Goals for 2013

Posted on January 9, 2013 | Comments Off on Goals for 2013

I’m terrible at resolutions or goals on anything. I get sidetracked, distracted, derailed, and anything else you can imagine. So my goals for the year are nebulous, at best. I’ve done the best I can to nail down somewhere to start from, though. I have five writing goals and one professional goal.

1. Finish my second novel
I have a revise-and-resubmit request deep into revisions. I’d like to have the revisions finished and off to beta by the end of January, with a target (re-)submission date of March. Current progress: chapter 4 of 14.

2. Finish two more novels
I have a number of projects in various stages of completion, but there are two in particular I’d like to focus on. One is a standalone; the other one that could lead into a series (related stories, not sequels). The tone and setting for these stories are very different (though both are contemporary), and I prefer to work on more than one project at a time, so I would probably alternate between the two. (If one of these projects crashes and burns—or if I manage to finish both!—I have a third slotted for backup.)

3. Finish a novella
This is a relatively new idea that came out pretty well developed. I’ll alternate it with the above projects. I like having something shorter going on among the longer stories, simply because they’re finished sooner, and I like the sense of accomplishment of finishing a story. 😉

4. Write complete story summaries/outlines for a trilogy
I don’t know yet if this will be a trilogy of novels or novellas, but either way, I need to have all three of them written before I submit the first, so I need to get them solidly planned out. The stories would be too entwined to allow for much break between publication dates, and I don’t yet trust myself to write anything longer than a short story on a tight deadline. If I get any of the stories written, bonus!

5. Finish edits on short story for anthology
This story is written, submitted, and due for publication in April, which means I’ll have publisher edits to process. At least I have one publication already set for 2013!

6. Attend Outlantacon, Romance Writers of America, and GayRomLit conventions
All three of these conventions are in Atlanta this year. I’ve attended Outlantacon and GRL the past two years, but this will be my first RWA. That also means I’ll be joining RWA too, which I probably should have done already, and naturally I’ll be joining the Rainbow Romance Writers chapter!

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My Favorites of 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 | Comments Off on My Favorites of 2012

I was going to get all fancy with this and give reviews and kudos and all that, but things kind of came to a head all at once the past couple of weeks, so I’m keeping it simple. Here’s a list of the favorite things I read and the best book covers I saw in 2012 (all books published this year). I’ve included a link for each author and/or book,  so you can find any you might have missed.

(Do keep in mind that I have yet to read several well-regarded books, mainly some I have in paperback. I’ve been having problems with my wrists that make it painful to hold a hard-copy book for any length of time, so those are taking me some time to work through!)

M/M
Aaron—J.P. Barnaby
Burning It Down—Christopher Koehler
Campus Visit—Stella Huerto
A Cowboy’s Heart—J.M. Snyder
Ethan, Who Loved Carter—Ryan Loveless
Frat Boy and Toppy—Anne Tenino
Inherit the Sky/Chase the Stars—Ariel Tachna
Knitting series—Amy Lane
Mountain series—P.D. Singer
The Nothingness of Ben—Brad Boney
One True Thing/One Small Thing–Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea
Paradox—Chris Quinton
Red+Blue—A.B. Gayle
Seattle series—Con Riley
Speechless—Kim Fielding
Technically Dead—Tia Fielding
Wake Me Up Inside—Cardeno C.

M/M/M
3—Jacob Z. Flores

M/F
The Rancher and the Rock Star—Lizbeth Selvig

Book Covers
I’ve mentioned it elsewhere, but I’m a big fan of book covers that break the romance mold. While I have nothing against bare-torsoed hot men, I generally prefer something different. That’s mostly what you’ll see here. 🙂

Cover credits
Shobana Appavu: Naked Tails, Sidecar, Tattoos & Teacups, Technically Dead
Anne Cain: The Cool Part of His Pillow, Saving Sean, Speechless
DWS Photography: 3
Pride Media: Aaron
Jordan Taylor: Dark Soul Vol. 1

3aaroncoolpartofpillowdarksoul1nakedtailssavingseansidecarSpeechlessTattoos&TeacupsTechnicallyDead

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Posted in favorites, m/f, m/m, m/m/m, recommendations

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Posted on December 26, 2012 | Comments Off on The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

I was tagged for The Next Big Thing Blog Hop by Sui Lynn. I’m supposed to tag 4 people to post a week after me, but so many people have already done it that I don’t think I can find any! So instead, at the end of my post, I’ve linked to some other posts for you to check out. 🙂

What is the working title of your book?
I have several in the works, but with a short story just submitted today, my main focus for the next little while will be a novel, Learning Curve.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
The original idea was fanfiction, which I know means some people will refuse to ever read it. Ah well. LOL. Maybe 10% of the final story will match up with the fanfic, mostly some lines of dialogue I saved.

I don’t know where the idea originally came from, though. (Some secret reservoir under a mountain somewhere?) Some stories have specific inspirations, like my last release, En Fuego. Not so for this one!

What genre does your book fall under?
M/M contemporary erotic romance.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?
jakeandianLcJake Gyllenhaal and Ian Somerhalder. Not so much because they’re perfect for the characters (though they’d work pretty well), but just because can you imagine them making out? Yes, please!

What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?
Ben and David meet as student and teaching assistant, but falling for each other wasn’t supposed to be part of the lesson plan.

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?
Neither. I plan to submit it directly to a publisher.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The rewrite took about a month, since I had the basic story structure already in place. I chopped about half the story out completely, rewrote what was left, and wrote the remainder. It’s been submitted and returned as a revise and resubmit, with some excellent suggestions. I’m still working on those revisions, which will also expand it to full novel length.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
The characters acknowledge their attraction pretty early, but because of their student/teacher situation, they can’t give in to it for several months. (Yes, it’s another delayed gratification story!) I think Alix Belkins’ “Relationships 201” is a pretty good comparison, both for the student/teacher aspect and for the delayed relationship. It’s also a story I like a lot, so I hope mine measures up!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
The characters from the original fandom! Also the people who read the fanfic version and told me I should have done it as original to start with. Of course, it’s a very different story now, with just the basic plot still intact: older students, each with issues in the past, meet in a situation where they’re forced to be friends, not lovers. I also really like the secondary characters.

What else about your book might interest the reader?
Among other things, besides the obvious college boy-MCs, it has bellydancing (though not college boys bellydancing), an ex-military MC, cooking lessons, a snarky sister, a bit of intrigue, family time at the holidays, and a cherry-taking sex scene. A little something for everyone!

More blog hop posts!
Anna Bosch
Charlie Cochet
Lou Sylvre
Jamie Fessenden

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Posted in fiction, m/m, works in progress

12 Day of Charity 2012

Posted on November 30, 2012 | Comments Off on 12 Day of Charity 2012

12daysgraphic

For the past several years, starting on December 1, I’ve done an annual Twitter posting of a list of 12 charitable organizations I support, which I’ve taken to calling the 12 Days of Charity. The list varies from year to year, though there are some perennials.

This year, I decided to add a blog post to the project, so I can give more information about the organizations than the Twitter 140-character limit allows. I’ll be adding to this post with each charity as the 12 days progress; my goal is to update each day, if life doesn’t interfere too much.

Be sure to check back for details! 🙂

12 Days of Charity Day 1

Today is World AIDS Day, and I’m highlighting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (Twitter: @BCEFA). BC/EFA provides essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses throughout the United States through The Actors Fund, which supports programs including HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Actors Fund Work Program, The Dancers’ Resource, and supportive housing residences. Broadway performers participate in regular fund-raising activities, ranging from requests for donations from audience members after show performances, both on and off Broadway, to full-scale gala events like Broadway Bares.

12 Days of Charity Day 2

An offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street movement, Occupy Sandy (Twitter: @OccupySandy) has been working to provide relief for victims of Superstorm Sandy. One of the primary methods has been by using Amazon wishlists, for NYC and Newark, so people can send specific items needed for relief or cleanup directly to the area. Occupy Sandy is also working to coordinate volunteers to help provide services to people in the hardest-hit areas, in particular Staten Island and Rockaway/Breezy Point, where a fire during the storm destroyed dozens of homes. Sadly, the need for help in these areas isn’t going away anytime soon.

12 Days of Charity Day 3

Lost-n-Found Youth (Twitter: @LostNFoundYouth) is an Atlanta organization providing housing for homeless LGBTQ youth. They offer a 24/7 hotline for help at (678) 8-Lost-25 and a six-bed housing facility. Lost-n-Found is the outgrowth of Saint Lost and Found, an LGBT homeless youth fund project of the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The program is supported by a number of fund-raising events, including a monthly Big Gay Game Show.

12 Days of Charity Day 4

When a pretty darn cool actor and a pretty darn cool author combine their collective powers, you nearly always get something awesome. That’s how Kids Need to Read (Twitter: @kidsneedtoread) came to be, as the brainchild of Nathan Fillion and P.J. Haarsma. Working with a book buyer, the charity selects quality, age-appropriate books and gives them to school and public libraries and literacy programs in underserviced areas. Simply put: KNTR puts books in the hands of kids who want to read them.

12 Days of Charity Day 5

ShelterBox (Twitter: @ShelterBox) is a rapid-response organization that provides shelter and supplies where they’re needed after disasters around the world. Inside a big  green box will be basic living supplies tailored for the needs in the area. Some examples might include simple tools, a camp stove, dishes and utensils, blankets or tents, water purification materials, or even crayons for kids. Recent deployments including Haiti, Cuba, and the United States during Hurricane Sandy.

12 Days of Charity Day 6

The Ali Forney Center (Twitter: @AliForneyCenter) has provided housing support services for homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City for a decade. Named for a transgender advocate for homeless LGBTQ youth who was killed in 1997, the center gets kids off the streets and works to move them toward permanent housing. Sadly, their drop-in center in Chelsea, the entry point for most of their services, was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Thanks to an amazing outpouring of support, the center will be reopened and will be able to offer expanded hours to help even more youth, but having enough shelter beds for temporary housing remains an ongoing challenge.

12 Days of Charity Day 7

Feeding America (Twitter: @FeedingAmerica) is a nationwide network of member food banks working to fight hunger at every level. Programs provide “nutritious, fresh foods to Americans struggling with hunger; safe and nurturing places for children to have a meal; emergency assistance for disaster victims; as well as a chance at self-sufficiency for adults trying to break the cycle of poverty and hunger.” The organization also works to educate the public and public officials about hunger and advocates for public policies to help end food insecurity.

12 Days of Charity Day 8

Earthjustice (@Earthjustice) boasts one of my favorite slogans ever: “Because the Earth needs a good lawyer.” Earthjustice is an environmental law organization founded shortly after the first Earth Day celebration as the legal arm of the Sierra Club. It works through the courts and government to protect natural resources and wildlife throughout the United States.

12 Days of Charity Day 9

The Trevor Project (@TrevorProject) provides crisis intervention and
suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Headlined by The Trevor Lifeline (1-866-488-7386), the organization also offers safe digital spaces, including counseling via instant message and the largest online social network specifically for young LGBTQ people.

12 Days of Charity Day 10

Clean water is a critical public health issue. The Water Project (Twitter: @TheWaterProject) is dedicated providing access to clean water and proper sanitation for communities around the world. The organization works with local groups to help dig wells, build small dams, collect rainwater in large tanks, and filter dirty water.

12 Days of Charity Day 11

Equality Now (@equalitynow) works to end violence against women and children.

12 Days of Charity Day 12

Community Servings (@communityserv) provides meals for the homebound in the Boston area.

Image courtesy of posterize / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Posted in 12 Days of Charity

Sandy Relief Donations

Posted on November 2, 2012 | Comments Off on Sandy Relief Donations

I’ve decided to donate $1 to Sandy relief efforts for each individual sale off my backlist for the fourth quarter of 2012 (October 1–December 31). I’m donating $50 immediately to Feeding America’s Disaster Relief fund, the rest to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund on January 31, 2013.

A few reasons that I’ve gone this route:

  • I don’t have an easy way to track sales by the week or month, so quarterly it is.
  • I can spare the money because I’m lucky enough not to rely on royalties to pay the bills, like a lot of authors do.
  • I’m offering only the stories on the special Sandy relief page because sales links are already there, and I don’t receive royalties for other sales/formats.
  • While many relief agencies are working hard on the ground right now, some (like the Red Cross) are getting much more attention than others. Feeding America is working under the radar, delivering food and water to storm victims, so I chose them for a donation now. And the Red Cross will need to replenish its Disaster Relief fund after Sandy, even if they’re no longer involved directly in providing help by then. There is always another disaster just over the horizon.

If you have questions, feel free to ask. 🙂

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Posted in charity, real life

Guest Post: Kerry Freeman

Posted on October 28, 2012 | 8 comments

Kerry Freeman and I have a lot in common, starting with the fact that we’re both born-and-bred Southern girls and huge baseball fans. So needless to say, I’m thrilled to host today’s stop on her blog tour for her latest release, the baseball-in-the-South-themed Pine Tar & Sweet Tea. Take it away, Kerry!

Why I Love the Braves

Simple. They’re the only true Southern team in the MLB.

“What?” you screech. “What about the Marlins and the Rays?”

First: the Rays will always be the Devil Rays to me, just like Pluto will always be a planet (fodder for another post). Second: Sure, Florida is in the Southern U.S., but most Southerners don’t really think about Florida when they think of the South. Florida’s kinda like its own deal and is just Southern by association.

“Okay, well surely the Texas Rangers are Southern.”

Nope, no they’re not. They’re TEXAN. Texas is its own region. They’re not North, South, East, or West. They’re Texas, by God, and don’t you forget it. Just ask anyone from there.

“Fine, I’ll give you that one. How ‘bout the Washington Nationals?”

Wow, you’re really stretching here, aren’t ya’? Yes, DC is below the Mason-Dixon Line. So is Maryland, but the only place I’ve seen Maryland called Southern is Southern Living (and awesome magazine, btw, if just for the recipes).

“But didn’t the Braves used to be in Boston and Milwaukee? Those aren’t Southern cities, are they?” you ask in righteous indignation.

And the Braves aren’t there anymore, are they? *sticking out tongue* Because they were meant to be in Atlanta. It’s just like a romance novel. Team longs for One True City. Team hooks up with other cities, who just let Team down. Team finally meets the One True City, and they live happily ever after, amen.

And it’s ATLANTA. I LOVE Atlanta. When I get independently wealthy, I’m going to buy a Braves season ticket (okay, maybe I’ll buy my husband one too) and a swanky condo and live in Atlanta every baseball season. You may think I’m joking, but I’m so not. It’s on my if-I-ever-win-the-lottery list, right under “pay off all debt” and right before “fund niece and nephew’s college education.” Okay, I’ll move the college education up.

“So I guess this means that the Atlanta Falcons are your favorite NFL team.”

Nope, that would be the Tennessee Titans. I’ll live in Nashville during football season. 🙂

Thank you so much Shae for having me on your blog! And everyone, please visit the tour kickoff post to enter the super-duper tour giveaway.

Pine Tar & Sweet Tea
by Kerry Freeman
Buy at Loose Id

After playing eleven years in the Minor Leagues, Coach Matt Hawley has returned to his tiny Alabama hometown to lead his old high school baseball team to their first state championship. At the other end of the state, René Días, who left the Major League after one season, is getting his team ready to defend their state title for the second straight year. One is in the closet. The other is between relationships. Neither has any intention of hooking up at the state tournament.

Then they see each other.

Pre-game lust turns into an intense one-night stand neither man can forget, and when their best friends embark on a romance, Matt and René are thrown together again. This time they decide it won’t be for just a single night. But the fear of disappointing his minister father and shaming his family forces Matt to keep one foot in the closet, even as he and René find their lust is maybe something more. He’s going to have to make a choice between his family and his freedom.

Kerry Freeman was born and raised in Alabama, and she grew up swearing she was going to get the hell out of Dodge the instant she could. Turns out Dodge ain’t so bad, and she never left. Alabama’s version of a city girl, she married a country boy, and the adorkable couple lives in a small town with their two socially awkward dogs.

Kerry loves to write about love, and it turns out most of the voices in her head are men. She also loves to write about the South, so most of her stories end up there, one way or another.

A tomboy and a geek from way back, Kerry has a day job but dreams she will one day write full time. She has a weakness for yaoi, Japanese stationery, YA, and ginger-haired singers from Britain. She owns an impressive t-shirt collection. Nowaki & Hiroki are her homeboys.

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Posted in author, guest blog, kerry freeman, m/m

Pictures from Pride and GRL

Posted on October 23, 2012 | Comments Off on Pictures from Pride and GRL

I’ve had a whirlwind couple of weeks, with Atlanta Pride weekend before last and GayRomLit in Albuquerque last week. I had a wonderful time with some fantastic people, both old friends and new, and now I’m back home with an open schedule ahead of me. Rather than my trying to remember all the moments I’d like to share and forgetting far too much, have some pictures!

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Posted in appearances, gayromlit, pride