Goldilocks and the Three Books

Making it just right...

Any writer who enjoys their craft tries to mix enough mystery, action, emotion, suspense, and of course, depending on the genre, sex, into their novels. There are some readers who like it hot- like porn-

'gimme more sex! No! I said more sex!! MORE!'

Others, quite the opposite.

'...sheesh, there was nothing but sex in this book- no plot...just sex, sex, sex- BORING!'

Some readers prefer high drama. 'Kill him!! Kidnap him! Beat the heck out of him! Oh come on! No one got hurt? THIS SUCKS!'

Of course the savvy writer, who writes for their readers alone- will carve a niche and stick there. Boldly they will announce, "I am a mystery writer! So all my books will be....mysterious!"

That's what the big guys do. I mean you don't pick up Stephen King and expect a lighthearted romantic comedy. Do you? Maybe he's written them, don't know. But if you want the shite scared out of you, he's your man.

I suppose I fall into a niche at times. Niche soup? Yup, men loving men. You can be pretty certain of that in most of my work. But, men loving men...how? My Action! Series? Too much sex? Well, come now. It's Mark and Steve- what do you expect?
But some of my less erotic novels are more about personal growth. Maturing. Learning to love, to trust. Subtle changes in a man or woman, (in my case man) that make them grow into a better person.
Less sex, more, love- mental- emotional interaction. So of course 'Where's the bloody sex?!'

Write what you love. Correct? I do. Indeed. And I sometimes wonder if expectations are lost similarly to when an artist is asked, 'Hey, buddy, can ya make it blue to match my couch?' Ask that question to a professional artist if you want to make them cringe. If a painter begins to paint so his pictures match your sofa, where has he gone creatively? Maybe he's now an interior decorator, but his creative edge is lost.

I admit, my work spans the graph of sex, sex, sex, oh my god there's more sex! to...where's the beef?
I have tried my hand at straight romance, non-erotic romance, murder mystery, etc....and I know what my fans love- Men who come from a place in their heads and hearts that perhaps aren't perfect and grow, learn to trust, to get over past abuse...and of course, to make love. Hot, passionate, love.

But none of my books will be your porridge precisely. And that is because of me, not you. You see, I write what I love, what I feel, and sometimes write what I have experienced that month, that year. Though my readers have expectations I always hope to achieve, maybe because I am slightly more diverse, you at times don't get what you need. But I always try to sneak in a message. A social more. Love. Simply love.

I will forever be an advocate for tolerance and civil equality. You'll have to shoot me to stop me from doing that. That is the message I will spout to my grave, and perhaps after.

I will always love to write books about gay men. Why? Because they turn me on! But Goldilocks had to keep tasting the porridge before she found one that was just right.

Next month I will be releasing my 90th novel. The Farmer's Son.

From shape-shifters, to vamps, from sluts, to shallow individuals, from jocks, to rough gods, to bikers and to twinks, cops, military men, firemen, lifeguards, cowboys... there is a story there in each one. Simply sit down and figure it out. Learn what it is because at times it will be subtle, and emotional. But in my collection there is something for everyone.

But remember if you are an author, don't write all blue because it matches a couch. Write what you love, because you do it for you too. And if you are true to yourself, your readers will get it, they will get you. And isn't that what this is all about?

Be safe out there-

Temptation, temptation....

I suppose while writing a blog or answering posts on social networks, its tempting to say horrible things. I know in particular pissing matches about politics or religious views give people fodder to grow irate and argue, like animals at times, on public walls and forums. Ahhh so tempting!! How many of us would love to vent our spleen and say what we really think?
But for the good of? Selfishness? Our two seconds to make ourselves feel better?

Look, not everyone agrees on...well everything. We come in a variety of packages and viewpoints, and there's nothing like the last two elections to show everyone that, indeed!

For myself and my sanity, posting in public, all but my views on same sex love, (because that's just already too obvious for words) I try to keep quiet, and mind my own business. Sometimes, yes, in my novels, I allow my characters to say my thoughts, but why risk a battle, angering fans and non-fans and simply picking a fight? I had enough hand to hand combat in the police, thank you very much!

So many people love to spout their load. I do believe in opinions and certainly everyone has one, myself included. But, let's be honest here, you know who I am. I do not write under a fictional name, REVIEW OTHERS under another fictional name, pretend to be a guy, pretend to be gay...I am me, and you all know what I look like and what I write...(I'm talking about my fans of course) I get the nom de plume when someone needs to keep their erotica hidden or writes different genres, like my Amanda Winters stuff. BUT I don't get it when it is used to hide in plain sight and be critical of others.

But there are individuals who simply cannot help themselves and love controversy. God love them! They do hang themselves out there to ridicule and arguments, or perhaps not. Maybe they get their bums kissed by their followers for speaking out.

At the cost of what? All of us who write, paint, make movies, build bridges, work on cars...we all do our best.
No one is perfect because quite frankly Stephen Hawking will tell you Perfection Does Not Exist.

Yet criticism does. Oh, boy does it!! But criticizing is both good and bad. It can expose corruption, warn of scams, right wrongs, and possibly build a better society. Possibly. But it's all about what the criticism is about and whom it benefits.

Some arguments are made out of spite and jealousy. I've seen plenty of these. When a few individuals have success, and I mean, all walks of life, not just my line of work, there is always someone out there who disapproves. I am guilty as well- oh! Indeed. I don't watch the award ceremonies because they bore me, but! I don't write blogs about how horrible all the celebs are, mock them, belittle them. I simply shut up. Heck, it's just how I feel personally. Many people love the awards, admire the actors and directors, and applaud their work. And so it should be. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
But should we keep the nasty ones to ourselves?

By using a fake persona and demeaning people who work hard, simply because you are either jealous or hold some kind or ridiculous standard of perfection, (see Stephen Hawking's quote above) no one can possibly live up to your own expectations but....you- only your own work and achievements are acceptable and good. All else pales by your greatness.

Am I talking about a specific individual- no. I have been on this planet long enough to know, everyone tries very hard to be good at what they do. Most people put a lot of work and effort into their careers, their play, love, family, but some people, publicly on blogs and social networks, mock all. Mock ALL-

Please don't add to the bullying and cruelty out there that is already rampant because of internet anonymity. You attempt at being 'intelligent and full of incite' but all of us can see through it. It's mean spirited and jealousy. It's been that way for some individuals for a decade.

Nothing that ridicules an entire class, an entire group, or an entire career of individuals, is positive in any manner. We all work hard, and we all try.

Over the years the same 'fake' personas have been stabbing and jabbing for literally 'ever'. It wearies me. Everyone needs to have food on their table, everyone works hard. Is it possible to not use one brush to paint everything you dislike ---- constantly? We are all weary of you.

All of us needs to send out positive vibes and try. Yes, life gets aggravating. If I get cheated or ripped off, my stuff stolen by ebook pirates, yes, I get mad, I want to scream and vent. I stomp my feet and have a tantrum. So sue me. Maybe we all have our moments to do this.

Some unfortunately have made a lifetime career doing it. And although everyone has their moments to be nasty and angry, I think as a whole, we need to keep those hateful, critical messages to oneself, and calm down. Then when you are calm, write something positive for people to read. Give a pat on the back or praise. I got news for you- it feels better than being nasty.


Be safe out there. And try not to fall of the soapbox. I did and I twisted my ankle. ;)