NOVEMBER 2010 M/M ROMANCE NEWSLETTER
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Welcome to our newsletter. We hope the content on this page is both informative and entertaining. We welcome feedback; you can send it to the Newsletter Editor. Also, please visit the Dreamspinner Press blog! Follow the blog to see author posts, book excerpts, contests, and other news from the press about M/M romance. Enjoy!
Ariel Tachna, Social Networking Coordinator, Dreamspinner Press
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Bittersweet Dreams |
It is with great excitement that we roll out our newest line of titles, Bittersweet Dreams. These titles will be released once or twice a month beginning in November in addition to our regular line.
Bittersweet Dreams: It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
'Til Darkness Falls by Pearl Love, the first Bittersweet Dreams title, releases November 1!
A malicious deception... An ancient curse... A timeless love...
Brian Macon is a worn-out homicide detective whose job and life hold no meaning until he meets a gorgeous German man who turns his world upside down. Alrick Ritter has a poet's soul, a master cellist's skill, and a sniper's deadly accuracy, and though constrained by sinister forces to be a killer-for-hire, Alrick wants nothing more than to be with Brian. Helpless to resist the call of their hearts, Brian and Alrick begin a cautious affair, keeping secret the reality that places them on opposite sides of the law. But an ancient danger threatens to destroy their love.
Three thousand years ago in the burning sands of ancient Egypt, Prince Rahotep and his devoted slave, Tiye, were robbed of their lives, betrayed by a powerful woman's mad hatred and the cruel humor of an evil god. Now, destiny has reunited the lovers, joining them in an unquenchable passion even as a twist of fate casts them as potential enemies. Will Brian and Alrick be able to overcome the centuries-old curse to secure the love that should have always been theirs?
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW |
Why did you decide to write romance stories?
I grew up reading romance stories, so it was a natural progression for me to eventually write them. Even in the early stages of my writing I always had some form of a love story included, mainly because that's what I most enjoy. Since I enjoy it, it's easier for me to write romance than other types of fiction.
Why did you choose fantasy settings for a story as opposed to contemporary?
I always enjoyed fantasy, for as long as I can remember, as both a genre to read and write. I love the freedom the genre possesses. I am drawn in by the various mythical creatures that can be portrayed and the sheer breadth of abilities and different life experiences that can be attributed to them. I love how even though there are fixed rules that govern the genre, these rules are flexible and can be changed, mixed, and merged, their potential only limited by the power of your imagination. Most of all I adore how often these stories contain a hero who discovers things about himself that he did not know.
How were you introduced to M/M fiction?
The main reason for a fantasy or historical setting as opposed to contemporary is because the romance novels I read growing up were all historical. Even though I knew that men did not live openly with one another during medieval times, I had a burning desire to create a medieval story that celebrated men loving men. In essence The King's Tale is a fantasy because it ignores actual history, but there was a part of me that truly enjoyed all the research, and making it as historically accurate as I could.
What are five of your favorite books/series?
The Roselynde Chronicles by Roberta Gellis, The Skye O'Malley Saga by Beatrice Small, A Moment in Time by Beatrice Small, Random Harvest by James Hilton, and Lovespell by Deanna James.
Why did you decide to try to publish your stories?
I will admit it was a scary decision because I didn't think my work was good enough. Through the urging of a friend I began the daunting task of finding a publisher. The Dreamspinner Press site had a great feel, so I worked up my courage and a synopsis and sent my manuscript off. I decided if nothing else, at least I'd have a rejection letter to hang on my wall. Fortunately, I did not receive the expected rejection letter with that first submission.
Rowena finds herself thinking through the minds of her characters quite often, to the point that she always has to carry a small journal with her so she can capture their thoughts and weave them into stories when she gets home.
Visit Rowena's blog.
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Win an eBook copy of your choice of one of this author's works. Clues are available in author bios on our web site.
This author lives in the second most isolated city in the world and has written one of our most popular contemporary sports novels.
E-mail the Newsletter Editor with your answer. A winner will be chosen randomly from the correct answers. Contest ends the last day of the month.
The correct answers to last month's question: This author has been accused of being eccentric and a shade neurotic, both of which she freely admits to, but her muse has OCD tendencies. She's written epic fantasy Timeless Dreams historicals with a co-author, as well as a three-book paranormal series of her own. Marguerite Labbe.
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The club is crowded and I can barely hear myself think, let alone actually hear my own voice as I try to order from the bar. The bartender obviously reads lips because all I can make out is the monotonous thump of the dance music reverberating in my chest. He smacks down exactly what I ordered - a Vodka-Red Bull and a Corona - and grabs the money from my hand, swiftly returning my change. I tip him the coins and he nods a thank you before turning to his next customer.
This isn't my choice of Saturday night entertaiment, but I followed Thom here because he thinks I need to get out more. Thom's my roommate and although he's not really around enough to notice, he's right about me spending too much time buried in my books.
The place is packed with wall-to-wall guys and I raise my drinks to avoid spilling them when suddenly I can't move anymore and I feel a tell-tale hardness behind me. At first I try to ignore it, figuring the guy can't help brushing against me, but the movement becomes more deliberate and I realize it's actually turning me on. I have no place to go, so I figure I might as well enjoy the hard body undulating against mine. I can smell a mix of aftershave and sweat all around me and maybe my imagination is playing tricks on me, but I also smell sex. The guy behind me grinds harder and my pants grow tighter. I close my eyes and imagine being taken out back and thoroughly fucked by some stranger in a tight T-shirt and cargo pants. My breath quickens and I lick my lips, realizing I'm still holding two drinks up in the air. I take a quick swig from the Corona and it feels heavenly, but not as wonderful as the guy doing these amazing things to me.
Maybe Thom is right and I need to live a little. As long as it's safe, there's no reason why a little anonymous sex at the back door of a gay club should make me feel bad afterward.
I crane my neck, but I can't make out who's behind me. In another few seconds I won't even care, because I'm about ready to burst.
And then suddenly, the crowd dissipates and I can move again. I turn around, but there's nobody standing behind me. Instead of nearly coming in my pants, I feel deflated. At Thom's table only his friends are there so I drop off the drinks to go in search of him. I make a detour to the restrooms and walk into one of the stalls, closing the door behind me as I lean against the partition. This is probably the only place in the club that offers a little peace and quiet, so I enjoy it for a moment.
"Want to finish what we started?" I hear from the stall next to me.
I don't answer right away, wondering if it's really directed at me.
"I'm game if you are."
A little hesitantly I open the stall door and peer out. Thom is standing in the doorway, looking a little sad.
"Thommy, you okay?" I ask.
Thom shrugs. "You don't get it, do you?"
I don't suppose I do because I'm clueless what he's talking about.
"That was me inside the club. Behind you."
My eyes must have grown to the size of saucers because Thom chuckles. "But you don't… We're roommates. Friends."
"Yeah, without benefits," Thom shrugs. "Do you even see me, Joe?"
"Of course I see you. We see each other every day. At least when you come home at night."
"I've been home every night these past months."
I nod, since I have to admit he's probably right.
"I've been making us dinner, keeping the apartment clean. I even take your dirty clothes to the laundry room along with mine."
As he tells me this it dawns on me that I haven't noticed all these thing. How could I not notice these things? "What are you saying?"
Thom smiles, but it's a wry smile, one that doesn't reach his eyes. "I know most guys don't take hints very well, but you take the cake. I'm in love with you, Joey. Have been ever since we ended up in that apartment together at the start of our sophomore year."
I don't know what to say. "But you're always dating other guys and flirting and…." I can tell by his expression that didn't come out right.
"Funny how you see me flirting with other guys, but don't notice the way I look at you." He shakes his head. "I haven't gone to bed with anyone in months, Joe. I pretend to go home with some of them to make you jealous, but they barely make it past first base and if they do, well, most guys don't like it when you call them by the wrong name in the throes of passion."
I take a step closer, suddenly realizing that I'm about to lose my best friend if I don't say or do the right thing right now. I try to find the words, but they won't come. I can see Thom is losing his patience, so when he turns to leave I grab his arm and pull him back. Giving up on thinking, I push him against the partition and kiss him.
When we pull apart, his eyes are wet and I'm more confused than ever. "I'm sorry," I say.
"Don't you dare apologize for kissing me. I've had wet dreams about you kissing me like that."
I smile at the thought that I had to leave home to see what was right under my nose. "So let's go then."
"Are you serious?" I don't think I've ever seen Thom so insecure, so I put my arm around his shoulders and pull him toward me.
"From what you've told me, our relationship already has everything but the sex, so maybe we should go home and see what we can do about that."
Before I can react, Thom pulls me inside the stall and closes the door. He pushes his body against mine and grinds it seductively. "I don't know if I can wait that long."
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All's Fair in Love and Advertising
By Lenore Black
"..wielding wit, and banter with deftness and as much efficiency as that demanded by her main character, Max."
Kris at Dark Diva Reviews
Witness
by L.A. Gilbert
"I absolutely loved this story. I was taken back down memory lane for some of the classic movies and kids shows I loved while growing up. Those who enjoy a feel good love story won't be able to get enough of this well written story."
Fallen Angel Reviews
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NEWS |
The following books will have signed copies available to the first 20 customers:
'Til Darkness Falls by Pearl Love
A Taste of Love by Andrew Grey
Sahara Blue by Jan Irving
Final Encore by Scotty Cade
Promises and Lies by Rowena Sudbury
The following authors will host Meet the Author events at Dreamspinner Press's Facebook Fan page this month. All Meet the Author events are from 1 to 6 pm EST unless otherwise noted:
Andrea Speed - November 6
Andrew Grey - November 20
Jaime Samms, author of Angel Requiem, was interviewed at Jasmine Aherne's blog.
Ruth Sims, author of Counterpoint: Dylan's Story was interviewed at A Passage to Now
Jean Bellaiche, one of the main characters from Perilous Partnership by Ariel Tachna, was interviewed by Julie Lynn Hayes at Yaoi Radius.
Belinda McBride, author of "The Flower Boy" in Myths and Magic: Legends of Love discusses paranormal fiction with The Houston Enquirer.
Jan Irving, author of Mastering Toby and the upcoming Sahara Blue, was interviewed at Dawn's Reading Nook.
Enoji and Quinn from Blue Rose by Sui Lynn talked with Julie Lynn Hayes at Yaoi Radius.
NOW AVAILABLE
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Santa's got a list, and he's checking it twice. Will you tell if your lover's been naughty or nice? In these stories, the winter holidays will shine brightly whether with sweetest love, cackling laughter, or blistering passion. Get a story a day in the month of December, all with holiday flair. Your Christmas present to yourself!
A story delivered automatically to your bookshelf each day in December. Over 1,700 pages of fiction selling individually for a total $92.69. Buy as a set and save!
November - $49.99*
*Set pre-sales end Nov. 25.
On Dec. 1, stories will be available individually or as a set for $64.99.
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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS
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In order to give all our potential authors the best service and attention, Dreamspinner Press no longer accepts simultaneous submissions.
Continuous Call
Dreamspinner Press is accepting submissions for our in-house genre Timeless Dreams, romantic M/M historical fiction with happy endings. While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma. You can visit the rough and tumble Old West, travel the ancient kingdoms of desert sheikhs, see the black and red lacquer of the Far East, or dance in dramatic Regency England. No matter where or when, in the romantic worlds of Timeless Dreams, our heroes always live happily ever after.
Manuscripts of any story length may be submitted. You must follow general submission guidelines for short stories for proper consideration. Please list "Timeless Dreams" in the subject line of your submission.
Dreamspinner Press is accepting submissions for our in-house genre, Bittersweet Dreams, stories of M/M romance with nontraditional endings. It's an unfortunate truth: love doesn't always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
Manuscripts of any story length may be submitted. You must follow general submission guidelines for short stories for proper consideration. Please list "Bittersweet Dreams" in the subject line of your submission.
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What kind of stories are most likely to be accepted right now?
At this time, any short story or novella submissions (5,000 to 60,000 words) are welcome. Especially light contemporary romance, mystery/suspense, and Westerns have the best chance of being accepted. Novel submissions are also welcome. Lowest chance: Science Fiction and Fantasy/Paranormal.
See our Submission Guidelines for details.
How do you decide to accept or decline my submission?
All submitted works are reviewed by a minimum of three readers chosen from staff members or volunteers from around the world who are familiar with or work in the M/M romance genre. The publisher and editor in chief also review manuscripts. Feedback is often mixed, and we strive to keep in mind the wide range of readers out there and provide a varied style of compositions. Stories are screened for coherency, storytelling skill, technical shape, originality, match with our current catalog, and overall level of enjoyment. Dreamspinner Press currently accepts approximately 4 to 5% of submitted manuscripts for publication.
Ask the Editor in an e-mail to the Newsletter Editor.
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Counterpoint: Dylan's story by Ruth Sims was number 7 on Amos Lassen's Top 11 Books of 2010!
Top Pick at Night Owl Reviews: Promise of Tomorrow by Rowan McAllister
Literary Nymphs Golden Blush Award: Trust Me by Jeff Erno
Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read: Making Promises by Amy Lane
Desert Island Keeper Award: 72 Hours by Clare London
Joyfully Recommended: Breaking Limits by Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna
A Blackraven Recommended Read: Out of the Darkness by Kate Sherwood
4.5 stars for Fall of a State by Kate Cotoner
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DREAMSPINNER PRESS |
Launched in May 2007, Dreamspinner Press offers quiet romance, supernatural passion, out-of-this-world lovers, kinky explorations, and heated dreams--a little taste to whet your appetite for romantic homoerotica. We hope you take a little time to be enchanted, romanced, and loved by enjoying the publications of Dreamspinner Press.
We appreciate your patronage! If you have feedback, please e-mail to contact@dreamspinnerpress.com or mail to Dreamspinner Press, 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034, USA. Thank you!
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