+(23.JPG)
A few weeks ago I met Alan Barker on Twitter, and he introduced me to his very short stories. In fact, all his stories are only two sentences long. He gave me permission to share them, so I've posted three of his stories below. Enjoy.
There's some-one behind you!
"As 'Double Acts' is the theme of Rae's party to-night, I hope we're going to outshine the usual gangsters and molls, gladiators and slaves, bears and cubs," commented an excited Jay to his partner Will,"so what have you hired?"
"Look I'm sorry mate, the fancy dress agency has been so busy today there wasn't much left to choose from," replied Will opening the very large costume box, "so which half of Daisy, the pantomime cow do you want to be?'
Tour de Force
Will says you've just come back from a tour in Germany Tim, like the stage outfit, wild nights in Berlin, fans screaming front of stage and then you're off again remarked Jay, " and where next, Japan or America?"
"My last tour was in Germany," added Tim quietly, "and I'm so glad Rae invited me to your barbecue to chill out for an hour or two, but before I go I need one of your special hugs mate because to be honest this really brave soldier-boy is feeling very nervous as my next tour is in...Afghanistan."
and finally: Squaresville Man
"Fab gear Daddy-O, really dig your headband, dude, groovy tie and dye T-shirt and the patterned cords are a gas," drooled Jay at Rae's 60's party, "flower power is so hep man."
"Way out man, you just don't dig it," laughed Will showing his partner Jay to the door, " you're no cool cat coming to Rae's pad as a giant daffoldil, dude, so hang loose somewhere else man, ciao babe."
That's all for now.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Book Review: Tricks by Rick R. Reed
Reviewed by Victor J. Banis
Published by MLRPress.com
ISBN 978-1-60820-215-7
Rated 4.5 out of 5
By now readers are surely so accustomed to having Rick Reed scare the pants off them that it must be a welcome change to see him achieve that same result by means of romance. I don’t know if this is Rick’s first venture into the romance genre, but he shows as much aptitude for it as he has always done for horror and suspense, and he can surely get your pants off – or at least down.
Not that this novel is without suspense, but while that element adds a bit of frisson to the reading pleasure, it is really the unlikely relationship between his two protagonists that holds the story together and propels it forward, a classic case of opposites attracting. Think Hepburn and Grant in Bringing up Baby.
The beautiful Arliss, at age twenty two, is a stripper in a gay bar, Tricks. Sean, whose looks are more average, is thirty seven, and on the nerdy side. A breakup with his boyfriend, Jerome, brings heartbroken Sean into the bar one night, in time to see Arliss perform. Arliss takes note of the stranger, so unlike the men who make up the usual crowd and, oddly intrigued, works his way down the bar, intending to check him out more closely—but Sean leaves before that can happen.
Later that same night, however, they meet on the shore of Lake Michigan. Arliss delivers an impulsive kiss and when that proves welcome, he fully expects that they will do the usual and go home for some high octane sex—but to his surprise, Sean, who is not into one night stands, declines. Instead, he makes a date for dinner a few nights later.
So begins a relationship that is entirely unlike anything either has experienced before. A teenage runaway, Arliss has lived on the mean streets and has a decidedly checkered past, yet somehow he has managed to retain a certain virginal air, but Sean is the first person to really tune into this and appreciate Arliss for what he is inside. And in conservative, genuinely kind Sean, Arliss finds a kind of love he has never met before. Being with Sean is like being “home.” Despite their differences, the two become a couple.
Of course, this is a novel, and circumstances threaten. Sean is able (if barely) to put aside his unhappiness at Arliss’s “work” at Tricks, but when an attractive customer suggests something further, things go bad, and from bad to worse. This secondary plot supplies a bit of menace and suspense, but the real interest remains where it was from the first, with this seemingly mismatched couple who turn out to be so exactly right for each other.
A nice romantic read, and a welcome change of pace from this prolific author.
Published by MLRPress.com
ISBN 978-1-60820-215-7
Rated 4.5 out of 5
By now readers are surely so accustomed to having Rick Reed scare the pants off them that it must be a welcome change to see him achieve that same result by means of romance. I don’t know if this is Rick’s first venture into the romance genre, but he shows as much aptitude for it as he has always done for horror and suspense, and he can surely get your pants off – or at least down.
Not that this novel is without suspense, but while that element adds a bit of frisson to the reading pleasure, it is really the unlikely relationship between his two protagonists that holds the story together and propels it forward, a classic case of opposites attracting. Think Hepburn and Grant in Bringing up Baby.
The beautiful Arliss, at age twenty two, is a stripper in a gay bar, Tricks. Sean, whose looks are more average, is thirty seven, and on the nerdy side. A breakup with his boyfriend, Jerome, brings heartbroken Sean into the bar one night, in time to see Arliss perform. Arliss takes note of the stranger, so unlike the men who make up the usual crowd and, oddly intrigued, works his way down the bar, intending to check him out more closely—but Sean leaves before that can happen.
Later that same night, however, they meet on the shore of Lake Michigan. Arliss delivers an impulsive kiss and when that proves welcome, he fully expects that they will do the usual and go home for some high octane sex—but to his surprise, Sean, who is not into one night stands, declines. Instead, he makes a date for dinner a few nights later.
So begins a relationship that is entirely unlike anything either has experienced before. A teenage runaway, Arliss has lived on the mean streets and has a decidedly checkered past, yet somehow he has managed to retain a certain virginal air, but Sean is the first person to really tune into this and appreciate Arliss for what he is inside. And in conservative, genuinely kind Sean, Arliss finds a kind of love he has never met before. Being with Sean is like being “home.” Despite their differences, the two become a couple.
Of course, this is a novel, and circumstances threaten. Sean is able (if barely) to put aside his unhappiness at Arliss’s “work” at Tricks, but when an attractive customer suggests something further, things go bad, and from bad to worse. This secondary plot supplies a bit of menace and suspense, but the real interest remains where it was from the first, with this seemingly mismatched couple who turn out to be so exactly right for each other.
A nice romantic read, and a welcome change of pace from this prolific author.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Chiang Mai Blues
On December 1st, Herman and I flew to Bangkok, and two days later made the journey north to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we’ve lived for almost two months.
We have been to this wonderful city on many occasions, and have made it our official home-away-from-home city. Since the turn of the century, we’ve visited Chiang Mai seven times, for a total of fourteen months.
We no longer come here, as in earlier visits, to see the sites. We’ve pretty much seen them all. Now we come because it is a great place to hang out in winter. The temps range from 75-90 degrees, and the day-to-day expenses are very cheap. We can stay here on less money than if we stayed home.
Some of the things we love about this place is the fact that almost everything is within walking distance. We love to walk, and enjoy trekking to the different markets, temples, sidewalk cafes, and local restaurants. Every Saturday and Sunday they put on a street market where locals sell food and handicrafts. The whole town turns out for it. And of course the city puts on a huge New Year’s celebration with tons of fireworks.
I think the thing I love most about this city, about Asia in general, is the fact that Buddhism is by far the predominant religion. Because of that, the locals seem more at peace with themselves and their environment. They are happy. Thailand is called: The Land of Smiles. And I’ve found this to be true. It is a place where everyone is accepted, and if people do judge others, they certainly don’t have the poor taste to show it. The feeling seems to be: It’s your karma, so you deal with it.
Anyway, I titled this entry Chiang Mai Blues because we leave in another couple of days. I’m already beginning to miss the place, and we’re talking of coming back next year.
For some great pictures of Chiang Mai, check out my travel blog: http://hermanandalan.blogspot.com/
We have been to this wonderful city on many occasions, and have made it our official home-away-from-home city. Since the turn of the century, we’ve visited Chiang Mai seven times, for a total of fourteen months.
We no longer come here, as in earlier visits, to see the sites. We’ve pretty much seen them all. Now we come because it is a great place to hang out in winter. The temps range from 75-90 degrees, and the day-to-day expenses are very cheap. We can stay here on less money than if we stayed home.
Some of the things we love about this place is the fact that almost everything is within walking distance. We love to walk, and enjoy trekking to the different markets, temples, sidewalk cafes, and local restaurants. Every Saturday and Sunday they put on a street market where locals sell food and handicrafts. The whole town turns out for it. And of course the city puts on a huge New Year’s celebration with tons of fireworks.
I think the thing I love most about this city, about Asia in general, is the fact that Buddhism is by far the predominant religion. Because of that, the locals seem more at peace with themselves and their environment. They are happy. Thailand is called: The Land of Smiles. And I’ve found this to be true. It is a place where everyone is accepted, and if people do judge others, they certainly don’t have the poor taste to show it. The feeling seems to be: It’s your karma, so you deal with it.
Anyway, I titled this entry Chiang Mai Blues because we leave in another couple of days. I’m already beginning to miss the place, and we’re talking of coming back next year.
For some great pictures of Chiang Mai, check out my travel blog: http://hermanandalan.blogspot.com/
.
.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
6th Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest - Short in ALL Categories - Extended Until Feb 7th
Passionate Ink's Sixth Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest
EXTENDED to Feb 7th - Short in ALL Categories
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Make the first 35 pages of your novel so compelling that an editor has to have more!
Five Sizzling Finalists in Five Categories:
Contemporary – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a contemporary setting. Includes series and single-title length romances. Can also include elements of romantic suspense/intrigue.
Historical – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a historical setting.
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting in the future, an alternate world/reality, or another planet. Includes elements such as elves/faerie, sword & sorcery, aliens, etc.
Paranormal/Time Travel – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting that includes elements of time travel, angels, vampires, werewolves or other paranormal themes.
Novellas - novellas of 10,000 to 25,000 words with erotic elements that focus on developing romantic relationship in any setting.
**All categories are open to alternative lifestyle entries and any entry that reflects an erotic romance between two or more people, straight, gay, bi, or any romantic combination.**
All entries must be in RTF format.
All entries must be at least 10,000 words in their completed form.
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Judging and Prizes:
First Round: Preliminary-round judging will be completed by three qualified judges – Passionate Ink and other RWA members experienced in critiquing and/or published authors familiar with our genre. All scores will be added and averaged to determine the entrant’s ranking. Every attempt will be made to provide entrants with detailed score sheets and judges’ comments from this preliminary round. Top five entries in each category will move to final round.
Final Round: The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:
Contemporary: Angela James, Carina Press
Historical: Treva Harte, Loose ID
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi: Kelli Collins, Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal/Time Travel: Melissa Jeglinski, The Knight Agency
Novellas: Lindsey Faber, Samhain Publishing
First place winners in each category will receive a free one year membership in Passionate Ink ($25 value), a certificate, and an award graphic for their website. (Writing teams will split the membership.) All other finalists will receive certificates and a finalist graphic for their website. All entries will be returned after finalists are determined and statistical information is complete. Winners will be announced at the Passionate Ink gathering at the Romance Writers’ of America National Conference in New York. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website, in the chapter’s newsletter, as well as have their names published in the Romance Writer’s Report.
The decisions of judges are final.
Rules for Entry
Eligibility:
All contest entrants must be 18 years of age by the contest entry deadline date.
Contest is open to all authors with unpublished, uncontracted full-length erotic romance manuscripts of at least 25,000 words (except novellas which must be at least 10,000) in the category they wish to enter.
Entry Deadline & Submission:
Entry Form and details - http://www.passionateink.org/contests/
All entries must be electronic in RTF format.
All entries and payment must be received completed by MIDNIGHT EST Feb 7, 2011. All materials, including entries and entry fees, must be received by that date.
Submit questions via email to som6@passionateink.org. It is the author’s responsibility to enter the manuscript in the correct category. All clarifications as to category should be made prior to submission.
Entrants may enter as many categories as they wish with DIFFERENT submissions, but cannot enter the same manuscript in two categories. Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee either via a mailed check or online PayPal payment.
There is a minimum requirement of 10 entries per category. If a category does not receive a sufficient number of submissions to make the category viable, the category will be canceled. The entrant will be asked to provide a second choice of categories. If the entrant does not wish to place the entry in another category, the entry and associated fees will be returned.
Entry Form and details - http://www.passionateink.org/contests/
Entry Fees:
Passionate Ink members: $15
Others: $25
Email payments via PayPal to: Treasurer@passionateink.org
or mail payments to:
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Robin L. Rotham
PO Box 2412
Norfold, NE 68701
Make checks payable to: Passionate Ink
Entry fees must be received prior to the entry deadline.
Include your name in the subject line and the titles of your entry(ies) in the comments box, if paying via PayPal. Include the title of your entry in the Memo field if paying via check.
Entry Format:
All entries must be electronic in RTF format. The synopsis and entry must be in the same file.
Send a maximum of the first 35 pages of your manuscript (20 pages for novella entries).
Entries must be in proper manuscript format: One sided, double-spaced with one inch margins all around, size 12 font (like Times New
Roman or Courier) is recommended.
On the first page only, title and category on top left; page number on top right. Subsequent pages should include only title and page number.
Name of author should not appear anywhere on manuscript; the entry will be disqualified if name is on submission.
A synopsis of up to 5 single-spaced pages (which will not be judged) must also be included. No cover page is necessary.
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Email questions to Sharon at som6@passionateink.org
EXTENDED to Feb 7th - Short in ALL Categories
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Make the first 35 pages of your novel so compelling that an editor has to have more!
Five Sizzling Finalists in Five Categories:
Contemporary – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a contemporary setting. Includes series and single-title length romances. Can also include elements of romantic suspense/intrigue.
Historical – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in a historical setting.
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting in the future, an alternate world/reality, or another planet. Includes elements such as elves/faerie, sword & sorcery, aliens, etc.
Paranormal/Time Travel – novels with erotic elements that focus on the developing romantic relationship in any setting that includes elements of time travel, angels, vampires, werewolves or other paranormal themes.
Novellas - novellas of 10,000 to 25,000 words with erotic elements that focus on developing romantic relationship in any setting.
**All categories are open to alternative lifestyle entries and any entry that reflects an erotic romance between two or more people, straight, gay, bi, or any romantic combination.**
All entries must be in RTF format.
All entries must be at least 10,000 words in their completed form.
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Judging and Prizes:
First Round: Preliminary-round judging will be completed by three qualified judges – Passionate Ink and other RWA members experienced in critiquing and/or published authors familiar with our genre. All scores will be added and averaged to determine the entrant’s ranking. Every attempt will be made to provide entrants with detailed score sheets and judges’ comments from this preliminary round. Top five entries in each category will move to final round.
Final Round: The top five finalists in each category will be ranked by the following industry professionals:
Contemporary: Angela James, Carina Press
Historical: Treva Harte, Loose ID
Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi: Kelli Collins, Ellora’s Cave
Paranormal/Time Travel: Melissa Jeglinski, The Knight Agency
Novellas: Lindsey Faber, Samhain Publishing
First place winners in each category will receive a free one year membership in Passionate Ink ($25 value), a certificate, and an award graphic for their website. (Writing teams will split the membership.) All other finalists will receive certificates and a finalist graphic for their website. All entries will be returned after finalists are determined and statistical information is complete. Winners will be announced at the Passionate Ink gathering at the Romance Writers’ of America National Conference in New York. Results will be listed on the Passionate Ink website, in the chapter’s newsletter, as well as have their names published in the Romance Writer’s Report.
The decisions of judges are final.
Rules for Entry
Eligibility:
All contest entrants must be 18 years of age by the contest entry deadline date.
Contest is open to all authors with unpublished, uncontracted full-length erotic romance manuscripts of at least 25,000 words (except novellas which must be at least 10,000) in the category they wish to enter.
Entry Deadline & Submission:
Entry Form and details - http://www.passionateink.org/contests/
All entries must be electronic in RTF format.
All entries and payment must be received completed by MIDNIGHT EST Feb 7, 2011. All materials, including entries and entry fees, must be received by that date.
Submit questions via email to som6@passionateink.org. It is the author’s responsibility to enter the manuscript in the correct category. All clarifications as to category should be made prior to submission.
Entrants may enter as many categories as they wish with DIFFERENT submissions, but cannot enter the same manuscript in two categories. Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee either via a mailed check or online PayPal payment.
There is a minimum requirement of 10 entries per category. If a category does not receive a sufficient number of submissions to make the category viable, the category will be canceled. The entrant will be asked to provide a second choice of categories. If the entrant does not wish to place the entry in another category, the entry and associated fees will be returned.
Entry Form and details - http://www.passionateink.org/contests/
Entry Fees:
Passionate Ink members: $15
Others: $25
Email payments via PayPal to: Treasurer@passionateink.org
or mail payments to:
Stroke of Midnight Contest
c/o Robin L. Rotham
PO Box 2412
Norfold, NE 68701
Make checks payable to: Passionate Ink
Entry fees must be received prior to the entry deadline.
Include your name in the subject line and the titles of your entry(ies) in the comments box, if paying via PayPal. Include the title of your entry in the Memo field if paying via check.
Entry Format:
All entries must be electronic in RTF format. The synopsis and entry must be in the same file.
Send a maximum of the first 35 pages of your manuscript (20 pages for novella entries).
Entries must be in proper manuscript format: One sided, double-spaced with one inch margins all around, size 12 font (like Times New
Roman or Courier) is recommended.
On the first page only, title and category on top left; page number on top right. Subsequent pages should include only title and page number.
Name of author should not appear anywhere on manuscript; the entry will be disqualified if name is on submission.
A synopsis of up to 5 single-spaced pages (which will not be judged) must also be included. No cover page is necessary.
Link to Enter - http://www.passionateink.org/som-registration/
Email questions to Sharon at som6@passionateink.org
Friday, January 21, 2011
Book Review: Tricks by Rick R. Reed
Reviewed by Alan Chin
Published by MLR Press
Pages: 191
Arliss had a lot to be thankful for. He had managed to escape the small, nothing of a town and his abusive parents with no more than the clothes on his back and the price of a bus ticket. Now he paraded his sexy, near-naked, twenty-two-year-old body in front of a packed house at a strip club in Chicago’s infamous Boystown neighborhood. He had money in his pocket and was in high demand, burning the candle at all ends. But as thankful as he felt, he had a dream of moving beyond the groping hands and hungry stares at the strip joint. With his limited education, he felt his big break could only come from the male-porn industry. He wanted desperately to become a porn star.
Sean didn’t know what had prompted him to enter the Tricks strip club that night. He had recently broken off the relationship with his lover, and loneliness had driven him from his apartment. Being an intellectual and old enough to have become sedate, he didn’t approve of such places, but he needed to have people around him, to be part of a crowd. Then a dancer – young, hung, gorgeous, with an innocent smile – made him forget his loneliness, and everything else for that matter. His lust erupted, and his embarrassment forced him to flee the club.
Hours later, sulking near the lake shoreline, Sean looked up to see that same stripper. The boy introduced himself as Arliss. Loneliness had driven them both to the same spot, or was it fate?
This is an opposites attract story, which may sound familiar – at least it did to me. What is not familiar is the way the author draws you into each character, and makes you feel their longings in your gut. Mr. Reed has a keen insight into the loneliness and hopes and insecurities that drive people, and he shows off his talents with this story.
The outward plot is not a complicated one, but the inner journey these characters trudge as they traverse the pitfalls of an older/younger relationship is both complicated and hypnotic. The author not only pulled me into the story, he made me believe I was both characters, needing to abandon the harsh world and merge to become whole again. It was a very emotional journey.
At the beginning of this story, Arliss longs to become a porn star, Sean prays to return to his ex-lover’s arms. Saint Therese once said, “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones,” which is a theme I’ve often used in my own writing. Mr. Reed skillfully demonstrates this premise for an unforgettable plot twist.
I can highly recommend this story. It’s fun, sexy, emotional, and satisfying. Bravo Mr. Reed.
Published by MLR Press
Pages: 191
Arliss had a lot to be thankful for. He had managed to escape the small, nothing of a town and his abusive parents with no more than the clothes on his back and the price of a bus ticket. Now he paraded his sexy, near-naked, twenty-two-year-old body in front of a packed house at a strip club in Chicago’s infamous Boystown neighborhood. He had money in his pocket and was in high demand, burning the candle at all ends. But as thankful as he felt, he had a dream of moving beyond the groping hands and hungry stares at the strip joint. With his limited education, he felt his big break could only come from the male-porn industry. He wanted desperately to become a porn star.
Sean didn’t know what had prompted him to enter the Tricks strip club that night. He had recently broken off the relationship with his lover, and loneliness had driven him from his apartment. Being an intellectual and old enough to have become sedate, he didn’t approve of such places, but he needed to have people around him, to be part of a crowd. Then a dancer – young, hung, gorgeous, with an innocent smile – made him forget his loneliness, and everything else for that matter. His lust erupted, and his embarrassment forced him to flee the club.
Hours later, sulking near the lake shoreline, Sean looked up to see that same stripper. The boy introduced himself as Arliss. Loneliness had driven them both to the same spot, or was it fate?
This is an opposites attract story, which may sound familiar – at least it did to me. What is not familiar is the way the author draws you into each character, and makes you feel their longings in your gut. Mr. Reed has a keen insight into the loneliness and hopes and insecurities that drive people, and he shows off his talents with this story.
The outward plot is not a complicated one, but the inner journey these characters trudge as they traverse the pitfalls of an older/younger relationship is both complicated and hypnotic. The author not only pulled me into the story, he made me believe I was both characters, needing to abandon the harsh world and merge to become whole again. It was a very emotional journey.
At the beginning of this story, Arliss longs to become a porn star, Sean prays to return to his ex-lover’s arms. Saint Therese once said, “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones,” which is a theme I’ve often used in my own writing. Mr. Reed skillfully demonstrates this premise for an unforgettable plot twist.
I can highly recommend this story. It’s fun, sexy, emotional, and satisfying. Bravo Mr. Reed.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Anchored Blog Tour, featuring Rachel Haimowitz
Rachel Haimowitz is featured today to promote the release of her new book Anchored: Belonging Book One. Today, Rachel is fielding questions about her book and her writing.This is only one stop on her whirlwind blog tour that will continue every day until the 23rd. *Today's other stop: http://mariesexton.net/ (Reader Q&A Part II)
*Tomorrow's stops: http://bryltyne.com/blog (book review), and http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/ (classified ads--"slaves for sale!"--from the Anchored world) To view Rachel’s entire tour schedule and her list of exciting prizes to be given out during the tour, go to: http://rachel-haimowitz.blogspot.com/p/blog-tour.html?zx=db8b1b0779d17bb6
Below are questions and answers. Below that is a description of Anchored: Belonging Book One, and an author bio for Rachel. Be sure to leave a comment to enter a raffle. Two winners, randomly drawn from commenters, will win:
1 ebook copy of Counterpoint: Book I of Song of the Fallen OR of Sublime: Collected Shorts (winner's choice).
1 swag pack featuring cover art from Anchored and my other works.
Also, Rachel will be checking in during the day to answer questions and respond to comments. Enjoy.
From Barbara: What draws you to the BDSM genre?
I’m a real-life practitioner, so a lot of what I write in the BDSM genre is an exploration of things I’d like to try, or a sharing of things I have tried, or simply a love song to a practice that brings me so much pleasure.
Also, as a reader, I’ve not found too many BDSM writers who really delve into the psychology of BDSM, whose stories might help a non-practitioner understand why someone might do this, whose stories might help a Dom or sub self-reflect and understand exactly why they do this. Don’t get me wrong—there are some amazing writers out there who delve with talent into all these things, but by and large this is an underserved niche, especially in the M/M space (most BDSM is M/f). So if I want to read it, I often simply have to write it ☺
From Veronica: When you choose a character’s name does the actual meaning hold any weight for you, or is it just an aesthetic preference kind of thing?
Names are hard for me. Often it’s just an aesthetic preference, though names do have music, and certain kinds of music carry certain emotional connotations. For instance, I might give a hard, edgy character a name with a lot of hard consonants, something short and brusque that can be barked or growled out. A softer, more feminine character would probably get a prettier name, something you can savor, that unfolds gently off the tongue. In a few cases, names do have very specific meanings for me, either as an homage to someone for whatever reason, or as a literal translation. In Counterpoint, for instance, most of the character names are literal Norse translations of traits that embodied their owners—a kind of Easter egg for those dead-language-speakers among us ☺
From Barbara: Do you have any favorite authors that inspired your writing?
I used to want to be Kurt Vonnegut when I grew up. Whether or not he’s shaped my writing I’ll leave to others to decide, but I can say with certainty that he shaped my worldview, and certainly one’s worldview infects everything they write. Douglas Adams is another big inspiration for me. My love of snark and clever wordplay began with him and his writing, and I do think that carries over into several of my characters and occasionally into my narrative voice. I’ve also taken inspiration from Stephen King, who is a master character-builder, and in particular a master of exploring the potential darkness of the human soul. I love the way he takes perfectly ordinary people and puts them into these perfectly extraordinary situations, how he bends and sometimes breaks them, how he fixes them in the end.
From Nancy Carbajal: What is it about male relationships that draws you to writing about this subject most?
Many things, some considerably shallower than others ☺ From the psychological aspect, I’m fascinated by the power play between two men, the way a relationship forms when there are no clear roles, expectations, or societal baggage dictating interaction. With a man and a woman, there are thousands of years of (slowly evolving) history that shape everything they do. I mean, I’m as independent and strong as any man, but when I go out on a date, odds are still good the guy will pay (though I’ll probably only let him do that once) because that’s tradition, that’s gender expectation, and as much as we like to think we’ve moved away from that and grown beyond it, in a lot of ways we haven’t. But when you put two men (or two women) together, all those “rules” and expectations and traditions fly right out the window. And that’s a space that fascinates me.
I’m also, for some reason, more likely to sympathize with and connect to male characters than female characters. I have no idea why that is. Maybe I’m curious about the thing I’m not. Or maybe I relate better to males than females in general, as I’ve always been more interested in traditional “boy” activities than “girl” activities, even as a child.
On the shallower side, if one hot guy getting’ it on is sexy, then two hot guys getting’ it on is double sexy!
Book Blub:
Network news anchor Daniel Halstrom is at the top of his field, but being at the bottom of the social ladder—being a slave—makes that hard to enjoy. Especially when NewWorld Media, the company who's owned him since childhood, decides to lease him on evenings and weekends to boost their flagging profits.
Daniel's not stupid; he knows there's only one reason a man would pay so much for what little free time he has, and it's got nothing to do with his knowledge of current events. But he's never been made to serve like that before, and he fears he won't survive the experience with his sanity intact.
He finds himself in the home of Carl Whitman, a talk show host whose words fail him time and again when it comes to ordering Daniel to bed. Daniel knows what Carl wants, but it seems as if Carl isn't willing to take it, and Daniel's not willing to give it freely. His recalcitrance costs him dearly, but with patience and some hard-won understanding, love just might flourish where once there'd been only fear and pain. Can Carl become the anchor in Daniel's turbulent life, or will he end up the weight that sinks his slave for good?
Author Bio:
Rachel is an M/M erotic romance au
thor and a freelance writer and editor. She originally dipped her toes into cable news and book publishing, decided the water was cold and smelled kinda funny, and moved on to help would-be authors polish and publish, write for websites and magazines, and ghostwrite nonfiction.Her first novel, an M/M fantasy erotic romance titled Counterpoint: Book One of Song of the Fallen, released in August 2010 with Guiltless Pleasure Publishing. Her second novel, an M/M alternate-history erotic romance titled Anchored: Belonging Book One, released January 17 with Noble Romance Publishing. Her third, Crescendo: Book II of Song of the Fallen, will release in the fall of 2011. In between, Rachel is writing shorts and novellas, including the M/M BDSM collection Sublime: Collected Shorts, and a not-yet-released cyberpunk novella titled Break and Enter, co-written with Aleksandr Voinov.
You can find Rachel tweeting as RachelHaimowitz, chatting in the Goodreads forums, and blogging at Rachel-Haimowitz.blogspot.com. She loves to hear from folks, so feel free to drop her a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Going Back to Prison
For the past several days, I've been reading a discussion on an online writing/reading group regarding the lack of crossdressers and effeminate protagonists in lgbt literature. I'm not sure if I should thank Victor, Carol, Arlene, Mick and others for this interesting discussion, or damn them all.
I've been toying with the idea of returning to the Changi POW camp in The Lonely War to tell that story from Clifford's -- Andrew's effeminate boyhood crush -- POV. This discussion has convinced me that I must. So I've scheduled the later part of this year to write Clifford's story, and have already sketched out a high-level outline. I've been avoiding this because I didn't want to relive that place again, but I'm afraid there is no avoiding it now -- my imagination is already at full gallop. To add to my desire to write that story, in three weeks time I will fly to Singapore, and will tour the Changi POW camp, or what is left of it. It has been preserved as a war museum.
BTW: Clifford, in real life, was my first boyhood love. We met when we were both fourteen.
I've been toying with the idea of returning to the Changi POW camp in The Lonely War to tell that story from Clifford's -- Andrew's effeminate boyhood crush -- POV. This discussion has convinced me that I must. So I've scheduled the later part of this year to write Clifford's story, and have already sketched out a high-level outline. I've been avoiding this because I didn't want to relive that place again, but I'm afraid there is no avoiding it now -- my imagination is already at full gallop. To add to my desire to write that story, in three weeks time I will fly to Singapore, and will tour the Changi POW camp, or what is left of it. It has been preserved as a war museum.
BTW: Clifford, in real life, was my first boyhood love. We met when we were both fourteen.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Book Rreview: P’tit Cadeau By Anel Viz
Reviewed by Victor J. Banis.
Publishced by Silver Publishing
ISBN 978-1-920468-58-3
Highly recommended
The narrator of the story, Ben, is told before he meets Jean Yves that the boy is a simpleton, unemployed because unemployable. He is pleasantly surprised instead to find the young man is both attractive and likable—but, Ben is sure, straight, and he accordingly resists his growing attraction.
This is a highly readable and intensely romantic novel. Anel Viz penned this before the highly acclaimed Memoirs of Colonel Gérard Vreilhac and, to be honest, it occasionally shows. It is a charming and erotic story, to be sure, and the author writes well, if with just a tad less assurance here than later. And, about that title – the petit cadeau is, literally, the little gift that the French hustler mentions at first meeting, to let you know he expects to be paid.
It is of note that the novel is written from the single narrator’s Point Of View, which can sometimes cause writers problems with developing the other characters in the story, but this is nothing more than lack of craft and can (and must) be overcome. As an example, there could hardly be a more resolutely single POV novel than Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 suspense classic, Rebecca. Every character in the book is completely realized—even the dog has a recognizable personality, and the villainess, Mrs. Danvers, is fully dimensional, yet everything and everyone is seen only through the eyes of the unnamed narrator.
How did Ms. Du Maurier achieve this result? Exactly the same as we do in our lives, which after all we each of us live with our own single POV. People tell the narrator things, either directly, or indirectly, remarks are overheard, gestures noted, facial expressions, even silence. One forms opinions, makes judgments, gets a sense of the people with whom one comes into contact. The narrator is only imitating what happens in real life. From such hints, even the single narrator is able to offer the reader a book filled with living, breathing characters instead of cardboard cutouts.
I don’t want to make overmuch of this, but I stress it because every writer who opts to do a novel with a single narrator POV must face this problem and overcome it, or settle for producing something less than his best.
Nor do I want to suggest that this novel does not work because of this lack. It works quite nicely, in fact, because the author wisely focuses on the three essential characters that he has drawn well, and keeps his story closely tied to them.
The narrator, Ben, is beautifully drawn and, really (and appropriately), this is almost entirely his story. So we watch him encourage an unhappy younger man, struggle with his sexual desire and gradually and against his will, fall in love. It all rings true.
The second “character” is Ben’s art, which is something quite apart from the rest of him, but essential to his nature (and a major element in the story) and this is handled with the skill of a master craftsman. By the time I finished reading the novel, I could almost have sworn that it had been illustrated. You can actually see the sketches, the paintings, the drawings, as Ben produces them. And, they are not something tacked on to “show off,” they are entirely integral to the story.
The third character is Jean Yves, the young man with whom Ben falls in love, and he is somewhat less convincing. When he tells about being abused as a child, for instance, I simply did not believe it. But the character is complex, and develops wonderfully in the course of the story, making up for any lapses, and over the course of the pages we see him grow from a young man (much younger it seems, than his actual age of 22) drifting in an unhappy and idle life to full manhood and a successful career. By the end of the tale, Jean Yves seems the senior of the two lovers.
There are some highly erotic passages, some humor, and a wonderful sense of place—Southern France and various locales in Italy come vividly to life. And, as an aside, the cover is absolutely perfect, a rarity.
Publishced by Silver Publishing
ISBN 978-1-920468-58-3
Highly recommended
The narrator of the story, Ben, is told before he meets Jean Yves that the boy is a simpleton, unemployed because unemployable. He is pleasantly surprised instead to find the young man is both attractive and likable—but, Ben is sure, straight, and he accordingly resists his growing attraction.
This is a highly readable and intensely romantic novel. Anel Viz penned this before the highly acclaimed Memoirs of Colonel Gérard Vreilhac and, to be honest, it occasionally shows. It is a charming and erotic story, to be sure, and the author writes well, if with just a tad less assurance here than later. And, about that title – the petit cadeau is, literally, the little gift that the French hustler mentions at first meeting, to let you know he expects to be paid.
It is of note that the novel is written from the single narrator’s Point Of View, which can sometimes cause writers problems with developing the other characters in the story, but this is nothing more than lack of craft and can (and must) be overcome. As an example, there could hardly be a more resolutely single POV novel than Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 suspense classic, Rebecca. Every character in the book is completely realized—even the dog has a recognizable personality, and the villainess, Mrs. Danvers, is fully dimensional, yet everything and everyone is seen only through the eyes of the unnamed narrator.
How did Ms. Du Maurier achieve this result? Exactly the same as we do in our lives, which after all we each of us live with our own single POV. People tell the narrator things, either directly, or indirectly, remarks are overheard, gestures noted, facial expressions, even silence. One forms opinions, makes judgments, gets a sense of the people with whom one comes into contact. The narrator is only imitating what happens in real life. From such hints, even the single narrator is able to offer the reader a book filled with living, breathing characters instead of cardboard cutouts.
I don’t want to make overmuch of this, but I stress it because every writer who opts to do a novel with a single narrator POV must face this problem and overcome it, or settle for producing something less than his best.
Nor do I want to suggest that this novel does not work because of this lack. It works quite nicely, in fact, because the author wisely focuses on the three essential characters that he has drawn well, and keeps his story closely tied to them.
The narrator, Ben, is beautifully drawn and, really (and appropriately), this is almost entirely his story. So we watch him encourage an unhappy younger man, struggle with his sexual desire and gradually and against his will, fall in love. It all rings true.
The second “character” is Ben’s art, which is something quite apart from the rest of him, but essential to his nature (and a major element in the story) and this is handled with the skill of a master craftsman. By the time I finished reading the novel, I could almost have sworn that it had been illustrated. You can actually see the sketches, the paintings, the drawings, as Ben produces them. And, they are not something tacked on to “show off,” they are entirely integral to the story.
The third character is Jean Yves, the young man with whom Ben falls in love, and he is somewhat less convincing. When he tells about being abused as a child, for instance, I simply did not believe it. But the character is complex, and develops wonderfully in the course of the story, making up for any lapses, and over the course of the pages we see him grow from a young man (much younger it seems, than his actual age of 22) drifting in an unhappy and idle life to full manhood and a successful career. By the end of the tale, Jean Yves seems the senior of the two lovers.
There are some highly erotic passages, some humor, and a wonderful sense of place—Southern France and various locales in Italy come vividly to life. And, as an aside, the cover is absolutely perfect, a rarity.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Coming Soon: The Anchored Blog Tour, featuring Rachel Haimowitz
Rachel Haimowitz will be featured on this blog on January 18, to promote the release of her new book Anchored: Belonging Book One. This will be only one stop on her whirlwind blog tour that starts on Jan. 14th and continues every day until the 23rd. To view Rachel’s entire tour schedule and her list of exciting prizes to be given out during the tour, go to:
Please read the blurb about Rachel’s new novel and also information about the author below, and be sure to mark your calendars and be back here on the 18th.
Book Blub:
Network news anchor Daniel Halstrom is at the top of his field, but being at the bottom of the social ladder—being a slave—makes that hard to enjoy. Especially when NewWorld Media, the company who's owned him since childhood, decides to lease him on evenings and weekends to boost their flagging profits.
Daniel's not stupid; he knows there's only one reason a man would pay so much for what little free time he has, and it's got nothing to do with his knowledge of current events. But he's never been made to serve like that before, and he fears he won't survive the experience with his sanity intact.
He finds himself in the home of Carl Whitman, a talk show host whose words fail him time andagain when it comes to ordering Daniel to bed. Daniel knows what Carl wants, but it seems as if Carl isn't willing to take it, and Daniel's not willing to give it freely. His recalcitrance costs him dearly, but with patience and some hard-won understanding, love just might flourish where once there'd been only fear and pain. Can Carl become the anchor in Daniel's turbulent life, or will he end up the weight that sinks his slave for good?
Author Bio:
Rachel is an M/M erotic romance a
uthor and a freelance writer and editor. She originally dipped her toes into cable news and book publishing, decided the water was cold and smelled kinda funny, and moved on to help would-be authors polish and publish, write for websites and magazines, and ghostwrite nonfiction.
Her first novel, an M/M fantasy erotic romance titled Counterpoint: Book One of Song of the Fallen, released in August 2010 with Guiltless Pleasure Publishing. Her second novel, an M/M alternate-history erotic romance titled Anchored: Belonging Book One, released January 17 with Noble Romance Publishing. Her third, Crescendo: Book II of Song of the Fallen, will release in the fall of 2011. In between, Rachel is writing shorts and novellas, including the M/M BDSM collection Sublime: Collected Shorts, and a not-yet-released cyberpunk novella titled Break and Enter, co-written with Aleksandr Voinov.
You can find Rachel tweeting as RachelHaimowitz, chatting in the Goodreads forums, and blogging at Rachel-Haimowitz.blogspot.com. She loves to hear from folks, so feel free to drop her a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
Daniel's not stupid; he knows there's only one reason a man would pay so much for what little free time he has, and it's got nothing to do with his knowledge of current events. But he's never been made to serve like that before, and he fears he won't survive the experience with his sanity intact.
He finds himself in the home of Carl Whitman, a talk show host whose words fail him time andagain when it comes to ordering Daniel to bed. Daniel knows what Carl wants, but it seems as if Carl isn't willing to take it, and Daniel's not willing to give it freely. His recalcitrance costs him dearly, but with patience and some hard-won understanding, love just might flourish where once there'd been only fear and pain. Can Carl become the anchor in Daniel's turbulent life, or will he end up the weight that sinks his slave for good?
Author Bio:
Rachel is an M/M erotic romance a
uthor and a freelance writer and editor. She originally dipped her toes into cable news and book publishing, decided the water was cold and smelled kinda funny, and moved on to help would-be authors polish and publish, write for websites and magazines, and ghostwrite nonfiction.Her first novel, an M/M fantasy erotic romance titled Counterpoint: Book One of Song of the Fallen, released in August 2010 with Guiltless Pleasure Publishing. Her second novel, an M/M alternate-history erotic romance titled Anchored: Belonging Book One, released January 17 with Noble Romance Publishing. Her third, Crescendo: Book II of Song of the Fallen, will release in the fall of 2011. In between, Rachel is writing shorts and novellas, including the M/M BDSM collection Sublime: Collected Shorts, and a not-yet-released cyberpunk novella titled Break and Enter, co-written with Aleksandr Voinov.
You can find Rachel tweeting as RachelHaimowitz, chatting in the Goodreads forums, and blogging at Rachel-Haimowitz.blogspot.com. She loves to hear from folks, so feel free to drop her a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Rainbow Romance Writers needs original quotes
Rainbow Romance Writers (RRW), a chapter of Romance Writers of
America, is looking for volunteers to submit brief quotes about
writing to be featured in our newsletter, the Pot of Gold.
The newsletter is published quarterly for members of RRW, writers
of LGBT romances at various stages of their writing careers (new
writers working on their first story to multi-published authors,
as well as a few publishers and editors).
If anyone is interested in submitting an original quote, we'd
love for you to share your wisdom, experience, inspiration,
humor, etc. about writing. Quotes will be selected based on their
relevance to the current newsletter's theme (New Year/New
Beginnings). Topics could include motivation, setting goals,
starting a new project, trying something new, or others. General
quotes about writing and why you write are also welcome. Quotes
submitted before January 17, 2011 will be considered for the
upcoming edition and some may be saved for future editions.
Please use this form to submit a quote: http://bit.ly/gzZOFE
Thank you,
Sloan Parker
RRW Newsletter Editor
America, is looking for volunteers to submit brief quotes about
writing to be featured in our newsletter, the Pot of Gold.
The newsletter is published quarterly for members of RRW, writers
of LGBT romances at various stages of their writing careers (new
writers working on their first story to multi-published authors,
as well as a few publishers and editors).
If anyone is interested in submitting an original quote, we'd
love for you to share your wisdom, experience, inspiration,
humor, etc. about writing. Quotes will be selected based on their
relevance to the current newsletter's theme (New Year/New
Beginnings). Topics could include motivation, setting goals,
starting a new project, trying something new, or others. General
quotes about writing and why you write are also welcome. Quotes
submitted before January 17, 2011 will be considered for the
upcoming edition and some may be saved for future editions.
Please use this form to submit a quote: http://bit.ly/gzZOFE
Thank you,
Sloan Parker
RRW Newsletter Editor
Friday, January 7, 2011
Book Review: Murder On Camac by Joseph R.G. DeMarco
Reviewed by Alan Chin
Published by Lethe Press
Pages: 393
Christian historian and author Helmut Brandt uncovers shocking evidence he believes proves that the decades-old death of Pope John Paul the First was not due to natural causes, but rather, the result of a murder plot that links several high-ranking members of the Church. In this day and age, wielding such damning accusations like that could get a fellow dead, and of course, it does just that. Brandt is gunned down in a gay neighborhood of Philadelphia. When the police choose to push the case to a back burner, calling it a typical mugging gone bad, Brandt’s lover, Timothy Hollister, calls Marco Fontana onto the case.
Marco has his hands full managing a bevy of male strippers called Strip-Guyz, who perform at the local gay watering hole. He doesn’t have time for the case, but a suspicious chain of events pulls Marco into combing through the local Catholic hierarchy as well as crawling through the seedy gay hangouts in the sleazy parts of Philly. Marco brings in a colorful cast of characters to help with his investigation, and goes up against an even more imaginative lineup of suspects. Things seem to be going nowhere until Marco’s life is threatened. Dangerous people and powerful forces are intent on stopping Marco’s investigation. Slowly, clue by clue, Marco uncovers a fascinating knot of intrigue, deceit and murder.
In many ways this is a typical murder mystery. It starts with a murder, and evolves to the point where there is perplexing evidence and suspects lurking in every direction you look. Then the list is narrowed until you think you know who and why, but of course, you don’t.
There are, however, a number of elements that make this story stand well above the typical. The foremost is the entire cast of unusual characters. These people are interesting and fun, with characteristics that challenge the reader. Marco in particular is well drawn and as believable as any protagonist you’ll come across. One of the more interesting things about Marco was revealed by the nature of the case; he was forced to examine his own Catholic upbringing and his feelings about the Church. The author uses this to bring added depth to the character in an interesting and intelligent approach.
Another shining element is the dizzying number of subplots that are constantly evolving throughout the story, most notably, the entire managing-the-strippers subplot. It skillfully adds a playful sexiness to an otherwise dark storyline. Normally when I read a story with this many subplots, it becomes confusing and things tend to drop through the cracks, but not here. The author skillfully develops each subplot and then ties them together for a satisfying ending.
I did note two minor issues with this read. The first, I ran across multiple situations that were a roll-my-eyes coincidence that couldn’t have really happened, but was needed to make the plot work. I normally ignore one or two of these in a story, but it makes an impression after three or four.
My second issue was a bit more serious. Through much of the story, Marco interviewed one character, after another, after another. Many of the clues were revealed through long sessions of dialog, which is not necessarily bad, unless it is over done. I felt the author could have introduced more action scenes to break up the dialog and reduce the monotony of all these long interviews.
These two issues, I assure you, are minor. I feel this is a well-written, interesting, fun story that kept me guessing until the last ten pages. I can highly recommend Murder on Camac to all lovers of the mystery genre.
Published by Lethe Press
Pages: 393
Christian historian and author Helmut Brandt uncovers shocking evidence he believes proves that the decades-old death of Pope John Paul the First was not due to natural causes, but rather, the result of a murder plot that links several high-ranking members of the Church. In this day and age, wielding such damning accusations like that could get a fellow dead, and of course, it does just that. Brandt is gunned down in a gay neighborhood of Philadelphia. When the police choose to push the case to a back burner, calling it a typical mugging gone bad, Brandt’s lover, Timothy Hollister, calls Marco Fontana onto the case.
Marco has his hands full managing a bevy of male strippers called Strip-Guyz, who perform at the local gay watering hole. He doesn’t have time for the case, but a suspicious chain of events pulls Marco into combing through the local Catholic hierarchy as well as crawling through the seedy gay hangouts in the sleazy parts of Philly. Marco brings in a colorful cast of characters to help with his investigation, and goes up against an even more imaginative lineup of suspects. Things seem to be going nowhere until Marco’s life is threatened. Dangerous people and powerful forces are intent on stopping Marco’s investigation. Slowly, clue by clue, Marco uncovers a fascinating knot of intrigue, deceit and murder.
In many ways this is a typical murder mystery. It starts with a murder, and evolves to the point where there is perplexing evidence and suspects lurking in every direction you look. Then the list is narrowed until you think you know who and why, but of course, you don’t.
There are, however, a number of elements that make this story stand well above the typical. The foremost is the entire cast of unusual characters. These people are interesting and fun, with characteristics that challenge the reader. Marco in particular is well drawn and as believable as any protagonist you’ll come across. One of the more interesting things about Marco was revealed by the nature of the case; he was forced to examine his own Catholic upbringing and his feelings about the Church. The author uses this to bring added depth to the character in an interesting and intelligent approach.
Another shining element is the dizzying number of subplots that are constantly evolving throughout the story, most notably, the entire managing-the-strippers subplot. It skillfully adds a playful sexiness to an otherwise dark storyline. Normally when I read a story with this many subplots, it becomes confusing and things tend to drop through the cracks, but not here. The author skillfully develops each subplot and then ties them together for a satisfying ending.
I did note two minor issues with this read. The first, I ran across multiple situations that were a roll-my-eyes coincidence that couldn’t have really happened, but was needed to make the plot work. I normally ignore one or two of these in a story, but it makes an impression after three or four.
My second issue was a bit more serious. Through much of the story, Marco interviewed one character, after another, after another. Many of the clues were revealed through long sessions of dialog, which is not necessarily bad, unless it is over done. I felt the author could have introduced more action scenes to break up the dialog and reduce the monotony of all these long interviews.
These two issues, I assure you, are minor. I feel this is a well-written, interesting, fun story that kept me guessing until the last ten pages. I can highly recommend Murder on Camac to all lovers of the mystery genre.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Up to My Neck in It Now
I had an interesting experience last week that has landed me, I fear, in to a lot of work. I’m looking forward to it, however. You see, it’s payback time, and I have plenty to pay back.
I had read 80 pages of a book that I intended to review. I could tell early on that this story had first been written as a screenplay, and then adapted to a novel format. It reads exactly like a screenplay, not that there is anything wrong with that. The problem was that, no matter how talented a screenwriter this author is, he (I won’t mention names) is a rank amateur when it comes to writing prose. I’ve never seen a book in print that could compare, and a single Google search reassured me that the book had been self-published, and had never seen a competent editor.
Although I had enjoyed the story to that point, I felt that the writing was so bad there was simply no way I could give this book more than a two, or three at best, star review. I sent an email to the author telling him just that, and asking if he wanted me to continue, based on the knowledge that I would rate the review pretty low.
The author responded to say that I should not review it, and asked for suggestions on what to do about the prose. I sent him the name of a book on writing that had help me early on, and recommended that he learn his craft better, and rewrite the book.
Well it seems he is taking my advice. And when I offered to proofread the new chapters and make suggestions, he jumped at it. So it seems I will be helping a fellow writer edit his novel. Not sure how long this will take, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve been help in the past by a few colleagues, most notably Victor J. Banis, who volunteered weeks of his time to help me edit Match Maker. And Sally Miller is currently helping me edit another WIP.
Yes, I have a lot to pay back, and I’m very grateful to be able to help a fellow writer along the path.
.
I had read 80 pages of a book that I intended to review. I could tell early on that this story had first been written as a screenplay, and then adapted to a novel format. It reads exactly like a screenplay, not that there is anything wrong with that. The problem was that, no matter how talented a screenwriter this author is, he (I won’t mention names) is a rank amateur when it comes to writing prose. I’ve never seen a book in print that could compare, and a single Google search reassured me that the book had been self-published, and had never seen a competent editor.
Although I had enjoyed the story to that point, I felt that the writing was so bad there was simply no way I could give this book more than a two, or three at best, star review. I sent an email to the author telling him just that, and asking if he wanted me to continue, based on the knowledge that I would rate the review pretty low.
The author responded to say that I should not review it, and asked for suggestions on what to do about the prose. I sent him the name of a book on writing that had help me early on, and recommended that he learn his craft better, and rewrite the book.
Well it seems he is taking my advice. And when I offered to proofread the new chapters and make suggestions, he jumped at it. So it seems I will be helping a fellow writer edit his novel. Not sure how long this will take, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve been help in the past by a few colleagues, most notably Victor J. Banis, who volunteered weeks of his time to help me edit Match Maker. And Sally Miller is currently helping me edit another WIP.
Yes, I have a lot to pay back, and I’m very grateful to be able to help a fellow writer along the path.
.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Still a 75% Man
I recently reviewed an edited version of my first novel, Island Song, which is being republished by Dreamspinner Press next month. The process is that they highlight all my mistakes, and I step through the pages approving or disapproving each change. This exercise is always a humbling experience for me. It points out quite clearly how lazy I am with punctuation and spelling rules. It’s not that I don’t know the rules. I get so drawn into the story and the characters that I pay little or no attention to the details of where to place the commas and dashes.
This editing process reminds of the time I worked as a software engineer for Charles Schwab & Co., a brokerage firm in San Francisco. During the last half-dozen years before my retirement, I was the highest paid non-officer in the company. The reason? I was, what my boss once referred to as, a 75% man.
My VP explained, they had literally hundreds of engineers and managers who could take an existing set of programs and make them better. That is, they could start with a system that was running, a 1.0 release if you will, and make it tap dance. They excelled in modifying a 75% system to make it a 100% system.
But the company had relatively few – less than five – engineers who could start with a blank page, and design, budget, interface, and build that 1.0 version. I was one of those five who could go from 0% to 75%.
Of course, I was lousy at polishing an existing system, that task so many others reveled in, simply because the details bored me. I was especially bored with all the red tape it took to modify a system that was already in production and that users counted on. No, I was a cowboy, and cowboy’s don’t want to be pinned down by fences like rules and red tape.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying one is better than the other. They each require a different skillset, one as important as the other.
This editing process reminds me once again that as hard as I try to learn and apply the details – to create a 100% product – that I’m still a 75% guy, trying to push it to 80%.
One step at a time, baby, one step at a time.
This editing process reminds of the time I worked as a software engineer for Charles Schwab & Co., a brokerage firm in San Francisco. During the last half-dozen years before my retirement, I was the highest paid non-officer in the company. The reason? I was, what my boss once referred to as, a 75% man.
My VP explained, they had literally hundreds of engineers and managers who could take an existing set of programs and make them better. That is, they could start with a system that was running, a 1.0 release if you will, and make it tap dance. They excelled in modifying a 75% system to make it a 100% system.
But the company had relatively few – less than five – engineers who could start with a blank page, and design, budget, interface, and build that 1.0 version. I was one of those five who could go from 0% to 75%.
Of course, I was lousy at polishing an existing system, that task so many others reveled in, simply because the details bored me. I was especially bored with all the red tape it took to modify a system that was already in production and that users counted on. No, I was a cowboy, and cowboy’s don’t want to be pinned down by fences like rules and red tape.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying one is better than the other. They each require a different skillset, one as important as the other.
This editing process reminds me once again that as hard as I try to learn and apply the details – to create a 100% product – that I’m still a 75% guy, trying to push it to 80%.
One step at a time, baby, one step at a time.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Alan Chin’s Top Ten Review Picks for the 2010
Selecting only ten books from the ones I reviewed this year is extremely difficult, because if I reviewed a book, that means I enjoyed it, even if I had minor issues with it. In addition to the forty-three books that I did review this year, there were another twenty that I did not finish or review for one reason or another.
And let me state that this list is not to say that any of the books on my list are necessarily "better" than the others I’ve reviewed over the year. Not all books resonate with everyone the same way. It's simply a judgment call. These are books that resonated with me, both during and after the reading.
I’ve listed my top ten picks below, in no particular order. I’ve also added an addition five books that I thought were in some way special and deserved an honorable mention.
My Top Ten Reads:
A Man of Principle by Victor J. Banis
After a night at the opera, an elderly man decides to have a nightcap at a favorite watering hole to prolong the inevitable of going home to an empty apartment. But while enjoying the comforts of a twelve-year-old, single-malt scotch, he meets Neal MacIntyre, and they form a fragile bond.
Neal is nursing his well scotch, trying to make it last until closing time. He doesn’t have the money for another drink and he has no place to spend the night. Out of pure kindness and a desire for conversation, the elderly man offers him both – first a drink, then a couch to sleep on for the night. Neal happily accepts. But once the two are at the man’s apartment, Neal begins to tell what events brought him to that apartment. He tells a gripping tale of love and friendship, gain and loss, treachery and murder.
West With the Night by Beryl Markham
West with the Night by Beryl Markham is the autobiographical account of Beryl Markham, the first woman (lesbian) commercial pilot in Africa, back in the 1930s and ‘40s. She describes her childhood growing up on a farm in Africa, and also about learning to fly and becoming a successful commercial aviator. Towards the end of the book, she describes her history-making flight over the Atlantic, flying from Ireland to Canada.
The Secret Historian by Justin Spring
Drawn from the diaries, journals, letters and sexual records of the novelist, poet, and university professor Samuel M. Steward, this biography is a reconstruction of one of the most bizarre lives in modern gay culture.
An introvert English professor by day, sexual renegade by night, Steward was an intimate friend of Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and Thornton Wilder. He also claims to have had sexual relations with a number of famous, or soon-to-be-famous, men, including Rudolph Valentino and Rock Hudson.
Counterpoint, Dylan’s Story by Ruth Sims
Near the end of the Nineteenth Century, Dylan Rutledge has two obsessions: composing music and Laurence Northcliff, his history master at the Bede School for Young Gentlemen. When all others turn against Dylan for the wild and unorthodox music he composes, Northcliff is the only one who encourages his dream. The two fall deeply in love, but it is a forbidden love in England, punishable by long prison terms at hard labor.
But Dylan’s passion will not be put down. He alienates himself from family, friends, and country when he moves to Paris to study music and live openly as Northcliff’s lover. Although he finds happiness in the arms of Northcliff, he pays a heavy price being out, even in Paris. At every turn, his career is fraught with disappointment, rejection, and eventually a devastating loss that shreds his soul. Can his music bring him back from the brink? Can the love of a man be the strength he needs to survive?
A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
A Single Man is a day in the life of George, a man who recently lost his male lover in an auto accident. From waking up, to having breakfast, to driving to work where he fantasizes and converses with co-workers and students as he goes through his day as an English professor at a state college in Los Angeles. While George steps through his routine, the ghost of his dead lover, Jim, flits in and out, a constant reminder that no matter how many people George surrounds himself with, he is still alone. George is an outsider. He is British living in L.A., gay living in a heterosexual world, brilliant among dull students and colleagues.
George’s day is simple and routine; however, the author creates a rich and complex text where the reader is able to become the protagonist. The reader experiences George’s debilitating loneliness, his anger and resentment with society, and the walls he keeps between he and his “friends.”
Normal Miguel by Erik Orrantia
Miguel Hernández leaves Mexico City to complete a one-year teaching internship in the rural hills of Puebla. He is a serious teacher, who traveled away from home and family for the first time. But before he can begin teaching classes, he has a sexual encounter with the local baker, and later meets Ruben, the gay owner of the local candy store. These meetings lead him down a path where it is impossible to keep his private and professional life separate, or even secret.
This is story of Miguel’s self-discovery, which is aided by his students, the director of the school, the baker, but mostly by Ruben, who becomes both friend and lover. But of course, Miguel’s journey becomes rather stormy when people of his small rural landscape begin to notice the bond he and Ruben develop. Homophobia rears its ugly head. Can the lover’s survive the threat of small-town bigotry and the influence of family?
Native by William Haywood Henderson
Blue Parker, the twenty-three-year-old foreman of a Wyoming ranch, has a secret crush on his ranch hand, Sam. The two cowboys are drawn to each other, and Blue makes plans to place Sam in a high-mountain cow-camp for the summer (ala Brokeback Mountain), thinking he will have Sam to himself in this idyllic getaway setting. But before he can act on his plan, Gilbert, a Native American who fancies himself a Two-Spirits (gay), draws a drunk Sam into a lewd dance at the local honky-tonk. The other cowboys begin to suspect Sam could be queer. The result is that Sam is later beaten to within an inch of his life in the alley behind the bar. Once Sam is released from the hospital, Blue moves Sam into his own cabin to care for the younger cowpoke. This move casts suspicion on Blue as well.
The events that unfold in that drunken night on the dance floor will drive Gilbert across the western states looking for his place in society, while Blue must choose between the home he loves and the man he loves, all the while the three men are bound on a second collision course.
Deep Water, A Sailor’s Passage by E. M. Kahn
Gene lives and works in Manhattan, but he spends much of his free time sailing the waterways in and around that metropolis, from New York harbor, to Long Island Sound, to Martha’s Vineyard. He hires a woodworker, Kevin, to work in his shop, and the two soon become lovers. Kevin is a decade younger, a handsome blond, and emotionally needy. Gene considers himself lucky, and commits to this relationship wholeheartedly, even though Kevin likes to sleep around. They manage a fragile relationship.
Although Kevin does not share Gene’s love of sailing, he acquires a small skiff and learns the sport. As their relationship deepens, so does their love for the sea, and for adventure. Gene trades his nineteen-foot daysailer in on a twenty-two-foot boat so that they can take overnight trips. As the years roll by the boats get more seaworthy and the trips longer. Sailing solidifies their relationship. Their love for each other seems bound to their, now mutual, love of adventure on the water.
The Moonlit Earth by Christopher Rice
At thirty years old, Megan Reynolds is an outsider in her affluent hometown of Cathedral Beach, California. She has recently come home with her tail between her legs after losing an altruistic job and her free-thinking boyfriend in San Francisco. Living with her mother, with financial help from her cousin, she finally lands a dream job that will allow her to start over.
Half a world away an explosion rips apart a Hong Kong hotel, killing 60 people. Security cameras partially record this apparent act of terrorism, showing a Middle Eastern man leading an American away from the building only moments before the deadly blast. Watching the media broadcasts, Megan recognizes the American as her beloved gay brother, Cameron.
As the media and the FBI line up to embroil her brother in a terror campaign, Megan is the only one who seems to know he didn’t’, couldn’t, do such a thing. But no one can find Cameron. He has gone underground. Playing the role of White Knight, Megan flies to Asia to find her brother and prove his innocence. Her journey pits her against her mother, her estranged father, a wealthy tycoon, a royal family, and the FBI.
With the clock ticking and bullets flying, Megan uncovers the last thing in the world she was looking for, family secrets so shocking that it will rock her entire universe.
Impossible Princess by Kevin Killian
Impossible Princess is an anthology of finely crafted, edgy short stories that walk on the razor’s edge between camp and noir, exploring both the humors and bizarre sides of desire. There are ten stories, some written solely by Killian and some written by Killian with collaboration from others. The collection has five stories that didn’t appeal to me and five stories I found captivating, sexy, brilliant and a fun edgy ride.
Five Honorable Mentions:
Gaylias: Operation Thunderspell by Kage Alan
The Zagzagel Diaries – Denial by Bryl R. Tyne
Boy Behind the Gate by Larry Jacobson
L.A. Boneyard by P.A. Brown
The 38 Million Dollar Smile, a Donald Strachey Mystery by Richard Stevenson
And let me state that this list is not to say that any of the books on my list are necessarily "better" than the others I’ve reviewed over the year. Not all books resonate with everyone the same way. It's simply a judgment call. These are books that resonated with me, both during and after the reading.
I’ve listed my top ten picks below, in no particular order. I’ve also added an addition five books that I thought were in some way special and deserved an honorable mention.
My Top Ten Reads:
A Man of Principle by Victor J. Banis
After a night at the opera, an elderly man decides to have a nightcap at a favorite watering hole to prolong the inevitable of going home to an empty apartment. But while enjoying the comforts of a twelve-year-old, single-malt scotch, he meets Neal MacIntyre, and they form a fragile bond.
Neal is nursing his well scotch, trying to make it last until closing time. He doesn’t have the money for another drink and he has no place to spend the night. Out of pure kindness and a desire for conversation, the elderly man offers him both – first a drink, then a couch to sleep on for the night. Neal happily accepts. But once the two are at the man’s apartment, Neal begins to tell what events brought him to that apartment. He tells a gripping tale of love and friendship, gain and loss, treachery and murder.
West With the Night by Beryl Markham
West with the Night by Beryl Markham is the autobiographical account of Beryl Markham, the first woman (lesbian) commercial pilot in Africa, back in the 1930s and ‘40s. She describes her childhood growing up on a farm in Africa, and also about learning to fly and becoming a successful commercial aviator. Towards the end of the book, she describes her history-making flight over the Atlantic, flying from Ireland to Canada.
The Secret Historian by Justin Spring
Drawn from the diaries, journals, letters and sexual records of the novelist, poet, and university professor Samuel M. Steward, this biography is a reconstruction of one of the most bizarre lives in modern gay culture.
An introvert English professor by day, sexual renegade by night, Steward was an intimate friend of Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and Thornton Wilder. He also claims to have had sexual relations with a number of famous, or soon-to-be-famous, men, including Rudolph Valentino and Rock Hudson.
Counterpoint, Dylan’s Story by Ruth Sims
Near the end of the Nineteenth Century, Dylan Rutledge has two obsessions: composing music and Laurence Northcliff, his history master at the Bede School for Young Gentlemen. When all others turn against Dylan for the wild and unorthodox music he composes, Northcliff is the only one who encourages his dream. The two fall deeply in love, but it is a forbidden love in England, punishable by long prison terms at hard labor.
But Dylan’s passion will not be put down. He alienates himself from family, friends, and country when he moves to Paris to study music and live openly as Northcliff’s lover. Although he finds happiness in the arms of Northcliff, he pays a heavy price being out, even in Paris. At every turn, his career is fraught with disappointment, rejection, and eventually a devastating loss that shreds his soul. Can his music bring him back from the brink? Can the love of a man be the strength he needs to survive?
A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
A Single Man is a day in the life of George, a man who recently lost his male lover in an auto accident. From waking up, to having breakfast, to driving to work where he fantasizes and converses with co-workers and students as he goes through his day as an English professor at a state college in Los Angeles. While George steps through his routine, the ghost of his dead lover, Jim, flits in and out, a constant reminder that no matter how many people George surrounds himself with, he is still alone. George is an outsider. He is British living in L.A., gay living in a heterosexual world, brilliant among dull students and colleagues.
George’s day is simple and routine; however, the author creates a rich and complex text where the reader is able to become the protagonist. The reader experiences George’s debilitating loneliness, his anger and resentment with society, and the walls he keeps between he and his “friends.”
Normal Miguel by Erik Orrantia
Miguel Hernández leaves Mexico City to complete a one-year teaching internship in the rural hills of Puebla. He is a serious teacher, who traveled away from home and family for the first time. But before he can begin teaching classes, he has a sexual encounter with the local baker, and later meets Ruben, the gay owner of the local candy store. These meetings lead him down a path where it is impossible to keep his private and professional life separate, or even secret.
This is story of Miguel’s self-discovery, which is aided by his students, the director of the school, the baker, but mostly by Ruben, who becomes both friend and lover. But of course, Miguel’s journey becomes rather stormy when people of his small rural landscape begin to notice the bond he and Ruben develop. Homophobia rears its ugly head. Can the lover’s survive the threat of small-town bigotry and the influence of family?
Native by William Haywood Henderson
Blue Parker, the twenty-three-year-old foreman of a Wyoming ranch, has a secret crush on his ranch hand, Sam. The two cowboys are drawn to each other, and Blue makes plans to place Sam in a high-mountain cow-camp for the summer (ala Brokeback Mountain), thinking he will have Sam to himself in this idyllic getaway setting. But before he can act on his plan, Gilbert, a Native American who fancies himself a Two-Spirits (gay), draws a drunk Sam into a lewd dance at the local honky-tonk. The other cowboys begin to suspect Sam could be queer. The result is that Sam is later beaten to within an inch of his life in the alley behind the bar. Once Sam is released from the hospital, Blue moves Sam into his own cabin to care for the younger cowpoke. This move casts suspicion on Blue as well.
The events that unfold in that drunken night on the dance floor will drive Gilbert across the western states looking for his place in society, while Blue must choose between the home he loves and the man he loves, all the while the three men are bound on a second collision course.
Deep Water, A Sailor’s Passage by E. M. Kahn
Gene lives and works in Manhattan, but he spends much of his free time sailing the waterways in and around that metropolis, from New York harbor, to Long Island Sound, to Martha’s Vineyard. He hires a woodworker, Kevin, to work in his shop, and the two soon become lovers. Kevin is a decade younger, a handsome blond, and emotionally needy. Gene considers himself lucky, and commits to this relationship wholeheartedly, even though Kevin likes to sleep around. They manage a fragile relationship.
Although Kevin does not share Gene’s love of sailing, he acquires a small skiff and learns the sport. As their relationship deepens, so does their love for the sea, and for adventure. Gene trades his nineteen-foot daysailer in on a twenty-two-foot boat so that they can take overnight trips. As the years roll by the boats get more seaworthy and the trips longer. Sailing solidifies their relationship. Their love for each other seems bound to their, now mutual, love of adventure on the water.
The Moonlit Earth by Christopher Rice
At thirty years old, Megan Reynolds is an outsider in her affluent hometown of Cathedral Beach, California. She has recently come home with her tail between her legs after losing an altruistic job and her free-thinking boyfriend in San Francisco. Living with her mother, with financial help from her cousin, she finally lands a dream job that will allow her to start over.
Half a world away an explosion rips apart a Hong Kong hotel, killing 60 people. Security cameras partially record this apparent act of terrorism, showing a Middle Eastern man leading an American away from the building only moments before the deadly blast. Watching the media broadcasts, Megan recognizes the American as her beloved gay brother, Cameron.
As the media and the FBI line up to embroil her brother in a terror campaign, Megan is the only one who seems to know he didn’t’, couldn’t, do such a thing. But no one can find Cameron. He has gone underground. Playing the role of White Knight, Megan flies to Asia to find her brother and prove his innocence. Her journey pits her against her mother, her estranged father, a wealthy tycoon, a royal family, and the FBI.
With the clock ticking and bullets flying, Megan uncovers the last thing in the world she was looking for, family secrets so shocking that it will rock her entire universe.
Impossible Princess by Kevin Killian
Impossible Princess is an anthology of finely crafted, edgy short stories that walk on the razor’s edge between camp and noir, exploring both the humors and bizarre sides of desire. There are ten stories, some written solely by Killian and some written by Killian with collaboration from others. The collection has five stories that didn’t appeal to me and five stories I found captivating, sexy, brilliant and a fun edgy ride.
Five Honorable Mentions:
Gaylias: Operation Thunderspell by Kage Alan
The Zagzagel Diaries – Denial by Bryl R. Tyne
Boy Behind the Gate by Larry Jacobson
L.A. Boneyard by P.A. Brown
The 38 Million Dollar Smile, a Donald Strachey Mystery by Richard Stevenson
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