Loving your Characters

Being in Love with your Characters –

I’m single. I lost my husband of 28 years, three years ago. I’m lonely. But I have many virtual men in my life. Aside from the fact that nearly all of them are gay, I love them dearly. I could go as far as to say I am in love with them.

I know it sounds insane, and quirky, and maybe even eccentric.  As an author, I’ve created many men. Most have all the qualities I would want in a significant other, flaws included. No man is perfect, no human being is perfect. But if I were to ever meet any of them on the street, I would be instantly infatuated.

I create my men to be smart, emotional and sexy. Some are gorgeous, some not so much. They range from older teens to men my own age. Different men for the different stages in my life. Yes, I pull their personalities from what I would want in a man at different times in my life.

Many of them are vulnerable, because I am vulnerable. Many of them struggle with self-esteem over lovers because I struggle with self-esteem about dating. Some are shy, because I am, but many are not, because I adore a man that can take charge and is confident in himself.

Some of them have anger issues, something pulled from my experience with my husband. But they overcome it, as my husband did not. Most are humble in some way. I like my men to be oblivious about their charm. Yes, I’ve created a few who are arrogant and think they are God’s gift to every gay man out there. But they learn they are not. Sometimes, painfully. I do love to torture my men.

Most of my men are generous, sometimes to the detriment of their lives. Also something I experienced with my husband. We did without many times because my husband gave what we had to others. This didn’t upset me unless it was unnecessary.

My harem is extensive and varied. Blonds, brunettes, even a couple of redheads. Eyes that travel from light blue to a brown so dark as to be black. Men are beautiful and I don’t want to limit my loves to one type.

I have men that go from thin, pale twinks to large, muscular bears. Again, I don’t want to limit the beauty that I create. Most fall somewhere in between. Some are very average, and most are not stereotypical. The stereotypical gay man is a societal based prejudice. Or at least in my opinion. I have never seen nor met a gay man with a limp wrist, lisp or overabundance of makeup. Do they exist? Maybe. I don’t know, nor do I care.

I love my men, gay or straight. Being in love with your characters has one distinct advantage. It helps you create depth. My men are complicated because I love them and make them as close to realistic as I can. They yell, scream, cry, laugh, growl, fight and love. They get angry, sad, happy, aroused and disinterested because they are as human as I can make them.

Is it weird that I am in love with my characters? Probably. Do I think others will think I am crazy? Possibly. Do I care? No. My sister says I am a true author because I am weird. She may be right. I hope that I am a true author because I can create stories that are good, entertaining and bring out the emotions in my readers. And have them fall in love with my characters as much as I have.

GayRomLit 2012

Yes, my wonderful people, I will be THERE!!! Hope to meet everyone, squeee my fangirl self hoarse and get as many autographs as I can. I am so excited to be included in such prestigious company and hope, just maybe, I might be a little wee bit known too.

Night Owl Reviews

Welcome people. It's a bit early, but I wanted to announce that I will be participating in the Night Owl Reviews Chat on 1/14/2013. I look forward to talking with each and everyone of you!!

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Pages/Chat.aspx

Flash Fiction Friday

Welcome my friends to another Flash Fiction Friday where a group of creative crazies get together to write 100 words, no more, no less about a picture.

The calm after the storm...

“Emery, have I told you how much I love you?” I asked in a whisper as my lover gazed up at me. His silence was a bit unnerving. I had hoped we’d gotten past the argument. That he’d brought me to our favorite retreat spoke volumes, but now I wasn’t so sure. I felt awkward but Emery seemed content just to lie there and stare at me.

I could feel the heat from his body, smell the scent of his skin. Feel his hand warm on my neck. I leaned in and kissed him. To my relief, he kissed back.

Now that you have read my interpretation, please visit my friends for their imaginative take on this photo.

Muffy Wilson: http://muffywilson.blogspot.com
Sharita Lira as Rawiya: http://rawiyaerotica.wordpress.com
Jp Archer: http://jp-archer.blogspot.com
Yvonne Nicolas: http://yvonnenicolas.wordpress.com/
Naomi Shaw: http://midnightfantasieswithnaomishaw.blogspot.com/
Venus Cahill: http://www.venusbookluvr.blogspot.ca/
S. J. Maylee: http://sjmaylee.com
Bonni Sansom: http://bonnisansom.blogspot.com/
Lani Rhea: http://lanirhea.blogspot.com
Cyril J. Michael: http://authorcyriljmichaels.blogspot.ca/
Lisa Worrall: http://lworrall.blogspot.com
Sara York: http://sarayork.blogspot.com
Michelle Chatton: http://michellechatton.blogspot.com
Sancre Darling: http://sancredarling.blogspot.com
Lee Brazil: http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com

Carah's Lucky 7

Well, this is new for me, however, I have been tagged, so here goes.

 

Here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 (or 7th) of your current ms

2. Go to line 7

3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written. No cheating.

4. Tag 7 other authors. No cheating.

7th page 7 Sentences.

This is from my working manuscript for French for Love (Book 3 of Valley Love)

Richard had made that very clear when he’d dumped Jarred. Plus, Richard was Jarred’s only sexual encounter. And Richard had constantly complained about Jarred’s lack of experience, despite knowing Jarred was a virgin when he hooked up with him. Jarred, too embarrassed over his naivety, never said a word when he knew Richard was cheating on him…with women. “Mon timide l’un, s'il vous plait…please, tell me what upsets you.” D’Arcy said softly, his aqua eyes staring into Jarred’s brown ones. You won’t…I’m not…I have no experience. Only one boyfriend who didn’t like…who didn’t …love me.” Jarred managed to stutter out, his face going crimson at the admission.

IRM Addiction and Rambling Thoughts

Think I'm going to ramble a bit since I can't come up with anything of interest. As anyone who knows me, I don't drink except rarely in a social setting and only if I don't have to drive which isn't usually the case. I don't do drugs. About the only thing I am addicted to is nicotine...and FB, specifically IRM.

What is IRM you ask? Well, I can’t honestly tell you since it is a private group, but I can tell you this. It has to be the most talented, caring and awesome group of people I have ever been privileged to meet and get to know. These people come from all walks of life; all places world-wide, and yet, are brought together through mutual admiration, love and pure orneriness.

I am addicted to these people. From Kage’s humor, to Patricia’s snarkiness; from Dawn’s goodies, to Nanette’s caring. Laura and Lisa make me smile with their banter. Tom makes me tear up with his wonderful reviews and sweet personality. Sara is my rock, she has been more help to me than I could imagine or deserve. I would be lost without Sharita’s and Angel’s encouragement. I adore Brad’s bottomless movie expertise and spot-on opinions. And Lee, Lee’s wit is so refreshing. And I can’t even tell you how much I adore Amy, Havan and Karen.  I, obviously can’t list everyone, but you know who you are and know that you are thought highly of by me.

These people, they get me. They understand me. From being overly sensitive, to frustrated with writer’s block, to real life interfering with my stories. Many of my addictive people are writers, just like me. There isn’t a member of IRM that I don’t have at least one book from. And because of that, it only makes them dearer to me. And so much more to look up to and admire. That they are role models for me? They probably don’t want to hear that. Lol But they are.

Lately, IRM has been infused with tension. I will fully admit to being part of the cause. But, here’s the thing, it was handled and it is over and everyone is back to being their wonderful selves as if it never happened. Where the hell else would such drama happen and then be dropped in a mature fashion just hours later? Nowhere. That’s why I love these people. Drama happens. That’s life, but IRM members are caring and open and understanding. And opinionated, but that's part of being human. That is so cool. No grudges, no pettiness, no vindictiveness, no blackballing.

And now, because IRM is just the most awesome place to be, there are anthologies in the making. Let me explain. I will be in two anthologies that include some of the best m/m writers in the business. My name will be alongside theirs. Readers will see my story between the pages with authors that they follow and read with enthusiasm. That is a dream come true. And my dreams are few and far between.

Ok, I’ve rambled enough for today. I just needed to get this written down and maybe let a few people know how much they mean to me. And let those in the IRM group that I would not want to be anywhere else.

An introduction to Erik Wuttig from Misbehaving Models...

Today, as a Monday treat, I’ve convinced Erik Wuttig to be on my blog. International photographer, he has accepted the daunting task of photographing some of the top models in the world on Misbehaving Models, the #1 reality show in the last two seasons.

(As an inside bonus, Erik is fashioned after our own Dan Skinner)

Me: Welcome Erik, how is the project going?

Erik: It would be going a lot better if half the models had shown up. Three of them are late, and I don’t do late.

Me: Well, my understanding is the show doesn’t start for another few weeks.

Erik: I do not care. When I want my models available, I expect them to be available. There are no excuses. This might be a reality show, but my art, it waits for no one. Ich warte auf neimanden.

Me: Perhaps they weren’t told that they needed to be here so soon? And, please Erik, can we try to stay away from the German.

Erik: I said there are no excuses; however, Chandler has assured me they should be arriving today. I must get my hands on Hans. He is exquisite and I’ve not had the opportunity to capture his beauty with my camera.

Me: Chandler, Chandler Stemming, the producer? And I do believe you mean Hans Breckenridge. He is very…beautiful. And quite controversial if I remember.

Erik: Pshaw! Hans is a professional. That he can transform his beauty into either gender is something the general public could not possibly fathom. Niedrige leben!

Me: Erik, you ignored my first question, and I have no doubt that Hans is a professional, but don’t you think that’s giving the public less credit than they deserve?

Erik (blushing): I did not ignore your first question; I chose not to answer it. And, no, I will give credit where credit is due. These reality shows are just proof of what I speak of. They are, gah, unklug.

Me (a bit stunned at the blush): I do believe, Erik, that you are blushing over Chandler. And what exactly does unklug mean?

Erik: I am doing no such thing. Just because Chandler is a very handsome and arousing man, means nothing. He is, how do you say, im wandschrank, um, in the closet? He does not embrace his sexuality. So, nein, he does not make me blush. I, however, could easily make him blush. Unklug, it means..verruckt, dumm…idiotic!

Me: Well, I hope that you are at least looking forward to this project.

Erik: It is a project, no more, no less than I have always done. Just with cameras on me as well. Speaking of, where did you find that photo of me? I was not aware there were any to be had.

Me: That, my good man, was given to me by Chandler himself. I think he got it from a paparazzi. Do you mind?

Erik: No, of course not, though it is not a better one of me. I will provide you much better photos in the future. Did Chandler say why he had such a picture in his possession?

Me ( I could tell that Erik was very interested in my answer on Chandler): Honestly? He said it was from his…um…private collection.

Erik (looking bemused): The poor hilfloser mann. If only he would acknowledge his attraction to men. He would be so much happier. And I could show him many vergnugen.

Me: Too many German words Erik. Please, in English.

Erik (eyeing me): I think not Ms. G. You are a frau, it is not, you have not, you do not have the right…korper trennt, body parts, to understand what I have insinuated.

Me: Well, Erik, I may not have a cock, as you have so eloquently put it, but I can certainly imagine what would happen between you and Chandler. After all, I wrote it.

Erik: Gah! Sie dürfen es schreiben, aber ich erfahre es und Krämer wird sich zu meiner Verführung ergeben.

Me: English Mr. Wuttig. Not all my readers speak German.

Erik (looking annoyed): You may write it, but I experience it and Chandler will succumb to my seduction. Is that what you wanted to hear?

Me: That is fine and you, I’m sure, will have the man eating out of your hand in no time.

Erik (mumbling under his breath): I will have him eating something, ja!

Me (glancing at the door): Well, Erik, it appears your Hans has arrived and I know you are anxious to get him on camera, so I will leave you now.

Erik (absently with his eyes on Hans): Auf wiedersehen.