mmmMMMonday (Continued) . . . The Journey into Old Town, the Worse Dancing Ever, and a Final Farewell!

CAUTION!! The following is the TRUE tale of two people's journey to New Mexico. And what happened at the Gay Romance Literature retreat. No names have been changed because they're are no innocent! YOU WERE WARNED! Article by Wt and Julie Prater
(More pictures will be in the future.)

FRIDAY

     “Friday began with the build your own burrito breakfast.  We sat with Lissa, Xara, Zach and Neil. The food was food, neither particularly good nor bad.  At that point we went our separate ways. I went to the Storm Moon Press spotlight and decorated cookies which was fun, while learning about the press.  While there I got to hang out with Lor Rose and K Piet.  Afterward I headed to the Total-E-Bound Publishing spotlight and learning about that press. And, of course, I ended up buying more books with the bonus of getting some heart bling with another book on it. Lexi Ander was also researching all the various presses and we compared notes.”---Wt

     “I went to the Dreamspinner Bingo and sat next to Poppy Denison (Yay Poppy!) who helped me keep track of one of my bingo cards.  We both had issues with shaking hands so it was difficult to keep the game pieces where they were supposed to be.  After that I headed over to the Coffee and Porn (love this blog!) bingo with Zach and Neil.  Of course I made a big mess with my coffee, obviously I hadn’t drank enough at breakfast.”--- Julie

      “Silver publishing’s spotlight was good but the main thing that stuck out in our memory was Ethan Day reading a passage from one of his books.  Although it was hard to pay attention to what he was saying because we couldn’t help but stare at his beautiful hair and think about petting it…” ---Wt and Julie

      “Next was the excursion to Almuerzo Mexicana, whose food was amazing by the way.  I sat and picked the brains of EM Lindley, Erica Pike, and AC Katt.  The main topics of conversation was Icelandic music, inspiration, and very briefly, politics. I took a buncha books from Torquere with the understanding that we would be donating their worth to our favorite LGBT charity. Then we all traveled to Old Town which is where I started hanging out with Caitlin Ricci and Tabatha/Autumn, fellow authors in the Lost and Found Anthology.  We wanted a challenge so there was a write off after some much needed sugary goodness.  Tabatha won of course due to the fact that she had her trusty tablet and the others wrote with paper and pen.  At this point we were joined by the illustrious Xara and journeyed forth to check out the x-rated chocolates at the Candy Lady’s shop.” ---Wt

      “From there we walked up with everyone else at Casa Esencia.  William was yoinked up to help hand some decorations which meant that he got to put his hands all over Damon Suede. Bwahaha.  We walked around this beautiful house and admired everything (picked as a celebration point by the late William Neale) . And then saw some pretty, pretty sugar skulls. I drank some yummy Sangrias. After Xara got tired of Will sitting around moping she talked to the LT3 chicks Megan Derr and Sasha Miller and got us invited along to what was apparently a pitch dinner at High Noon.  We were also joined by K-Lee, Zach and Neil.  It was a lot of fun and the food was amazingly wonderful.   There was a suggestion of a mud wrestling event for next year (I really hope this one happens).  Xara gave some pointers on how to hold a knife in a fight.  The server who was adorably cute was invited to judge the mud wrestling match and he was all for it.  Xara could so have gotten some mad play. That night was the karaoke event, but Will was too out of it to stay up. So we headed back to the room and crashed out. But before we left, I cornered Belinda Mcbride outside  (couldn’t stay in there for long because of the lighting) and discussed Sparkpeople and trying to follow eating plans.  I had a bowl full of cake at that point and Belinda was grabbing some nuts to snack on later.” ---Julie

SATURDAY

      “Saturday morning came so quickly.  And as a change, we were served breakfast at the table, yummy French toast  with Xara, Lissa, MJ O’Shae (who I begged to join us although generally morning is not her friend), Piper, and Sue.  Zach came down briefly and grabbed some food but then disappeared back upstairs and we noticed Neil didn’t make an appearance until the Samhaine Spotlight where he and Zach joined Julie, Lissa, Tabatha and Caitlin. There weren’t a lot of people present but there was an awesome Q&A.  Of course the free book for every question might have had something to do with it. I went briefly to the Amber Quill spotlight and was asked to go get pictures of PD Singer’s Q&A.  Xara had a reading coming up so I went to wish her to the breaking a leg, and then I joined Julie and the gang at the Loose ID spotlight.” ---Wt

     “I went to the Loose Id spotlight, and got there just as Will won a signed bag full of awesome swag, and gave the Gecko decoration to Caitlin because she went wild over it. Then Treva Harte lead the parade outside where many people beat the piñata (I took the first thwack) but the fucker wouldn’t break so Will decimated it, and gave all the prizes to others present.  The next event was a barbeque outside, where we sat with Jamie Fessenden talked with us mostly about horror..  Venona Keyes had just come from working out and was looking very athletic.  Caitlin and Tabatha talked about vegetarianism and the whole lot of us discussed the Saw movies then Japanese vs. American horror.  Will told the story of us going to see the grudge 2 in the theater and everyone yelling at the screen that Buffy wouldn’t do that!  There was also discussion on the need for real Sweet tea by us southerners, instead of the vastly prevalent unsweet And sad tea.  Will was mostly disappointed by the uneatable meat on bone. ---Julie

     “The Man Love Romance spotlight was heavily attended by authors and readers alike. The audience found out that everything is the fault of ZA Maxfield and Kris Jacen.  So if you need to know who is to blame, there ya go.  There were as many authors there speaking on behalf MLR and much fun was had in asking questions  and seeing how many related back to Kris and/ Zam.  There were two posters with the yummy man love poster boy on it in which all of the MLR authors had signed it . Julie won one and gave it promptly to me and I who squeed with joy (Just a little.)

     “The big signing event was so much fun, but there was SO much chaos.  The authors got to choose their own spots so it was an great adventure to find the ones you were looking for,  There was also much money spent on other authors we had discovered during the weekend.  But overall I think of it as a success.  Even knowing we spent well over 300 on books and it was even to the point of down to money to spend on food on the way home and books….and books won.  With all the crazy wonderfulness of GRL, there were actually several authors we hadn’t gotten a chance to chat with until the signing…Kerry Freeman, a fellow South East author,  Rowan Speedwell’s Finding Zach was a must read per JP Barnaby so we had to stop and talk to her and get her book.  Trina Lane was also another author that I hadn’t had a chance to talk to until then.  I finally got a copy of “The Party Boys Guide to Dating Geeks” and “One Small Thing” which I read with a fervor. Taylor V Donovan gave me a copy of her book, as did Karenna Folcroft.  Julie finally scored some dragon squish balls of Amber Kell which she horded when she got home and decided not to share.” ---Wt

        "I went bowling. Caitlin and Tabatha and I had walked over since there was no official word about busses and we were already running a little late.  My team captain was Keirnan Kelly and  beside us was B A Tortuga.  The members who were supposed to be on our team didn’t show but it was all good because others showed up to take their place.  Keirnan gave away some free books and a funny little dancing dashboard toy that I still have yet to bring out into the sun (solar powered).  I bowled about a 90 something as per my usual so I was not the main winner (curses) but Caitlin and Tabatha won for the pure and simple fact that they had the lowest scores of all.  Hooray for them! --- Julie

     "I went and took a nap, and I went to dinner with Keirnan Kelly and her husband, and Kelly Shorten and Kerri Mand, founders of Musa Publishing. We congratulated Kelly on her birthday. Then we talked of many things, including what a editor wants. We talked about how Musa Publishing started and their connection with Aspen Mountain Press.  I pitched my novel idea to them which they seemed really excited about.  And then we just chatted and hung out  joking and laughing until we realized we were going to be late for Cosmos Cabaret.  As we were leaving Tiwa for what felt like the thousandth time, I finally spied Mike Murphy who I promptly stalked a little and fan boyed a lot and wouldn’t leave him be until he signed my book..” ---Wt

     "I went to the Spa Jar Total-E-Bound shindig.  The food was great and the location was very cool.  There was some Native American dancing and the explanations were very informative.  I didn’t get any pictures of it because by that time my phone was dead.  Zach and Neil bowed out and gave me their drink and prize tickets.  I had several margaritas by this point but welcomed the option for additions.  When it came time to draw for prizes one of the numbers I had was announced (woohoo, more free books) and I ended up splitting the books with the boys."--- Julie

     “While hanging out at the Cabaret,  I entered a dance competition knowing I’m a terrible dancer. After destroying several dances that included the twist, the Macarena, and the time warp, I won only because I could shake my booty. I somehow managed to win against the 4 women who are all better dancers than I.
And then, ended up going up to room  and having a horrible coughing fit, which force me to kick “sick, drunk” Julie out of tub and I took a shower in an attempt to feel better which worked.” ---Wt

SUNDAY

       "Sunday I packed for an hour trying to condense our swag (got it down to 5 bags), clothing (so sad that I tried to get it all in one bag because I completely forgot that we had two bags to begin with…oy vey),  and the two huge bags of books were left much as they had been because they were so distracting with their pretty bookishness.  The closing ceremonies were sad as they were the beginning of the end of this magical weekend.  There was much enthusiasm for the few of us who completed the scavenger hunt to see what goodies were in store.  I was thankfully the first number called so I got first dibs and hungrily yoinked up the flash drive with e-books from each of the participants,, Will ended up getting some dolls based on Lisa’s characters.  At this point Allison enthusiastically urged us to get on the road because she missed Tennessee and its nice and humid air.  We made it home in 21 hours. And the sleep was amazing let me say.  I would do it again (And will) although next year will only be a four hour drive for us. “---Julie

Behind the Camera, an mmmMMMonday interview with Blaine D Arden!!

My name is Wt Prater, and I'm writing this for my blog, Just Write and So Gay. And I'm interviewing Blaine D. Arden for MMMonday. Greeting and salutions.

Blaine --- *waves and settles butt into comfy chair and looks around* Nice to be here

Wt --- So, first question . . . I'm sitting here watching a movie about J K Rowling, named Magic beyond Words starring Poppy Montogomery. What is the name of your movie and who is it starring?

Blaine --- A movie about me? Well, I'd love to title it 'Welcome to my world', but I need a moment to think about who I'd like to play me. Molly Ringwald, I think. And yes, that's because I just browsed IMDb for actresses around my age. I loved 'Pretty in Pink'. It had my first teenage actor crush in it, so, yeah. Molly Ringwald.

Wt --- Awesome. I love Molly Ringwald. Are you a "chick flick" kinda girl?

Blaine --- A bit... yeah. I confess. I love silly romantic movies and dance films. I watched both of those with my boys for years, especially the dance films.

Wt --- What is your fave current chick flick?

Blaine --- Current chick flick? You're not asking much, are you? Lol *goes off to scour IMDb again*

Wt --- I love asking questions others don't. I would say sorry, but I like the digging . . . LOL

Blaine --- One thing about chick flicks is that I never watch them in the cinema, not counting 'Titanic'. So, all I can say is that a couple of nights ago, I saw cute little thing called 'My Life In Ruins'. It's about a travel guide who rediscovers her romantic side on a trip around Greece. Actually, I think I took my boys to see 'Mean Girls' in the cinema, too. So I watch them there more often than I think. 'Titanic' in the cinema was a mistake, though. Far too many giggling teenagers during the last scenes. I can't believe people would giggle at seeing dead people floating in the water *sigh*

Wt --- Have you seen "Easy A" ?

Blaine --- *shakes head* No, sorry. Never heard of it, I'm afraid.

Wt --- It's a great retelling of "The Scarlet Letter" Starring Emma Stone, and the parents are very memorable characters. One of the best movies of 2011 for me.

Blaine --- I had to look it up. I've never seen that one. Might have to look for it now.

Wt --- What makes a memorable character for you, as a writer or as a reader/viewer?

Blaine --- As a writer, I'm not sure I can answer that one. I pretty much just write the characters that live in my head--or rather, that let me live in their skin for a while--they're all memorable to me, though, perhaps, not the evil ones.
As a reader, it's all about characters that resonate in my heart. They don't have to be good or perfect, but something about them grabs me and makes me root for them.
Of course, I'm also the one who tends to fall for the underdog, or broody 'misunderstood' type, so... Snape is one of those memorable characters for me.

Wt --- I love being shocked and/or surprised, so I definitely loved that reveal. Are there characters you've written that you loved to hate or that surprised you with their intentions?

Blaine --- Well, Jason from 'Aliens, Smith and Jones' is one of those love to hate characters. He surprised me by staying longer than I expected him to. He was supposed to be a blind date gone wrong, but... well... he wasn't as easy to get rid of, not once he made his intentions known to me. Without Jason, it wouldn't have been the story it's now, it would have been a sweet little short. So, in a twisted way, I'm glad he stuck around.

Wt --- Very cool. And that's your latest book, right?

Blaine --- Well, actually, a short of mine was released as part of a Storm Moon Press anthology on Friday. To date, 'Aliens, Smith and Jones' is my only novel, though.

The anthology is called 'Carved in Flesh' and is part of a set. This anthology is all about scars and scarification, while it's sister anthology 'Written in Flesh' is all about tattoos.

My contribution is called 'Oren's Right' and is about Veld, a tree elf who has known for years that his mute friend Oren is spoken for; the design of scars spanning Oren's torso reminding him with every look. When Oren's vowed, Haram, is killed, Veld must not only help to prove his own innocence, but also tread carefully as he discovers Oren's Right and Haram's last request.

The other authors in this anthology are Angelia Sparrow & Naomi Brooks, Kaje Harper, Logan Zachary, M.A. Church, and T.C. Mill.

Wt --- So you are published by how many different houses?

Blaine --- Right now, just the one, Storm Moon Press, and I've been very happy to work with them. I do hope to submit to other publishers at some point, though, venture out into the wide world, so to speak.

Wt --- When you were deciding where to get published, why did you choose SMP?

Blaine --- I chose SMP because of one of their anthology calls. I read their 'Weight of the gun' call, about gun porn, and my first thought was "So not going to go there." But... as brains are wont to do, my brain wouldn't let go of the idea and 'The Fifth Son' was born. I submitted it for that anthology, and while they didn't feel it was a good fit for it, they wanted to publish the story anyway. I was at a campsite in the UK when I received the email, and I think the whole campsite could hear me screaming. And so my career as a writer was born. Of course, in the end, because I wrote it for their Christmas call, 'The Forester' came out first.

Wt --- So, when did you start writing, professionally and/or recreationally?

Blaine --- When I was about 12. Little stories and plays about love. I still have most of them. I became more serious about writing when I was about 17, and started writing my first gay fiction. After that, I wrote on and off throughout the years. Didn't finish a whole lot, though, not until I started to do NaNoWriMo in 2005. I failed that year, only wrote 27,500 words, but I finished that novel during the Summer Holidays in 2006. It's still in dire need of editing, but of all my drafts, it's the only non glbt novel in the bunch, so I keep pushing it back.

Wt --- I have been writing since my teens as well, mostly poetry. My greatest inspiration to write "professionally" was GayRomLit last year, where I got to meet a ton of writers who were successful on a variety of levels at writing my kinda stuff, and of course NaNoWriMo every year. Do you have other M/M writers you read fanatically?

Blaine --- Cool. I've written some poetry as well.

I went to the UK Fic Meet last year, before I was officially published and had only one free short under my name. I really loved being together will so many like minded people in one room In two days I'll be travelling to attend this year's UK Fic Meet. Really looking forward to that.
I hope to do GayRomLit at some point, but crossing the ocean isn't in my budget, yet. And I religiously go to the Dutch NaNoWriMo meetings in October and December to celebrate the start and the ending. Met some great friends there.
As for fanatically reading other M/M writers... pfew... How much time do you have? Lol.
I love the works of (not in any specific order): Josh Lanyon, Aleksandr Voinov, KA Mitchell, Kirby Crow, Harper Fox, Jordan Castillo Price, JL Merrow, Amy Lane... err... this list'll be quite long if I keep going. I read a lot, and there are a lot of gems out there, too many for me to list.

Wt --- I really enjoyed investigating your website, www.blainedarden.com  and I know there are lots of juicy bits, other interviews, reviews of books, and stuff. As we wrap up this conversation, are there any questions that you've never been asked that you want to answer or are there any questions that you never want to be asked again?

Blaine --- What I like about living in my country is that I hardly ever get asked why I write gay romance. Oh, some might. But often, just learning that I write, am published, and write in English, evokes admiration more than a need to know why I write what I write. They don't really care what I write. And I like that.
I don't like to be asked what themes I write about, because I really don't know. I hated analysing books in school, and I just write the stories in my head. I don't consciously set out to write a theme, it just slips in as I try to tell my characters' stories. I do like reading what readers get out my stories, themes or otherwise. Every reader picks up something else, and that never fails to make me smile.
As for questions I'm never asked but would like to... there are probably plenty, but none I can think of right now. One thing.... I'm a bit surprised you never asked me who that actor crush was. lol

Wt --- Fair enough. I want to thank you, Blaine, for being the very first author I interview for my blog. And if you're anything like me, I assume it was James Spader. Lol.

Blaine --- LOL Good guess, but no. James was a bit of a bitch in that film, so I didn't take to him until later, much later. My family and I like watching 'Boston Legal' during dinner, and I LOVE him in that. No, I was ever so taken with Andrew McCarthy. Saw him in some recent stuff, still not looking too badly.

Thank you, Will, for this wonderful interview. I had a lot of fun answering your questions. Nice to know I popped your interviewing cherry :p

_______________________________

Blaine is a purple haired, forty-something, writer of gay romance with a love of men, music, mystery, magic, fairies, platform shoes and the colours black, purple and red, who sings her way through life.

Right now, Blaine is working on the second part of her 'The Forester' trilogy, in which the reader will find out a bit more about Taruif, Kelnaht and Ianys as Kelnaht investigates the case of a missing boy.

You can find Blaine at: http://blainedarden.com, @BlaineDArden on twitter, and https://www.facebook.com/BlaineDArden. You can also email her at blaine@blainedarden.com