like to thank Jon Michaelsen for stopping by today…and for being such good fun!!!
Find out more about him at:
http://www.jonmichaelsen.net/
www.myspace.com/jmichaelsen
Order my current e-book
http://tinyurl.com/LYD-Voyeur
Order Men from loveyoudivine
http://tinyurl.com/LYD-MEN
order MEN from Amazon.com
http://tinyurl.com/MENwhoLOVEmen
Hey, ya’ll!
Yep, I hail from the southeastern portion of the USA; born and raised in the state of Georgia. I thought my first post should be a little about me to provide some insight for those who might not have met me or read some of my writing - and I’d like to hear about you too! So, feel free to reach out, give me a shout; ask just about anything. I’ll post a regular message on the 8th of each month, and perhaps intermittently throughout the month – so, check back often!
How long have I been writing?
Let’s see, as long as I can remember actually. Is that an answer? To put an age to my response, I’d say since I was about ten years old. I used to create characters and make-up simple story lines, often playing out scenes in my head – or acting them out for my family. Didn’t we all do this at some point? My family said I had “an active imagination.” I probably have every scrap of paper, poem, blurb, idea, character, storyline or novel I’ve ever written, piled in boxes in the attic and basement. Ironically, I didn’t get serious about publishing until last year. Growing up, school, career – life kept getting in the way, I guess. I’m a new author at Loveyoudivine His & His Kisses and very happy to be among some of the most talented, creative authors I’ve come across in a long while; imaginative, witty, creative and pushing the barriers. My recently released story, VOYEUR, deals with the obsessive depths of voyeurism and what happens when a few innocent glances can spiral into obsession that changes the protagonist’s life forever. Voyeur released Friday, June 13th this year and will also appear in Loveyoudivine’s His & His first print anthology titled, MEN, set for release August 1st, 2008.
What genre do I prefer to write the most?
I write about ideas and stories that press forward in my mind, whatever I’m feeling, what moves me, perhaps has even touched my life at some point. I’ll be driving along or waiting in line at the grocery store when a story idea or character surfaces in my thoughts. If it stays with me long enough, I’ll typically get my thoughts down on paper, or via in the computer – even recorded on a micro-cassette recorder I keep in the car. I have a boxful of scraps of paper, notes, scenes, characters – you name it. I’ll cull from this stash now and again when needing inspiration or the right look or feeling for a character. I enjoy jotting notes of description about “real people” and what it is about them that captured my attention; often guessing what may be going on in their lives at that moment by just studying a face, a body, a walk – even the clothes worn. I write gay-themed suspense/thrillers and mystery stories, often with erotic and romantic undertones.
Current work-in-progress?
I have hundreds! I always have “something” in progress. Currently, I’m writing a murder-suspense novel titled “Pretty Boy Dead”. The story focuses on a closeted Atlanta homicide detective who - upon returning to the job following a “forced” six-week sabbatical – catches a high profile case involving a young man’s suspicious death. Discovered in a popular Midtown park, the victim’s brutal murder ensnares the large metropolis and threatens to consume the embattled homicide detective, Sgt. Kendall Parker, a man of many secrets who’s battling his own inner demons. While investigating the death of the popular nude dancer, Parker must deal with an apathetic department and judging public while forced to confront her own inner demons of acceptance.
Authors that have influenced my writing…
There are many, from the time I was an impressionable teenager and discovered my love for curling up with a good book. The first author that comes to mind is S.E. Hinton (Outsiders, Rumble Fish) and Ray Bradbury. The novel I credit with pointing me toward a path to writing my own stores is Patricia Nell Warren’s, The Front Runner, to this day, one of my favorite all time authors. I’m also very fond of James Kirkwood’s, Good Times/Bad Times, John Grisham’s, A Time To Kill/The Firm, Felice Picano’s, Like People In History, and anything written by Michael Nava.
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You can contact me/find me on the web here:
http://www.jonmichaelsen.net
