SEPTEMBER 2011 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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ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MICROSOFT |
Microsoft has announced the upcoming discontinuation of the Microsoft Reader. Since it will no longer be available for new downloads or be supported by Microsoft, we will be discontinuing production of our books in .lit format this fall. All previously released books will continue to be available in .lit, and customers using Microsoft Reader can return to their bookshelves at any time to download their titles in a different format if they so desire.
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NOW SEEKING TRANSLATORS |
Dreamspinner is seeking translators to translate selected titles into French, Spanish, German, and Italian. If you are a speaker of one of those languages and would like more details, contact translations@dreamspinnerpress.com.
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FEATURED PUBLISHER |
Dreamspinner Press is the Featured Publisher for September at All Romance eBooks.
The purchase of any Dreamspinner title will earn a 25% rebate. The rebate will be in effect from 9/15 - 9/30.
Rebates are delivered to a customer's on-line account in the form of eBook Bucks, ARe's in-store currency, after purchase. Full details at ARe.
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW |
Why did you decide to write romance stories?
I love happy endings... not a happily ever after perfect
sort of happy, but the sort of "happily for now" that leaves me wondering about all the adventures the
boys are going to keep having after that last page is turned.
You write in so many genres? Do you have a favorite and why?
I really love all genres, but whatever I'm
writing at the time is my favorite. Science fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, mystery, contemporary... they
are all like favorite foods, and I can’t choose just one.
How were you introduced to M/M fiction?
A friend of mine used to love writing slashy captions for
salacious screencaps from Stargate SG-1. I had never heard of slash or imagined Jack and Daniel as
sharing unresolved sexual tension, but I started reading and found Spike/Xander which shocked me until
I read it and started going "Oh yeah, that works." By the time I found The Sentinel, I was pretty sure
that m/m was my new home.
What are five of your favorite books/series?
CJ Cherryh’s Foreigner and Faded Suns series,
Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies (not so much the histories), Cat’s Cradle, and The Chronicles of
Narnia.
Why did you decide to try to publish your stories?
Jan Irving talked me into writing a story for an
anthology, and after I'd done that, I realized that I had stories that I wanted to tell, but I couldn't
because the conflicts didn't fit my fanfic. Oh, sometimes I'd try and mash a couple of fanfic characters
into one of these original ideas, but I never felt like they fit. So now I can play with my own guys—a
soldier whose tragic mistake cost lives, a young man whose family has turned against him because of a
curse, a Jewish shaman who lives in the middle of a New York slum, and an undercover military officer
being used as bait to draw out a rapist. These guys don't fit any mold I know, and I love getting to make
my very own molds for them.
Lyn Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn't stopped since. When she found the Internet and the world of gay romance, she found her true calling. When she isn't writing stories of happy men doing very dirty things she's teaching in New Mexico.
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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's muse has OCD tendences. She has also written one of our most popular vampire trilogies.
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 was born in Michigan on an asparagus and peach farm. He also teaches Buddhism and meditation. Steve Sampson
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The bathroom door opened and closed.
"Dustin...." Jakob whined as he wobbled toward the couch. "Why did I let you talk me into this?"
Jakob's best friend gave him a lazy smile and tried to ignore how attractive Jakob looked as he made his tipsy way across the room. "It didn’t take much convincing," Dustin said. "I asked if you wanted to watch a movie and have a few drinks, and you said 'come on over'."
"A few drinks?"
"I didn't pour them down your throat." Dustin tilted his head, his black hair gleaming blue in the light of the television. "You matched me drink for drink."
"And now I regret it."
"Why exactly?" asked Dustin who was feeling pretty good himself.
"I'm just an amateur drinker." Jakob paused, poking at his face. "My cheeks are numb. My lips too."
Dustin watched Jakob pinch his full bottom lip between thumb and forefinger as he demonstrated the extent of his inebriation. Shrugging off a twinge of desire, Dustin leaned back on the couch, extending his arms along the back. "We aren't going anywhere. Who cares?" He patted the cushion next to him.
Jakob flopped down with none of his usual grace. "If you kissed me, I wouldn't even be able to feel it." His eyes widened, his hand flying up to cover his mouth, as if trying to catch the words as they escaped.
Dustin weathered the shock and mentally ran through his options. He could laugh and allow Jakob to play off the blurted words as a joke. He could pretend he hadn't heard it and go to the kitchen for another drink—and he definitely needed one now. Or... he could shift his hand from the back of the couch to Jakob's shoulder and pull him close enough to test the 'too numb to feel' hypothesis. The last option was the most appealing and the most frightening. He'd fantasized about kissing his gorgeous, sexy best friend for years but had always been terrified of ruining their remarkable friendship. Deciding he'd had enough alcohol to excuse his behavior, he took Jakob up on the accidental invitation.
Dustin turned slightly and let his arm slide down to rest across Jakob's shoulders. His heart fluttered at the questioning look in Jakob's dark eyes as he leaned closer. Moving his hand to cup the back of Jakob's neck, his fingers stirred the silky auburn hair at his nape, and he felt a shiver run through Jakob's body. With mere millimeters separating their lips, he whispered, "Do you really think you wouldn’t feel it if I kissed you?"
Jakob nodded slowly, his gaze shifting between Dustin's aquamarine eyes and his mouth. Dustin's tongue darted out to moisten his lips, and Jakob's eyes fixated on the small movement, his own tongue unconsciously mimicking the action. His gaze locked on Dustin's mouth, and he missed the flash of hunger in his best friend's eyes. Not daring to move for fear of breaking the spell, he waited for whatever would come next.
Cradling Jakob's jaw in one hand, Dustin tilted Jakob's head up to press their mouths together in a soft, slow kiss. He didn't rush the gentle exploration, discovering the taste and texture of Jakob's lips with his tongue and teeth until Jakob's mouth opened with a gasp. Never one to waste an opportunity, Dustin launched a no less thorough investigation of the inside of Jakob's mouth. Wrapping both arms around his friend, he exulted in Jakob's favorable reception of the kiss. With a final tug on his friend's pouting bottom lip, Dustin pulled back just far enough to see all of Jakob's beautiful face.
Jakob didn’t move, resting in Dustin's arms with his eyes closed, cheeks flushed, and mouth slightly open. His pointed pink tongue came out to circle his lips as if tasting some lingering sweetness.
"So... did you feel it?" Dustin asked, wondering if Jakob knew he wasn't talking merely about the kiss, but also something much more momentous.
Jakob's eyes fluttered open and a sweet, contented smile curved his lush mouth. He nodded slowly. "I sure as hell did, but I think we might need to try it one more time... just to be sure."
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WHAT I'M READING Anne Regan, Associate Editor |
Madcap Masquerade by Persephone Roth
The Randwick family is as noble as any but lives in greatly reduced circumstances. When Loel Woodbine, Duke of Marche and heir to three fortunes, makes an offer for Miss Valeria Randwick's hand, it seems like a godsend, but the young lady has already promised her heart to another—and a commoner, at that.
Desperate to avoid the marriage, Valeria concocts a wild scheme that depends upon the good graces of her monastery-raised brother, Valentine. When the prospective groom sees through the ruse, he surprises Valentine by agreeing to cooperate. But can Marche and Valentine fool London society while dealing with an accusation of murder and the distracting fascination between them?
Anne's thoughts: The heading to this should actually be "What I'm Re-reading", since this is one of the titles I pull out when I need a story that just makes me feel good. My first introduction to romance as a teenager was a Georgette Heyer novel, and if the Queen of Regency Romance had been into m/m, this is the book she would have written. More than just a story set during the Regency time period, it includes all the conventions—arranged marriages, mistaken identities, dastardly plots, ballroom assignations, foppish friends, pistols at dawn, and even a—but no, I won't spoil the surprise—and gives them a new twist. The Prince Regent and Beau Brummel even make an appearance. The heroes—both of them—are handsome and gallant, the dialogue is witty, and the whole delicious concoction is a sprightly romp that will leave you smiling long after you put it down. - Anne Regan, Associate Editor
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Seasons of Change
By Carolyn LeVine Topol
"The novel has a warm feeling, even if, of course, it has also a bittersweet taste; the feelings, the colours, even the seasons are mostly "autumn": warm given by wool jackets and blanket, green, brown and orange around, in the trees, grass and co (lot of walks in the park), Thanksgiving and other autumn Jewish festivities... everything tends to add to the autumn feeling, even the story between Andy and Jack, with Mitchell Andy was living his spring and summer, with Jack he is living his autumn and hopefully they will end together in the winter of their life. "
Elisa at Live Journal
Out of the Gilded Cage
by John Simpson
"David and Shane are a couple who are devoted to each other and are quite down to earth, the political intrigue isn’t over the top and is easy to understand, and sometimes David’s frustration shouts at you from the page. The loss that they experience tugs at the heartstrings and truly made my eyes fill up, you could feel their pain and anguish and is an incredible piece of writing."
Pixie at MM Good Book Reviews
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A Golden Nib award: Hot Head by Damon Suede
Joyfully Recommended: The Locker Room by Amy Lane
A Dark Divas Recommended Read: Lines in the Sand by Lyn Gala
A Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read: Kaminishi by Jan Suzukawa
A BlackRaven Reviews Recommended Read: Get What You Need by Janey Chapel
A Night Owl Reviews Top Pick: Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling
A Desert Island Keeper award from Reviews by Jessewave: Well Traveled by Margaret Mills and Tedy Ward
A+ at Man Oh Man reviews: Jump First by Charles Edward
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NEWS |
The following books will have a limited number of signed copies available on a first come, first served basis: Clear Water by Amy Lane, Under the Skin by Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna, Work Me Out by Andrew Grey, Tipping the Balance by Christopher Koehler, A Still, Small Voice by D.W. Marchwell, Condor and the Crown by John Simpson, Legal Artistry by Andrew Grey, Bulletproof by Mary Calmes, Chasing Seth by J.R. Loveless, and Another Way by Anna Martin.
The following authors will host Meet the Author events at Dreamspinner Press's Goodreads group this month. All Meet the Author events are from 1 to 6 pm EST unless otherwise noted:
EM Lynley - Sept. 10
Elizabeth Noble - Sept 17, 6-10 pm EST,
Augusta Li - Sept. 24
Eric Arvin was interviewed at Sole Focus.
SJD Peterson interviewed M.D. Grimm.
Ryan Loveless was featured on Ella Jade's Meet the Author Monday.
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.
See the Open Calls for Submissions page for further details.
Limited Calls for 2011 and 2012
Two Tickets to Paradise
Edited by Anne Regan
A vacation is exactly what these men need to find love in their lives. It may be about looking for a little fun, gaining a fresh perspective after a breakup, or building up the nerve to take the plunge. Whether they travel by plane, train, or automobile, none of them want to go it alone. They're hoping romance will be the ticket to finding paradise in another man's arms.
Submission Deadline: Dec. 1, 2011
Men of Steel
Edited by Julianne Bentley
Shazam! Who better to safeguard a man’s heart than a hero? Mr. Fantastic may be out there on a wing and a prayer, playing a Longshot, but a handsome He-Man has the power, courage, and derring-do to see his quest for true love through to the happy ending. For romance of superhero proportions, check out these Men of Steel.
Editor’s Note: Classic superhero themes in contemporary settings encouraged.
Submission Deadline: January 16, 2012
Time Is Eternity
2012 Daily Dose
Edited by Lynn West
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”
-Henry Van Dyke
Millennia, centuries, decades, years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds... if it’s a love for the ages, then past, present, or future has no meaning. In these stories, time travel—forward or backward, for an instant or for a lifetime—is the way to fulfilling romance.
Editor’s Note: Contemporary and Historical settings only. No Bittersweet Dreams.
Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Animal Magnetism
Edited by Anne Regan
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Whether it's a dog, cat, horse, snake, hamster, bird, ferret, goldfish, or something more exotic, owning a pet or working with animals has been proven to make people happier. In these stories, animals of all sorts should serve as the catalyst for bringing lovers together. Bonus points for working unusual or exotic animals into the story.
Editor’s Note: No paranormal, no bestiality.
Submission Deadline: May 21, 2012
Don’t Try This at Home
Edited by Julianne Bentley
Bonked heads. Rough carpet. Burned dinner. Awkward silence. Bitten lips. Startling length. Spilled wax. Pinched fingers. Shattered wineglass. Closet quickie. Flat souffle. Broken bedframe. Shower sex. Overzealous spanking. Embarrassing ex. Lost wallet. Terrible taste. Sore shoulders. Noxious odor. Absent date. Unbelievable girth. Kitchen canoodling. New toy. Stained sheets. Backward compliment. Stifling pillow. Locked handcuffs. Aching ass. Missing keys. Torn seams. Wrenched back. Angry cat. Overeager pass. Uncooperative zipper.
Something always goes wrong in real life. Fortunately, love blunts the edges so that romance trumps adversity.
Editor’s Note: Humor a plus, no rape/nonconsensual situations, contemporary genre only.
Submission Deadline: July 16, 2012
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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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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